cleaning machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a technology that allows the user to easily confirm that the suction pipe is in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle. [Solution] The vacuum cleaner of this disclosure comprises a vacuum cleaner body that generates a suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle that forms a suction space that opens downward so that dust on the floor surface flows in by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, and a suction pipe that forms a flow path for the dust sucked in by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body. The suction pipe can change its orientation together with the vacuum cleaner body between a tilted position that is tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle and an upright position that is upright relative to the suction nozzle, and is connected to the suction nozzle so that it can maintain the upright position when no external force is applied. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a notification unit that notifies when the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle and a suction pipe locked in an erected position erected relative to the suction nozzle. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner 300 shown in FIG. 26. The vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 310, a suction pipe extending downward from the inside of the vacuum cleaner main body 310, and a suction nozzle 330 connected to a lower end of the suction pipe 320. A handle arm 340 to be gripped by a user extends upward from the vacuum cleaner main body 310.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner main body 310 incorporates a suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, and a dust storage portion that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source. The suction pipe 320 forms a flow path for dust flowing from the suction nozzle 330 to the dust storage portion. The suction nozzle 330 is a box body opening downward, and when the suction source is activated, dust on the floor surface flows into the suction nozzle 330 by the suction force of the suction source. The dust then flows into the dust storage portion through the suction pipe 320.

[0004] A lower end portion of the suction pipe 320 is connected to the suction nozzle 330 such that the suction pipe 320 can tilt in the front-rear direction about a rotation axis A. The suction pipe 320 shown in FIG. 26 is in an erected position erected relative to the suction nozzle 330, and in this position, the size of the vacuum cleaner 300 in the front-rear direction is reduced. Therefore, when the suction pipe 320 is in the erected position, the storage space of the vacuum cleaner 300 when not in use does not become excessively large.

[0005] The user can tilt the suction tube 320 backward relative to the suction nozzle 330 by gripping the handle arm 340 and pulling it backward. In this position, the size of the vacuum cleaner 300 in the front-to-back direction increases, and the user can position the suction nozzle 330 at a distance from the user. When the suction source is activated in this state, dust on the floor at a distance from the user will be sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 310. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-96348 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] After cleaning, when the user intends to store the vacuum cleaner 300, they may release their hand from the handle arm 340 with the suction tube 320 tilted backward from the suction nozzle 330, while attempting to put the vacuum cleaner 300 in an upright position. In this case, the weight of the suction tube 320, the vacuum cleaner body 310, and the handle arm 340 may cause the suction tube 320 to fall backward.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technology that enables the user to easily confirm that the suction pipe is in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vacuum cleaner in this disclosure is configured to suck up dust. The vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner body that generates a suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle that forms a suction space that opens downward so that dust on the floor surface flows in due to the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, and a suction pipe that extends from the suction nozzle toward the vacuum cleaner body to form a flow path for the dust sucked in by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body. The suction pipe is connected to the suction nozzle so that it can change its orientation together with the vacuum cleaner body between a tilted position that is tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle and an upright position that is upright relative to the suction nozzle, and can maintain the upright position when no external force is applied. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a notification unit that notifies when the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The aforementioned technology makes it easy for the user to confirm that the suction pipe is in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Vertical cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner in an upright position (first embodiment) [Figure 2] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner suction nozzle [Figure 4] Perspective view of the lower end of the vacuum cleaner's suction tube. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner in a backward-tilting position. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the notification section (standing position) [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the notification unit (rearward-leaning posture) [Figure 8] Perspective view of the lower end of the vacuum cleaner's suction tube. [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of the notification section (standing position) [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of the notification unit (second embodiment) [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of the notification section [Figure 12] Schematic diagram of the notification unit (third embodiment) [Figure 13] Schematic diagram of the notification unit [Figure 14] Perspective view of the notification unit (Fourth embodiment) [Figure 15] Schematic diagram of the notification unit (upright posture) [Figure 16] Schematic diagram of the notification unit (backward tilted posture) [Figure 17] Schematic diagram of the notification unit (backward tilted posture) [Figure 18] Schematic diagram of the notification unit (Fifth embodiment) [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of the notification unit [Figure 20] Schematic diagram of the notification unit [Figure 21] Schematic diagram of the notification unit [Figure 22] Longitudinal sectional view of a vacuum cleaner provided with a gyro sensor as a posture detection unit [Figure 23] Longitudinal sectional view of a vacuum cleaner provided with a gyro sensor as a posture detection unit [Figure 24] Functional block diagram for stop control to stop a drive motor (Sixth embodiment) [Figure 25] Functional block diagram for stop control to stop a drive motor (Seventh embodiment) [Figure 26] Side view of a conventional vacuum cleaner

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the first to seventh embodiments of the vacuum cleaner will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repetitive descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0013] (First Embodiment) The vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Fig. 1 is configured as a stick-type vacuum cleaner that sucks dust on a floor surface. The configuration of the vacuum cleaner 100 will be described below.

[0014] (Overall structure of a vacuum cleaner) The vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 110 and a suction nozzle 130 provided on the lower side of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The vacuum cleaner body 110 has a roughly cylindrical housing 111 that is long in the vertical direction, and the upper end portion of the housing 111 is formed to become narrower as it goes upward. A gripping portion 140 for the user to hold during cleaning is extended upward from the upper end of the housing 111.

[0015] The upper part of the housing 111 houses a suction source 142 that generates suction force to suck up dust from the floor surface, and a storage battery 143 that stores power for the suction source 142. The suction source 142 has a drive motor 112 that generates rotational force and a rotating blade 113 that is rotated by the drive motor 112. The rotating blade 113 is formed to generate an upward suction airflow when rotated by the drive motor 112. This suction airflow is exhausted to the outside of the housing 111 through an exhaust section 114 formed in the housing 111, as shown in Figure 2.

[0016] At the bottom of the housing 111, a suction pipe 136 extends, forming a flow path through which dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of the suction source 142 flows on the suction airflow. The lower end of the suction pipe 136 protrudes downward from the bottom of the housing 111 and is connected to the rear part of the suction nozzle 130. Therefore, the front part of the suction nozzle 130 protrudes forward relative to the suction pipe 136.

[0017] The suction pipe 136 extends upward from the suction nozzle 130 to the vacuum cleaner body 110, and its upper end is located at a position below the suction source 142. A check valve 137 is attached to the upper end of the suction pipe 136. When the suction source 142 is stopped, the check valve 137 is in a position that closes the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 136, as shown in Figure 1. On the other hand, when the suction source 142 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 142 causes the check valve 137 to rotate upward from the position shown in Figure 1, opening the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 136.

[0018] The space formed between the check valve 137 and the suction source 142 within the housing 111 is used as a dust storage section 146 for collecting dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of the suction source 142. A cup-shaped filter 141 with a downward opening is housed inside the dust storage section 146.

[0019] To discharge dust accumulated in the dust collection section 146, a dust outlet 147 is provided on the front part of the housing 111, as shown in Figure 2. A cover 148 for opening and closing the dust outlet 147 is attached to the housing 111. The cover 148 shown in Figure 2 is in the open position, with the dust outlet 147 open, and is connected to the housing 111 so as to be able to rotate upward from this open position. When the cover 148 rotates upward from the open position, it becomes the closed position, closing the dust outlet 147, as shown in Figure 1.

[0020] (Structure of the suction nozzle) As shown in Figure 3, the suction nozzle 130 has a roughly rectangular box-shaped nozzle case 131 that is long in the left-right direction, and a roller bracket 121 and a connecting bracket 122 that protrude backward from the nozzle case 131. As shown in Figure 1, a suction space 134 is formed in the front part of the nozzle case 131, and a rotating brush 135 for scraping off dust adhering to the floor surface is housed in the suction space 134. The suction space 134 opens downward, and when the suction source 142 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 142 sucks up dust from the floor surface into the suction space 134. A connecting passage 123 is formed in the rear part of the nozzle case 131, extending backward from the suction space 134, and the dust sucked up into the suction space 134 can flow into the suction pipe 136 through the connecting passage 123. As shown in Figure 3, the rear end of the connecting passage 123 opens backward at approximately the midpoint in the left-right direction of the rear end of the nozzle case 131.

[0021] The connecting bracket 122 is provided to support the suction pipe 136 at a position where the communication passage 123 and the suction pipe 136 can communicate, and as shown in Figure 3, in a rear view, it has a roughly C-shape that opens upward. Specifically, the connecting bracket 122 has a closing plate portion 124 that protrudes rearward from the nozzle case 131 in a roughly horizontal position below the opening of the communication passage 123. The closing plate portion 124 is formed to close the opening at the lower end of the suction pipe 136 when the suction pipe 136 is in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 130 as shown in Figure 1. When the suction pipe 136 is in an upright position, the center of gravity of the part of the vacuum cleaner 100 above the connecting bracket 122 is located above the suction nozzle 130, and as long as no external force is applied to the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 can maintain the upright position shown in Figure 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the closing plate portion 124 is approximately rectangular in plan view, and the bearing portion 125 is erected upward from the left edge of the closing plate portion 124. Also, the bearing portion 126 is erected upward from the right edge of the closing plate portion 124. Since the bearing portion 125 has a structure symmetrical to the bearing portion 126, the structure of the bearing portion 126 will be described below, and the description of the bearing portion 125 will be omitted.

[0023] The bearing portion 126 has an opposing wall portion 127 that faces the bearing portion 125, and a substantially circular connection hole 128 is formed in this opposing wall portion 127 for use in connecting to the suction pipe 136. The bearing portion 126 has a hollow structure, and components for locking the suction pipe 136 in an upright position are housed inside the bearing portion 126.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the roller bracket 121 protrudes rearward from the nozzle case 131 below the connecting bracket 122. Auxiliary rollers 161 and 162 are rotatably attached to the rear end portion of the roller bracket 121. These auxiliary rollers 161 and 162 roll on the floor surface when the user moves the suction nozzle 130 in the forward and backward directions on the floor surface, assisting the forward and backward movement of the suction nozzle 130. The amount of protrusion of the roller bracket 121 from the nozzle case 131 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the connecting bracket 122 from the nozzle case 131, and the auxiliary rollers 161 and 162 make contact with the floor surface behind the connecting bracket 122. Therefore, even if a downward external force is applied to the connecting bracket 122, the auxiliary rollers 161 and 162 can prevent the nozzle case 131 from being lifted off the floor surface.

[0025] (Connection structure between suction nozzle and suction tube) As shown in Figure 4, the lower end portion of the suction tube 136 is composed of a cylindrical portion 163 inserted between the bearing portions 125 and 126, a connecting shaft portion 164 protruding to the left from the left end face of the cylindrical portion 163, and a connecting shaft portion 165 protruding to the right from the right end face of the cylindrical portion 163. The connecting shaft portions 164 and 165 are ring-shaped portions complementary to the connecting holes 128 of the bearing portions 125 and 126, and are fitted into the connecting holes 128. In this state, the lower end portion of the suction tube 136 is held rotatably around the connecting shaft portions 164 and 165 by the bearing portions 125 and 126. As a result, the suction tube 136, together with the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the gripping portion 140, can change its orientation from the upright position shown in Figure 1 to the reclined position shown in Figure 5. The user can position the suction nozzle 130 at a distance in front of the user by tilting the suction tube 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the gripping part 140 backward relative to the suction nozzle 130.

[0026] A notification unit 170 is configured within the left-side bearing section 125 to notify that the suction pipe 136 and the vacuum cleaner body 110 are in an upright position. In this embodiment, the notification unit 170 not only emits a sound to notify that the suction pipe 136 and the vacuum cleaner body 110 are in an upright position, but is also configured to lock the suction pipe 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the gripping section 140 in the upright position.

[0027] The notification section 170 may consist of a protrusion 171 provided on the left side of the connecting shaft section 164, and a locking piece 172 and a biasing section 173 provided on the left side of the bearing section 125. As shown in Figure 4, the protrusion 171 is a rod-shaped portion that extends beyond the connecting shaft section 164 to the left and has an arrowhead-shaped cross-section. The suction tube 136 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is in an upright position, in which case the protrusion 171 is pointed upward. The protrusion 171 is provided at a position radially away from the rotation center of the connecting shaft section 164, and can be angularly displaced around this rotation center as the connecting shaft section 164 rotates. In the following description, the rotational position of the connecting shaft section 164 when the protrusion 171 is pointed upward is referred to as the "second rotational position".

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the locking piece 172 is a substantially rectangular block-shaped member positioned above the protrusion 171, and a recess 174 is recessed upward on the lower surface of the locking piece 172. When the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position, a part of the protrusion 171 fits into the recess 174. In other words, the protrusion 171 and the recess 174 engage with each other.

[0029] The locking piece 172 is biased downward by the biasing portion 173. Therefore, the engagement between the convex portion 171 and the concave portion 174 can be maintained unless the rotational force that rotates the connecting shaft portion 164 becomes sufficiently strong. In other words, the rotation of the connecting shaft portion 164 can be restricted by the engagement between the convex portion 171 and the concave portion 174.

[0030] The inside of the bearing portion 125 is configured to allow vertical movement of the locking piece 172 while restricting its displacement in other directions. Therefore, when a strong rotational force acts on the connecting shaft portion 164 to angularly displace the protrusion 171 backward, as shown in Figure 7, the protrusion 171 disengages backward from the recess 174, and the locking piece 172 is pushed upward by the protrusion 171. At this time, the suction pipe 136 is in a backward-tilted position, tilted backward from its upright position. In the following description, the rotational position of the connecting shaft portion 164 when the suction pipe 136 is in the backward-tilted position will be referred to as the "first rotational position".

[0031] When the connecting shaft portion 164 is angularly displaced from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the convex portion 171 engages with the concave portion 174. At this time, the biasing portion 173 biases the locking piece 172 so that the convex portion 171 and the concave portion 174 collide with a strong force, and a collision sound loud enough to be heard by the user is generated between them.

[0032] (Vacuum cleaner operation) The user grips the handle 140 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the upright position shown in Figure 1 and pulls it backward. This causes a strong rotational force to act on the connecting shaft 164. Due to this rotational force, the protrusion 171 disengages backward from the recess 174, as shown in Figure 7, and the engagement between the protrusion 171 and the recess 174 is released. As the engagement between the protrusion 171 and the recess 174 is released, the connecting shaft 164 rotates from the second rotation position shown in Figure 6 to the first rotation position shown in Figure 7. As the connecting shaft 164 rotates from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, the suction pipe 136 changes from the upright position shown in Figure 1 to the backward-tilted position shown in Figure 5.

[0033] To disengage the convex portion 171 and the concave portion 174, the user needs to pull the gripping portion 140 backward with a certain amount of force. However, once the engagement between the convex portion 171 and the concave portion 174 is disengaged, the user can change the backward tilt angle of the suction tube 136 relative to the suction nozzle 130 with relatively little force.

[0034] When the suction pipe 136 is tilted backward as shown in Figure 5, the flow path of the suction pipe 136 communicates with the suction space 134 through the connecting passage 123 formed in the suction nozzle 130. In this state, when the suction source 142 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 142 causes the check valve 137 to rotate upward, opening the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 136. The suction force of the suction source 142 then acts on the suction space 134 through the flow path of the suction pipe 136 and the connecting passage 123. Since the suction space 134 is open downward, dust scattered on the floor surface below the suction space 134 is sucked up into the suction space 134 by the suction force of the suction source 142. Subsequently, this dust flows into the dust collection section 146 through the flow paths of the connecting passage 123 and the suction pipe 136.

[0035] When the suction tube 136 is in a reclined position, the suction nozzle 130 is located further forward from the grip 140 held by the user. The closer the suction tube 136 is to a reclined position along the floor, the further the suction nozzle 130 can be from the grip 140. Conversely, the closer the suction tube 136 is to an upright position, the shorter the front-to-back distance between the grip 140 and the suction nozzle 130 becomes. Therefore, even without the user moving in the front-to-back direction, the user can move the suction nozzle 130 closer to or further away from the user simply by changing the reclining angle of the suction tube 136. As described above, changing the reclining angle of the suction tube 136 can be done with a relatively small force, so the movement of the suction nozzle 130 closer to or further away from the user does not place an excessively large load on the user.

[0036] Once the cleaning is complete, the user stops the suction source 142. As a result, the suction force of the suction source 142 is lost, causing the check valve 137 to rotate downward and close the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 136. This prevents dust from the dust collection section 146 from falling into the suction pipe 136.

[0037] Subsequently, the user pushes the grip portion 140 of the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 5 forward, raising the suction tube 136 to an upright position. Consequently, the connecting shaft portion 164 rotates from the first rotation position shown in Figure 7 to the second rotation position shown in Figure 6. When the connecting shaft portion 164 reaches the second rotation position, the locking piece 172 is pushed downward by the biasing force of the biasing portion 173, and the convex portion 171 engages with the recess 174 of the locking piece 172. That is, the convex portion 171 and the recess 174 are engaged, and the suction tube 136, vacuum cleaner body 110, and grip portion 140 are locked in an upright position. In this state, unless a sufficiently strong backward external force is applied to the grip portion 140 or the housing 111, the upright position of the suction tube 136, vacuum cleaner body 110, and grip portion 140 is maintained by the engagement of the convex portion 171 and the recess 174.

[0038] When the connecting shaft portion 164 rotates from the first rotation position shown in Figure 7 to the second rotation position shown in Figure 6, the protrusion 171 fits into the recess 174 of the locking piece 172. At this time, the biasing force of the biasing portion 173 causes the protrusion 171 and the recess 174 to collide forcefully, and a collision sound is emitted between them. This collision sound allows the user to confirm that the suction pipe 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the grip portion 140 are in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 130. Conversely, if no collision sound is emitted, the user can recognize that the suction pipe 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the grip portion 140 are not in an upright position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from releasing their hand from the grip portion 140 before the suction pipe 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the grip portion 140 are in an upright position.

[0039] The notification section 170 shown in Figure 6 is located within the left-side bearing section 125. Alternatively, or additionally, the notification section 170 may be located within the right-side bearing section 126.

[0040] In the notification portion 170 shown in Figure 6, the recess 174 is recessed into the lower surface of the locking piece 172. Alternatively, the recess 174 may be recessed into the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 164, as shown in Figure 8. The recess 174 shown in Figure 8 is formed in the shape of a long groove in the left-right direction. In this case, the protrusion 171 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the locking piece 172, as shown in Figure 9.

[0041] When the suction tube 136 is in an upright position, the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position, and at this time, the protrusion 171 provided on the locking piece 172 fits into the recess 174 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 164. When the suction tube 136 changes its orientation from an upright position to a reclined position, the connecting shaft portion 164 rotates so that the recess 174 is angularly displaced backward. As the recess 174 is angularly displaced backward, the protrusion 171 disengages from the recess 174 while displacing the locking piece 172 upward.

[0042] When the suction tube 136 changes its orientation from a reclined position to an upright position, the connecting shaft portion 164 rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. When the connecting shaft portion 164 reaches the second rotation position, the locking piece 172 is pushed toward the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 164 by the biasing portion 173, and the protrusion 171 provided on the locking piece 172 fits into the recess 174 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 164. As a result, the suction tube 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the grip portion 140 are locked in the upright position. At this time, the locking piece 172 and the connecting shaft portion 164 collide forcefully due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 173, and a collision sound is emitted between them. This collision sound allows the user to recognize that the suction tube 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the grip portion 140 are in the upright position.

[0043] (Second Embodiment) In the notification section 170 shown in Figure 6, the connecting shaft section 164 is locked in the second rotation position by fitting the protrusion 171 provided on the connecting shaft section 164 into the recess 174 provided on the locking piece 172. Instead of the locking piece 172, as shown in Figure 10, an elastic arm 175 extending in the front-rear direction within the bearing section 125 and a claw section 176 protruding downward from the rear end of the elastic arm 175 may be provided.

[0044] The elastic arm 175 is a rod-shaped portion formed within the bearing portion 125 so as to be elastically bendable in the vertical direction. The front end of the elastic arm 175 is fixed to the bearing portion 125. The rear end of the elastic arm 175 is a free end. In other words, the elastic arm 175 is cantilevered by the bearing portion 125.

[0045] When the elastic arm 175 is restored from its upward bent deformation state, it collides with the protrusion 171. The elastic modulus of the elastic arm 175 is set to a value large enough that a collision sound is emitted as a result of this collision.

[0046] The claw portion 176, provided at the rear end of the elastic arm 175, is located behind the protrusion 171 when the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position (i.e., when the suction tube 136 is in an upright position). When the protrusion 171 attempts to be angularly displaced backward due to the rotation of the connecting shaft portion 164, the protrusion 171 catches on the claw portion 176. In other words, an engagement state is achieved between the protrusion 171 and the claw portion 176. In this state, unless a sufficiently strong rotational force is applied to the connecting shaft portion 164, the connecting shaft portion 164 is locked in the second rotation position by the engagement between the protrusion 171 and the claw portion 176.

[0047] When a rotational force strong enough to disengage the convex portion 171 and the claw portion 176 is applied to the connecting shaft portion 164, the elastic arm 175 elastically deforms upward, as shown in Figure 11, and the claw portion 176 rides up onto the convex portion 171. After the notification portion 170 is in the state shown in Figure 11, the connecting shaft portion 164 can be rotated with a small rotational force. In other words, the suction tube 136 can be tilted backward with a small force.

[0048] When the notification unit 170 changes from the state shown in Figure 11 to the state shown in Figure 10, the elastic arm 175 returns to its original shape from its upwardly curved deformation and collides with the protrusion 171. This causes a collision sound to be emitted between the elastic arm 175 and the protrusion 171. This collision sound allows the user to recognize that the suction pipe 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the gripping part 140 have returned to an upright position.

[0049] The notification section 170 shown in Figure 10 is located within the left-side bearing section 125. Alternatively, or additionally, the notification section 170 may be located within the right-side bearing section 126.

[0050] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, the notification unit 170 mechanically locks the connecting shaft 164. Alternatively, the notification unit 170 may lock the connecting shaft 164 by magnetic force, as shown in Figure 12.

[0051] The notification unit 170 shown in Figure 12 includes a first magnetic adsorbent 177 provided on the connecting shaft 164 and a second magnetic adsorbent 178 that generates a magnetic attraction force between itself and the first magnetic adsorbent 177. One of the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178 may be made of a magnet, and the other may be made of a magnetic material that is magnetically attracted by this magnet.

[0052] The first magnetic adsorbent 177 is provided near the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 164 and undergoes angular displacement as the connecting shaft portion 164 rotates. Specifically, the first magnetic adsorbent 177 is fixed to the connecting shaft portion 164 such that, within the range of this angular displacement, it is at its lowest position when the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position.

[0053] The second magnetic adsorbent 178 is positioned within the bearing portion 125 so as to be directly below the first magnetic adsorbent 177 when the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position. The second magnetic adsorbent 178 is positioned to be displaceable vertically within the bearing portion 125, and when the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position, it is displaced upward by the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178. In the following description, the position of the second magnetic adsorbent 178 shown in Figure 12 will be referred to as the "upper limit position". The bearing portion 125 is configured to restrict the displacement of the second magnetic adsorbent 178 in directions other than vertical.

[0054] When the connecting shaft portion 164 is displaced from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, the first magnetic adsorbent 177 separates from the second magnetic adsorbent 178, as shown in Figure 13. As a result, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178 weakens, and the second magnetic adsorbent 178 falls due to gravity. In the following description, the position of the second magnetic adsorbent 178 shown in Figure 12 will be referred to as the "lower limit position".

[0055] The notification unit 170 has a collision unit 179 that is provided to collide with the second magnetic adsorbent 178, which is displaced from a lower limit position to an upper limit position as the connecting shaft 164 rotates from a first rotation position to a second rotation position. The collision unit 179 is a thin plate-like portion that extends in the front-rear direction at a height between the second magnetic adsorbent 178 and the connecting shaft 164. The magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178 is set so that a collision sound of a magnitude audible to the user is generated when the second magnetic adsorbent 178 collides with the collision unit 179.

[0056] When the user tilts the suction tube 136 backward with a certain amount of force, the first magnetic adsorbent 177 is angularly displaced from the position shown in Figure 12 to the position shown in Figure 13. This angular displacement increases the distance between the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178. As this distance increases, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178 weakens, causing the second magnetic adsorbent 178 to fall to its lower limit. Therefore, while a strong force is required to tilt the suction tube 136 backward until the first magnetic adsorbent 177 begins to angularly displace from the position shown in Figure 12, once the angular displacement of the magnets begins, the user can change the orientation of the suction tube 136 with a small force.

[0057] When the user returns the suction tube 136 to its upright position, the distance between the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178 decreases, and the magnetic attraction force between them increases. As the magnetic attraction force increases, the second magnetic adsorbent 178 is forcefully displaced upward toward the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and collides with the collision part 179. This collision generates a collision sound between the second magnetic adsorbent 178 and the collision part 179. This collision sound allows the user to recognize that the suction tube 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the gripping part 140 are in the upright position. In addition, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic adsorbent 177 and the second magnetic adsorbent 178 restricts the rotation of the connecting shaft part 164. That is, this attraction force locks the suction tube 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the gripping part 140 in the upright position.

[0058] The notification section 170 shown in Figure 12 is located within the left-side bearing section 125. Alternatively, or additionally, the notification section 170 may be located within the right-side bearing section 126.

[0059] (Fourth Embodiment) In the first to third embodiments, the notification section 170 is located inside the suction nozzle 130. Alternatively, the notification section 170 may be located outside the suction nozzle 130, as shown in Figure 14.

[0060] The notification section 170 shown in Figure 14 has a recess 181 recessed in the upper surface of the nozzle case 131 and a locking section 182 formed to fit into the recess 181. The recess 181 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The wall section that demarcates the rear end of the recess 181 is taller than the other wall sections that demarcate the front, left, and right ends of the recess 181 and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the nozzle case 131. In the following description, the wall section that demarcates the rear end of the recess 181 will be referred to as the "protrusion 183". As shown in Figure 15, the protrusion 183 is located behind the locking section 182 that fits into the recess 181 and can engage with the locking section 182 in the front-rear direction.

[0061] The lower part of the locking portion 182 has a shape complementary to the recess 181. The upper part of the locking portion 182 is housed in a housing portion 184 provided at the lower end of the housing 111, as shown in Figure 15. The housing portion 184 forms a space 185 that opens downward. A biasing portion 186 is housed in this space 185 in order to hold the locking portion 182 so that it can move in and out of this space 185. The biasing portion 186 may be composed of, for example, a coil spring extending downward from the lower end of the housing 111. The biasing portion 186 has an elastic force that causes the locking portion 182 to forcefully collide with the upper surface of the nozzle case 131, generating a collision sound, when the locking portion 182 moves from a state where it is riding on the convex portion 183, as shown in Figure 16, to a state where it fits into the recess 181, as shown in Figure 15.

[0062] When the suction tube 136 is in an upright position as shown in Figure 15, the locking portion 182 retracts into the recess 181 and is pressed against the upper surface of the nozzle case 131 by the biasing portion 186. In this state, the rear end of the locking portion 182 engages with the protrusion 183 in the front-rear direction. The engagement between the locking portion 182 and the protrusion 183 prevents the suction tube 136 from tilting backward. In other words, even if a small rearward external force is applied to the housing 111, the suction tube 136 will not fall backward and will maintain its upright position.

[0063] When the user tilts the suction tube 136 backward with a certain amount of force, as shown in Figure 16, the locking part 182 disengages from the recessed part 181 and rides onto the convex part 183 while compressing and deforming the biasing part 186 upward. Then, when the user tilts the suction tube 136 further backward, as shown in Figure 17, the locking part 182 separates upward from the convex part 183. During this time, the biasing part 186 returns to its original position.

[0064] When the locking mechanism 182 moves from the state shown in Figure 15 to the state shown in Figure 16, a strong force is required to tilt the suction tube 136 backward. On the other hand, when the locking mechanism 182 moves from the state shown in Figure 16 to the state shown in Figure 17, the user can change the position of the suction tube 136 with little force.

[0065] When the user applies an external force to the suction tube 136 to raise it to an upright position, with the locking part 182 in contact with the upper end of the protrusion 183 as shown in Figure 16, the biasing part 186 is compressed. Then, as the locking part 182 moves forward beyond the protrusion 183, the biasing part 186 forcefully pushes down the locking part 182, causing it to collide with the upper surface of the nozzle case 131. The resulting collision sound allows the user to recognize that the suction tube 136 has reached an upright position.

[0066] (Fifth embodiment) In the first to fourth embodiments, the notification unit 170 is configured to lock the suction pipe 136 and the vacuum cleaner body 110 in an upright position. Alternatively, the notification unit 170 does not need to have such a locking function. In this case, the notification unit 170 may be configured as shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0067] The notification portion 170 shown in Figures 18 and 19 has a protrusion 171 fixed to the connecting shaft portion 164 so as to project radially from the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 164. The protrusion 171 can also be angularly displaced in accordance with the angular displacement of the connecting shaft portion 164 from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. The notification portion 170 further includes an impact portion 179 provided to collide with the protrusion 171 when the connecting shaft portion 164 is angularly displaced from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. The impact portion 179 may be formed of a material (for example, a metal plate) that produces a loud collision sound upon collision with the protrusion 171.

[0068] In the notification unit 170 shown in Figures 18 and 19, when the user changes the suction tube 136 from a reclined position to an upright position, the protrusion 171 collides with the collision unit 179. As a result, a collision sound is generated between the protrusion 171 and the collision unit 179, and the user can recognize that the suction tube 136 has been moved to an upright position by this collision sound.

[0069] In the notification unit 170 shown in Figures 18 and 19, a loud collision sound is emitted when the user abruptly changes the position of the suction tube 136 from a reclined position to an upright position. However, if the user slowly changes the position of the suction tube 136 from a reclined position to an upright position, the collision sound between the protrusion 171 and the collision part 179 becomes quieter, and it is conceivable that the user may not realize that the suction tube 136 has entered an upright position. To avoid such a situation, the notification unit 170 may be configured as shown in Figures 20 and 21.

[0070] The notification unit 170 shown in Figures 20 and 21 has an attitude detection unit 156 for detecting the attitude of the suction tube 136. The attitude detection unit 156 may be composed of, for example, a reflective type photosensor 157 configured to emit light toward the connecting shaft 164 and receive the reflected light, and a reflector 158 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 164. The reflector 158 is positioned on the optical path of the photosensor 157 when the connecting shaft 164 is in the second rotation position, and is positioned outside the optical path of the photosensor 157 when the connecting shaft 164 is in the first rotation position. When the reflector 158 is positioned on the optical path of the photosensor 157, the photosensor 157 receives reflected light of an intensity above a predetermined threshold, while when the reflector 158 is outside this optical path, it receives reflected light of an intensity below the threshold. The photosensor 157 is configured to output a signal on the condition that it receives reflected light of an intensity above this threshold.

[0071] The signal from the optical sensor 157 is received by the notification unit 159. The notification unit 159 is configured to perform a notification action in response to the signal from the optical sensor 157 to notify the user that the suction tube 136 has entered an upright position. The notification unit 159 in Figures 20 and 21 is composed of a speaker device that emits sound as a notification action.

[0072] While the user holds the suction tube 136 in a backward-tilted position, the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the first rotation position. At this time, the reflector 158 is out of the optical path of the light sensor 157, and the light sensor 157 receives reflected light of a strength below the threshold. In this case, the light sensor 157 does not output a signal, and the notification operation unit 159 remains in a stopped state.

[0073] When the user positions the suction tube 136 in an upright position, the connecting shaft portion 164 is angularly displaced from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. At this time, the reflector 158 moves to a position in the optical path of the light sensor 157, and the light sensor 157 receives reflected light of an intensity above a threshold. In this case, the light sensor 157 outputs a signal, and the notification operation unit 159 performs a notification operation in response to this signal. The user can recognize that the suction tube 136 has been positioned in an upright position through this notification operation.

[0074] The attitude detection unit 156 shown in Figures 20 and 21 is composed of an optical sensor 157 and a reflector 158. Alternatively, the attitude detection unit 156 may be composed of other components capable of detecting whether the suction tube 136, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the gripping part 140 are in an upright position. The attitude detection unit 156 may also be composed of a gyro sensor 155, for example, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. In this case, the gyro sensor 155 may be attached to the vacuum cleaner body 110, as shown in Figure 22, or to the gripping part 140, as shown in Figure 23.

[0075] The notification unit 159 shown in Figures 20 and 21 is comprised of a speaker device. Alternatively, the notification unit 159 may be comprised of a light source device that emits light as a notification. In this case, the notification unit 159 may be positioned in a location where the user can easily perceive the light.

[0076] (Sixth Embodiment) When the suction tube 136 is in an upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 136 is blocked by the closing plate portion 124 of the connecting bracket 122, as shown in Figure 1. In this state, if the suction source 142 continues to operate, it will only waste power from the storage battery 143. To suppress such power waste, as shown in Figure 24, the signal from the attitude detection unit 156 may be used for stop control to stop the suction source 142.

[0077] Figure 24 shows a motor stop unit 115 that receives a signal from the optical sensor 157 of the attitude detection unit 156. The motor stop unit 115 is configured to stop the drive motor 112 of the suction source 142 in response to the signal from the optical sensor 157. The signal from the optical sensor 157 is output not only to the motor stop unit 115 but also to the notification operation unit 159.

[0078] When the suction tube 136 is in an upright position, a signal is output from the light sensor 157. This signal is transmitted to the motor stop unit 115 and the notification operation unit 159. The motor stop unit 115 stops the drive motor 112 in response to the signal from the light sensor 157. Then, in synchronization with the stopping of the drive motor 112, the notification operation unit 159 performs a notification operation. When the notification operation unit 159 emits a sound as a notification operation, the sound is not drowned out by the operating sound of the drive motor 112 because the drive motor 112 is stopped.

[0079] (Seventh Embodiment) In the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figures 20 to 25, a posture detection unit 156 is provided to detect the posture of the suction tube 136. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 25, a rotation speed detection unit 116 may be provided instead of the posture detection unit 156 to detect the rotation speed of the rotating blades 113 of the suction source 142. This rotation speed detection unit 116 is configured to output a signal when it detects a rotation speed above a predetermined threshold. The motor stop unit 115 is electrically connected to the rotation speed detection unit 116 and is configured to stop the drive motor 112 of the suction source 142 in response to the signal from the rotation speed detection unit 116.

[0080] When the user changes the suction tube 136 from a reclined position to an upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 136 is blocked by the closing plate portion 124 of the connecting bracket 122. At this time, if the suction source 142 is operating, the air inside the housing 111 is exhausted to the outside of the housing 111 through the exhaust portion 114 shown in Figure 2. As a result, the vacuum level inside the housing 111 increases.

[0081] As the vacuum level inside the housing 111 increases, the resistance to the rotation of the rotating blades 113 decreases. As a result, the rotational speed of the rotating blades 113 increases. When this happens, the rotation speed detection unit 116 outputs a signal. The motor stop unit 115 stops the drive motor 112 in response to this signal.

[0082] As a result, when the suction tube 136 is in an upright position, the environment around the user changes from a state where the operating noise of the drive motor 112 is present to a state where this operating noise disappears. Therefore, the user can recognize whether or not the suction tube 136 is in an upright position by the presence or absence of the operating noise of the drive motor 112.

[0083] (Effects, etc.) The vacuum cleaner 100 according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0084] A vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to suck up dust. The vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner body that generates a suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle that forms a downwardly opening suction space so that dust on the floor surface flows in due to the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, and a suction pipe that extends from the suction nozzle toward the vacuum cleaner body to form a flow path for the dust sucked in by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body. The suction pipe is connected to the suction nozzle so that it can change its orientation together with the vacuum cleaner body between a tilted position relative to the suction nozzle and an upright position relative to the suction nozzle, and can maintain the upright position when no external force is applied. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a notification unit that notifies when the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

[0085] In the configuration described above, when the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle, the vacuum cleaner becomes longer in the front-to-back direction than when the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are upright relative to the suction nozzle. Therefore, during cleaning, the user can position the suction nozzle away from the user by tilting the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body backward, allowing them to suck up dust from the floor at a distance. After cleaning, the user can store the vacuum cleaner without requiring a large space in the front-to-back direction by returning the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body to an upright position.

[0086] It is conceivable that a user might release their hands from the vacuum cleaner after intending to put the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body in an upright position. If the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are not in an upright position at this time, their own weight could cause them to fall backward. To avoid this situation, the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a notification unit that alerts the user when the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position. In this case, the user is encouraged to keep their hands on the vacuum cleaner and put the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body in an upright position without releasing their hands until they receive a notification from the notification unit.

[0087] In the above configuration, the notification unit may be configured to lock the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body in an upright position and to emit a sound to notify that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position.

[0088] In the above configuration, when the user places the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body in an upright position, the notification unit locks them in that position. Therefore, even if the user unintentionally touches the vacuum cleaner and applies an external force to the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body that causes the suction tube to tip backward, they can maintain their upright position. Furthermore, the notification unit emits a sound when locking the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body, allowing the user to confirm that the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position.

[0089] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, and a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is tilted backward and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is upright. The notification portion may have a protrusion provided on the connecting shaft portion so as to be angularly displaced together with the connecting shaft portion, a locking piece with a recess into which the protrusion portion fits when the connecting shaft portion is in the second rotation position, and a biasing portion that biases the locking piece with a force that causes the locking piece to collide with the protrusion portion as the connecting shaft portion reaches the second rotation position, thereby producing a collision sound. The protrusion and recess may be configured to restrict the rotation of the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while engaged with each other.

[0090] In the above configuration, a bearing provided on the suction nozzle rotatably holds a connecting shaft portion that protrudes to the left or right from the suction tube. By rotating the connecting shaft portion, the suction tube can change its orientation from a reclined position to an upright position. A protrusion extending from the connecting shaft portion undergoes angular displacement as the connecting shaft portion rotates. At this time, the locking piece is biased by a biasing part, and when the connecting shaft portion reaches the second rotation position where the protrusion portion fits into a recess in the locking piece, the locking piece collides with the protrusion portion, emitting a collision sound. Since the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position when the connecting shaft portion reaches the second rotation position, the user can recognize that the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position by this collision sound. Furthermore, when the recess and the protrusion portion engage with each other, the rotation of the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, i.e., the change in the orientation of the suction tube from an upright position to a reclined position, can be restricted.

[0091] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, and a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is tilted backward and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is upright. The notification portion may have a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion, a locking piece with a protrusion that fits into the recess when the connecting shaft portion is in the second rotation position, and a biasing portion that biases the locking piece with a force that causes the locking piece to collide with the connecting shaft portion as the connecting shaft portion reaches the second rotation position, thereby producing a collision sound. The protrusion and recess may be configured to restrict the rotation of the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while engaged with each other.

[0092] In the above configuration, the recess formed on the outer surface of the connecting shaft is angularly displaced as the connecting shaft rotates. At this time, the locking piece is biased by the biasing part, and when the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position in which the convex part fits into the recess formed in the locking piece, the locking piece collides with the connecting shaft, and a collision sound is emitted. When the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position, so the user can recognize that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position by this collision sound. Furthermore, when the recess and the convex part are engaged with each other, the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, that is, the change in the posture of the suction pipe from an upright position to a reclined position, can be restricted.

[0093] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, and a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is tilted backward and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is upright. The notification portion may have a protrusion provided on the connecting shaft portion so as to be angularly displaced together with the connecting shaft portion, a claw portion that engages with the protrusion portion to restrict the connecting shaft portion from rotating to the first rotation position when the connecting shaft portion is in the second rotation position, and an elastic arm provided with the claw portion that is elastically deformable. The claw portion may be provided so as to ride up onto the protrusion portion as the connecting shaft portion rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, and elastically bend and deform the elastic arm. The elastic arm may be configured to generate a collision sound by colliding with the protrusion portion while returning to its original shape as the connecting shaft portion reaches the second rotation position.

[0094] In the above configuration, the protrusion extending from the connecting shaft undergoes angular displacement as the connecting shaft rotates. As the connecting shaft rotates toward the second rotation position where the suction tube is in an upright position, the claw rides up onto the protrusion, and consequently, the elastic arm to which the claw is attached undergoes elastic bending deformation. When the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, the claw engages with the protrusion, and the elastic arm returns to its original position while colliding with the protrusion. This collision produces a sound, which the user can use to confirm that the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position. Furthermore, the engagement between the claw and the protrusion can restrict the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, i.e., the change in the suction tube's posture from an upright position to a reclined position.

[0095] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, and a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is tilted backward and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is upright. The notification portion may include a first magnetic adsorbent provided on the connecting shaft portion, a second magnetic adsorbent that strengthens the magnetic adsorption force generated between the connecting shaft portion and the first magnetic adsorbent as the connecting shaft portion rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, thereby restricting the rotation of the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, and a collision portion that collides with the second magnetic adsorbent as it approaches the first magnetic adsorbent, generating a collision sound.

[0096] In the configuration described above, when the connecting shaft rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the second magnetic adsorbent is attracted to the first magnetic adsorbent by the magnetic attraction force generated between them. As the second magnetic adsorbent approaches the first magnetic adsorbent, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic adsorbents increases, and this magnetic attraction force suppresses the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position. In other words, the connecting shaft is locked at the second rotation position, and consequently, the suction tube is locked in the upright position. In this way, when the second magnetic adsorbent approaches the first magnetic adsorbent, the second magnetic adsorbent collides with the collision point. The collision sound produced by this collision allows the user to recognize that the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

[0097] In the above configuration, the notification part may include a protrusion provided on the outer surface of the suction nozzle, a locking part located in front of the protrusion when the suction pipe and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position, and engaging with the protrusion to prevent the suction pipe and vacuum cleaner body from falling backward, and a biasing part that biases the locking part to press it against the outer surface of the suction nozzle when the suction pipe and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position. The locking part may ride up onto the protrusion as the posture of the suction pipe and vacuum cleaner body changes from a backward-tilted position to an upright position, and may also collide with the outer surface of the suction nozzle as the suction pipe and vacuum cleaner body become upright, thereby generating a collision sound.

[0098] In the configuration described above, when the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body change position from a reclined position to an upright position, the locking part rides up onto a protrusion on the outer surface of the suction nozzle. When the suction tube is in the upright position, the locking part moves over the protrusion and is positioned in front of it. In this state, the engagement between the locking part and the protrusion restricts the change in position from the upright position to a reclined position. Furthermore, when the locking part moves from the position where it rides onto the protrusion to the position in front of the protrusion, the locking part collides with the outer surface of the nozzle, emitting a collision sound. This collision sound allows the user to recognize that the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

[0099] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, and a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is tilted backward and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is upright. The notification portion may have a protrusion provided on the connecting shaft portion so as to be angularly displaced together with the connecting shaft portion, and a collision portion provided so as to collide with the protrusion portion as the connecting shaft portion moves from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. The collision portion may be configured to emit sound upon collision with the protrusion portion.

[0100] In the above configuration, when the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position from the first rotation position, the protrusion extending from the connecting shaft collides with the collision part. This collision produces a sound, which the user can hear to recognize that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body have returned to an upright position.

[0101] In the above configuration, the notification unit may include a posture detection unit that detects the posture of the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body, and a notification operation unit that, in response to the posture detection unit detecting that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position, performs a notification operation to notify the user that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position.

[0102] In the configuration described above, the posture detection unit detects when the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body change from a reclined position to an upright position. Upon this detection, the notification unit performs a notification action. This notification action allows the user to recognize that the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body have changed to an upright position.

[0103] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner body may be configured to stop when the posture detection unit detects that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position.

[0104] In the configuration described above, the user can stop the vacuum cleaner by raising the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body to an upright position.

[0105] In the above configuration, the suction nozzle may be configured to block the flow path of the suction pipe when the suction pipe is in an upright position. The vacuum cleaner body may include a drive motor that generates rotational force, and a rotating blade that generates a suction airflow that brings dust from the floor surface into the suction space of the suction nozzle when the suction pipe is not in an upright position and is rotated by the drive motor. The notification unit may include a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the rotating blade, and a motor stop unit that stops the drive motor when the rotation speed detected by the rotation detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0106] In the configuration described above, when the drive motor rotates the blades with the suction pipe not in the upright position, the blades generate a suction airflow, and dust on the floor surface flows into the suction space of the suction nozzle. This dust then flows towards the blades on the suction airflow. On the other hand, when the user positions the suction pipe in the upright position, the flow path of the suction pipe is blocked by the suction nozzle. In this state, less air flows towards the blades, and the resistance the blades experience from the air decreases. As this resistance decreases, the rotation speed of the blades increases. Therefore, by monitoring the increase in the rotation speed of the blades, it is possible to determine whether the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position. That is, if the rotation speed of the blades increases to the point where it exceeds a predetermined threshold, the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position. In this state, the motor stop unit stops the drive motor. As a result, the environment in which the user is present changes from a state with the sound of the drive motor operating to a state without the sound of the drive motor operating. This change in state allows the user to recognize that the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body are now in an upright position. [Industrial applicability]

[0107] The vacuum cleaner of the above-described embodiment is suitably used as a device for cleaning work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 100...Vacuum cleaner 110··········Vacuum cleaner body 112··········Drive motor 113···········Rotating blades 115···········Motor stop section 125,126...Bearing part 130···········Suction nozzle 134···········Intake space 136...Suction tube 156···········Posture detection unit 159···········Notification Operation Unit 164, 165... Connecting shaft section 170... Notification Department 171···········Protruding part 172···········Lock piece 173···········Enhancing part 174············recess 175···········Elastic Arm 176···········Claw part 177···········First Magnetic Adsorbent 178···········Second magnetic adsorbent 179... Collision part 181············recess 182···········Lock section 183···········Protruding part

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner that sucks up dust, The vacuum cleaner body generates suction power to suck up dust, The suction nozzle has a downward-opening suction space that allows dust from the floor surface to flow in due to the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, The vacuum cleaner comprises a suction pipe extending from the suction nozzle toward the vacuum cleaner body, so as to form a flow path for dust and debris sucked in by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, The suction tube is connected to the suction nozzle in such a way that it can change its orientation together with the vacuum cleaner body between a tilted position relative to the suction nozzle and an upright position relative to the suction nozzle, and can maintain the upright position when no external force is applied. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a notification unit that notifies that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is configured to lock the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body in the upright position and to emit a sound to notify that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body have entered the upright position.

3. A connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, The suction nozzle further comprises a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle so as to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is in the backward-tilted position and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is in the upright position, The aforementioned notification unit, A protrusion is provided extending from the connecting shaft portion so as to be angularly displaced together with the connecting shaft portion, A locking piece having a recess into which the convex portion fits when the connecting shaft portion is in the second rotational position, The device has a biasing unit that biases the locking piece with a force that causes it to collide with the protrusion as the connecting shaft reaches the second rotational position, thereby generating a collision sound. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are configured to restrict the rotation of the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while they are engaged with each other.

4. A connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, The suction nozzle further comprises a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle so as to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is in the backward-tilted position and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is in the upright position, The aforementioned notification unit, A recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion, A locking piece having a protrusion that fits into the recess when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position, The device includes a biasing unit that biases the locking piece with a force that causes it to collide with the connecting shaft upon reaching the second rotational position, thereby generating a collision sound. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are configured to restrict the rotation of the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while they are engaged with each other.

5. A connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, The suction nozzle further comprises a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle so as to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is in the backward-tilted position and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is in the upright position, The aforementioned notification unit, A protrusion is provided extending from the connecting shaft portion so as to be angularly displaced together with the connecting shaft portion, A claw portion that engages with the protrusion to restrict the connecting shaft portion from rotating to the first rotation position when the connecting shaft portion is in the second rotation position, It has an elastic arm that is provided with the aforementioned claw portion and is elastically deformable, The claw portion is provided such that, as the connecting shaft rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, it rides up onto the protrusion and elastically bends and deforms the elastic arm. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the elastic arm is configured to generate a collision sound by colliding with the protrusion while returning to its original position as the connecting shaft reaches the second rotational position.

6. A connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, The suction nozzle further comprises a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle so as to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is in the backward-tilted position and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is in the upright position, The aforementioned notification unit, The first magnetic adsorbent provided on the connecting shaft portion, As the connecting shaft rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the magnetic attraction force generated between the connecting shaft and the first magnetic adsorbent brings the connecting shaft closer to the first magnetic adsorbent, thereby strengthening this magnetic attraction force and restricting the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: a collision part that collides with the second magnetic adsorbent as it approaches the first magnetic adsorbent, thereby generating a collision sound.

7. The aforementioned notification unit, A protrusion provided on the outer surface of the suction nozzle, A locking portion is located in front of the protrusion when the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position, and engages with the protrusion to prevent the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body from falling backward. The vacuum cleaner has a biasing part that biases the locking part so as to press it against the outer surface of the suction nozzle when the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion rides up onto the protrusion as the posture of the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body changes from the reclined position to the upright position, and as the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body become the upright position, it collides with the outer surface of the suction nozzle, thereby generating a collision sound.

8. A connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube, The suction nozzle further comprises a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle so as to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion between a first rotation position in which the suction tube is in the backward-tilted position and a second rotation position in which the suction tube is in the upright position, The aforementioned notification unit, A protrusion is provided extending from the connecting shaft portion so as to be angularly displaced together with the connecting shaft portion, The connecting shaft portion has a collision portion provided to collide with the protrusion as the connecting shaft portion moves from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the collision part is configured to emit sound in conjunction with the collision with the protrusion.

9. The aforementioned notification unit, A posture detection unit for detecting the posture of the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification operation unit that, in response to the posture detection unit detecting that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position, performs a notification operation to notify the user that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the vacuum cleaner body is configured to stop when the posture detection unit detects that the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

11. The suction nozzle is configured to block the flow path of the suction pipe when the suction pipe is in the upright position. The vacuum cleaner body is, A drive motor that generates rotational force, The suction pipe is not in the upright position when it is rotated by the drive motor, and the rotating blades generate a suction airflow that draws dust from the floor surface into the suction space of the suction nozzle. The aforementioned notification unit, A rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation speed of the aforementioned rotating blades, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a motor stop unit that stops the drive motor on the condition that the rotation speed detected by the rotation detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Images