Vacuum cleaner and cleaning tool set

Abstract

The objective is to provide a technology that prevents the suction tube from unintentionally tipping backward relative to the suction nozzle. [Solution] The vacuum cleaner of this disclosure comprises a suction nozzle that forms a downwardly opening suction space so that dust on the floor surface flows in by the suction force of a suction source built into the vacuum cleaner body, and a suction tube that forms a flow path for the dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The suction tube is connected to the suction nozzle so that its position can be changed between a tilted position, where it is tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle, and an upright position, where it is erected relative to the suction nozzle. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a locking mechanism that locks the suction tube in the upright position in response to a change in position from the tilted position to the upright position. The locking mechanism releases the lock when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the suction tube, and allows the suction tube to fall backward with a force of less than a predetermined magnitude when the lock is released.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and a cleaner set including the vacuum cleaner and a collection device. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner 300 shown in Fig. 25. The vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 310, a suction pipe 320 extending downward from 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, which is 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 an upward suction force for sucking dust, and a dust storage container 350 for storing dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction source is fixed to a lower side of the vacuum cleaner main body 310. The suction nozzle 330 is a box body opened downward, and when the suction source is activated, dust on a floor surface flows into the suction nozzle 330 by the suction force of the suction source. The dust then flows into the dust storage container 350 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 a front-rear direction. The suction pipe 320 shown in Fig. 25 is in an upright posture with respect to the suction nozzle 330, and in this posture, the size of the vacuum cleaner 300 in the front-rear direction is reduced. Therefore, if the suction pipe 320 is in the upright posture, the storage space of the vacuum cleaner 300 when not in use does not become excessively large.

[0005] A user can grip the handle arm 340 and pull it backward to bring the suction pipe 320 into a backward tilted posture tilted backward with respect to the suction nozzle 330. In this posture, the vacuum cleaner 300 is enlarged in the front-rear direction, and the suction nozzle 330 can be arranged at a position away from the user. If the suction source is activated in this state, dust on the floor surface at a position away from the user is sucked into the vacuum cleaner main body 310. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-137096 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the vacuum cleaner 300, a spring is positioned at the connection point between the suction nozzle 330 and the suction tube 320. This spring biases the suction tube 320 forward so that it remains upright. This prevents the suction tube 320 from unintentionally falling backward. However, this spring can increase the user's burden during cleaning, as follows:

[0008] If the area to be cleaned is far from the user, the user operates the vacuum cleaner 300 so that the suction tube 320 is positioned closer to the floor surface in order to move the suction nozzle 330 away from the user. That is, the user pulls the handle arm backward, tilting the suction tube 320 backward relative to the suction nozzle 330. At this time, the biasing force of the spring provided at the connection between the suction tube 320 and the suction nozzle 330 acts to resist such operation.

[0009] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that prevents the suction tube from unintentionally tipping backward relative to the suction nozzle without excessively increasing the burden on the user during cleaning operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The vacuum cleaner in this disclosure is configured to suck up dust. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates a suction force for sucking 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 suction source, a suction tube 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 which extends from the suction nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body so as to form a flow path for the dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source, and a locking mechanism that locks the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body in the upright position in response to the change in orientation of the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body from the tilted position to the upright position. The locking mechanism is configured to release the lock on the suction tube when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the suction tube in the direction that changes the orientation of the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body from the upright position to the tilted position, and to allow the suction tube to fall backward with a force of less than a predetermined magnitude when the lock is released.

[0011] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner body may have a dust collection section for storing dust that has passed through the suction pipe.

[0012] The cleaning tool set in this disclosure comprises the vacuum cleaner described above and a collection device for collecting dust from a dust storage section. The collection device includes a dust collection source that generates a dust-suction force to suck dust from the dust storage section, and a housing formed with a dust inlet into which the dust sucked out of the dust storage section by the dust-suction force of the dust collection source flows. The dust storage section is formed so as to be connectable to the housing when the suction pipe is in an upright position. The vacuum cleaner body has a dust outlet facing the dust inlet when the vacuum cleaner body is connected to the housing, which allows dust in the dust storage section to be sucked out by the dust-suction force of the dust collection source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The aforementioned technology makes it possible to prevent the suction tube from unintentionally tipping backward relative to the suction nozzle without excessively increasing the burden on the user during cleaning operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner in upright position (First Embodiment) [Figure 2] Perspective view of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Perspective view of the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 4] Perspective view of the lower end portion of the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 5] Longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner in backward tilted position [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (in upright position) [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (in backward tilted position) [Figure 8] Perspective view of the lower end portion of the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (in upright position) [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (Second Embodiment) [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism [Figure 12] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (Third Embodiment) [Figure 13] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism [Figure 14] Perspective view of the locking mechanism (Fourth Embodiment) [Figure 15] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (in upright position) [Figure 16] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (in backward tilted position) [Figure 17] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism (in backward tilted position) [Figure 18] Schematic diagram of the locking mechanism [Figure 19] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set (Fifth Embodiment) [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view of the cleaner set [Figure 21] Back view of the collecting device of the cleaner set [Figure 22] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set (Sixth Embodiment) [Figure 23] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set (Seventh Embodiment) [Figure 24] Longitudinal cross-section of a cleaning tool set [Figure 25] Side view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0016] (First Embodiment) The vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 1 is configured as a stick-type vacuum cleaner that sucks up dust and dirt from the floor surface. The configuration of the vacuum cleaner 100 is described below.

[0017] (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.

[0018] 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 lower part of the housing 111 extends a suction pipe 136 that forms a flow path for the dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of the suction source 142. The lower end of the suction pipe 136 protrudes downward from the lower end 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] (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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] (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 rotates around the connecting shaft portions 164 and 165, and the vacuum cleaner 100 can change its posture from the upright posture shown in Figure 1 to the reclined posture shown in Figure 5.

[0028] A locking mechanism 170 for locking the suction tube 136 in an upright position is configured within the left bearing portion 125. Specifically, the locking mechanism 170 can be composed of a protrusion 171 provided on the left side of the connecting shaft portion 164, and a locking piece 172 and a biasing portion 173 provided on the left side of the bearing portion 125. As shown in Figure 4, the protrusion 171 is a rod-shaped portion that extends beyond the connecting shaft portion 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, and in this state, the protrusion 171 is pointed upward. The protrusion 171 is located radially away from the rotation center of the connecting shaft portion 164, and can be angularly displaced around this rotation center as the connecting shaft portion 164 rotates. In the following description, the rotational position of the connecting shaft portion 164 when the protrusion 171 is pointed upward will be referred to as the "second rotational position".

[0029] 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 are engaged with each other.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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".

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

[0039] In the locking mechanism 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.

[0040] 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 is engaged with the recess 174 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 164. When the suction tube 136 changes its position 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.

[0041] 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 convex portion 171 provided on the locking piece 172 fits into the concave portion 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 gripping portion 140 are locked in the upright position.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) In the locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 6, the connecting shaft portion 164 is locked in the second rotation position by fitting the protrusion 171 provided on the connecting shaft portion 164 into the recess 174 provided on the locking piece 172. Instead of the locking piece 172, as shown in Figure 10, an arm portion 175 extending in the front-rear direction within the bearing portion 125 and a claw portion 176 protruding downward from the rear end of the arm portion 175 may be provided.

[0043] The arm portion 175 is a rod-shaped part formed within the bearing portion 125 so as to be elastically bendable in the vertical direction. The front end of the arm portion 175 is fixed to the bearing portion 125. The rear end of the arm portion 175 is a free end. In other words, the arm portion 175 is cantilevered by the bearing portion 125.

[0044] The claw portion 176, located at the rear end of the arm portion 175, is positioned behind the protrusion 171 when the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position (i.e., when the suction pipe 136 is in an upright position). When the connecting shaft portion 164 rotates, the protrusion 171 attempts to be angularly displaced backward, and 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.

[0045] 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 arm portion 175 elastically deforms upward, as shown in Figure 11, and the claw portion 176 rides up onto the convex portion 171. After the locking mechanism 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.

[0046] The locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 10 is located within the left-side bearing section 125. Alternatively, or additionally, the locking mechanism 170 may be located within the right-side bearing section 126.

[0047] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, the locking mechanism 170 mechanically locks the connecting shaft portion 164. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 170 may lock the connecting shaft portion 164 by magnetic force, as shown in Figure 12.

[0048] The locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 12 includes a magnet 177 provided on the connecting shaft portion 164 and a magnetic material 178 that generates a magnetic attraction force between itself and the magnet 177. The magnet 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 magnet 177 is fixed to the connecting shaft portion 164 such that it is in the lowest position when the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position, within the range of this angular displacement.

[0049] The magnetic material 178 is fixed within the bearing portion 125 so as to be directly below the magnet 177 when the connecting shaft portion 164 is in the second rotation position. In this state, the magnetic force of the magnet 177 is set such that a magnetic attraction force of a magnitude not exceeding a predetermined size is generated between the magnet 177 and the magnetic material 178, unless a rotational force exceeding a predetermined size is applied to the connecting shaft portion 164.

[0050] When the user tilts the suction tube 136 backward with a certain amount of force, the magnet 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 magnet 177 and the magnetic material 178. As this distance increases, the magnetic attraction force between the magnet 177 and the magnetic material 178 weakens. Therefore, while a strong force is required to tilt the suction tube 136 backward until the magnet 177 begins to angularly displace from the position shown in Figure 12, once the angular displacement of the magnet begins, the user can change the orientation of the suction tube 136 with a small force.

[0051] In the locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 12, the magnet 177 is attached to the connecting shaft portion 164. Alternatively, a magnetic material 178 may be attached to the connecting shaft portion 164. In this case, the magnet 177 is fixed to the bearing portion 125.

[0052] The locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 12 is located within the left-side bearing section 125. Alternatively, or additionally, the locking mechanism 170 may be located within the right-side bearing section 126.

[0053] (Fourth Embodiment) In the first to third embodiments, the locking mechanism 170 is located within the suction nozzle 130. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 170 may be located outside the suction nozzle 130, as shown in Figure 14.

[0054] The locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 14 has a recess 181 recessed in the upper surface of the nozzle case 131 and a locking portion 182 formed to fit into the recess 181. The recess 181 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and the rear end wall portion 183 that demarcates the rear end of the recess 181 is taller than the other wall portions that demarcate the front, left, and right ends of the recess 181.

[0055] 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. An elastic retaining 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 elastic retaining portion 186 may be composed of, for example, a coil spring extending downward from the lower end of the housing 111.

[0056] When the suction tube 136 is in an upright position as shown in Figure 15, the locking part 182 fits into the recess 181. In this state, the rear end of the locking part 182 engages with the rear end wall 183 in the front-rear direction. The engagement between the locking part 182 and the rear end wall 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.

[0057] 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 recess 181 and rides up onto the rear end wall 183 while compressing and deforming the elastic retaining 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 rear end wall 183. During this time, the elastic retaining part 186 returns to its original position.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In the locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 15, a recess 181 is formed on the upper surface of the nozzle case 131. Alternatively, instead of the recess 181, a hole 187 may be drilled in the upper surface of the nozzle case 131, as shown in Figure 18. In this case, the inside of the nozzle case 131 is configured so that air from outside the nozzle case 131 does not flow into the communication passage 123 through the hole 187.

[0060] The insertion depth of the locking portion 182 into the hole 187 may be greater than the insertion depth of the locking portion 182 into the recess 181 in Figure 15. Therefore, the engagement strength between the locking portion 182 inserted into the hole 187 and the rear end wall portion 183 may be greater than the engagement strength between the locking portion 182 inserted into the recess 181 and the rear end wall portion 183. Consequently, the locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 18 is superior to the locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 15 in its ability to maintain the suction pipe 136 in an upright position.

[0061] (Fifth embodiment) Dust accumulates in the dust collection section 146 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the first to fourth embodiments. To remove this dust from the dust collection section 146, the collection device 200 shown in Figure 19 may be used. The vacuum cleaner 100 and the collection device 200 constitute a cleaning tool set 101.

[0062] (Overall structure of the recovery device) The collection device 200 shown in Figure 19 is configured to collect dust by applying suction force to the dust outlet 147 of the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the collection device 200, thereby sucking out the dust in the dust storage section 146. Specifically, the collection device 200 has a mounting section 211 on which the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed, and a roughly rectangular box-shaped housing 212 that incorporates a dust collection source 219 that generates suction force to suck out dust from the dust storage section 146.

[0063] The housing 212 is held in a position spaced above the mounting section 211 by a support column 227 that is erected from the mounting section 211. As a result, a space is formed between the bottom surface of the housing 212 and the mounting section 211 for inserting the front portion of the suction nozzle 130. The support column 227 is configured such that the height of this space is greater than the maximum height of the suction nozzle 130.

[0064] As shown in Figure 20, a fitting groove 228 is recessed in the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the recovery device 200. The front portion of the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be fitted into this fitting groove 228 when the vacuum cleaner body 110 is in an upright position together with the suction pipe 136. As shown in Figure 21, the fitting groove 228 extends in the vertical direction.

[0065] A dust inlet 215 is formed within the fitting groove 228, which is an opening into which dust flowing out from the dust collection section 146 flows. As shown in Figure 19, the dust inlet 215 is located at a height opposite in the front-rear direction to the dust discharge port 147 (or the cover 148 that closes the dust discharge port 147) of the vacuum cleaner 100 placed on the mounting section 211. The dust inlet 215 is sized to allow the cover 148 of the vacuum cleaner 100, which is in the open position as shown in Figure 19, to enter the housing 111.

[0066] A sealing member 229 is fixed to the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the recovery device 200 so as to surround the dust inlet 215 in the circumferential direction. The sealing member 229 is elastically compressed by the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the recovery device 200 and the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100, thereby providing a sealing performance that prevents outside air from flowing into the dust inlet 215.

[0067] To position the suction nozzle 130 on the mounting portion 211 in a position where the sealing member 229 can be compressed when the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is in an upright position, a positioning portion 214 is provided protruding upward from the upper surface of the mounting portion 211. As shown in Figure 19, the positioning portion 214 contacts the rear end of the roller bracket 121 of the suction nozzle 130 when the front portion of the suction nozzle 130 is inserted into the space between the lower surface of the housing 212 of the recovery device 200 and the mounting portion 211. When the vacuum cleaner body 110 is placed in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 130 positioned in this position, the sealing member 229 is compressed by the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the recovery device 200.

[0068] Within the housing 212 of the collection device 200, a roughly rectangular box-shaped dust collection section 216 is fixed above the dust collection source 219, as shown in Figure 19, for storing dust sucked out from the dust collection section 146 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The dust collection source 219 is configured to suck the air in the dust collection section 216 downwards. To keep the dust in the dust collection section 216 while the dust collection source 219 is operating, a filter 218 is attached to the bottom of the dust collection section 216, as shown in Figure 20.

[0069] As shown in Figure 19, a recovery duct 217 extends from the rear wall of the dust collection section 216. The tip of the recovery duct 217 is connected to the dust inlet 215, and the recovery duct 217 forms a flow path for dust that has flowed out of the dust storage section 146 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Therefore, the suction force of the dust collection source 219 can act on the lid 148 that closes the dust outlet 147 through the dust collection section 216 and the recovery duct 217. The dust collection source 219 is configured to generate a suction force large enough to displace the lid 148 of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the closed position that closes the dust outlet 147 to the open position that opens the dust outlet 147.

[0070] (Operation of the recovery device) After completing the cleaning work, the user places the vacuum cleaner 100 on the mounting section 211 of the collection device 200. At this time, the user inserts the front portion of the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the rear into the space formed between the lower surface of the housing 212 of the collection device 200 and the mounting section 211. Subsequently, the user positions the suction nozzle 130 at a predetermined position on the mounting section 211 by bringing the rear end of the roller bracket 121 of the suction nozzle 130 into contact with the positioning section 214 provided on the mounting section 211.

[0071] In this state, when the user positions the vacuum cleaner body 110 upright relative to the suction nozzle 130, the sealing member 229 of the recovery device 200 is elastically compressed by the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the recovery device 200. At this time, the restoring force of the sealing member 229 acts in a direction that causes the vacuum cleaner body 110 to tilt backward, but the locking mechanism 170 described in the first to fourth embodiments can prevent the vacuum cleaner body 110 from tilting backward. Therefore, the compressed state of the sealing member 229 is maintained.

[0072] After the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 as described above, the user activates the dust collection source 219 of the collection device 200. The suction force of the dust collection source 219 acts on the lid 148 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the dust collection section 216 and the collection duct 217. As a result, the lid 148 rotates from the closed position to the open position. When the lid 148 rotates to the open position, the dust discharge port 147 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is opened, and the suction force of the dust collection source 219 acts on the dust in the dust collection section 146 of the vacuum cleaner 100. This dust is then sucked out through the collection duct 217 into the dust collection section 216 by the suction force of the dust collection source 219.

[0073] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 has a locking mechanism 170. If the vacuum cleaner 100 were not provided with a locking mechanism 170, the restoring force of the sealing member 229 would cause the vacuum cleaner body 110 to tilt backward from its upright position, potentially forming a narrow gap between the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the collection device 200. In this state, the sealing function of the sealing member 229 would be reduced, allowing outside air to flow into the dust inlet 215 through the gap between the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the collection device 200 due to the dust suction force of the dust source 219. This passage of outside air through the gap could generate wind noise.

[0074] On the other hand, if the vacuum cleaner 100 has a locking mechanism 170, the vacuum cleaner body 110 can maintain an upright position against the restoring force of the sealing member 229. As a result, the sealing member 229 can remain compressed by the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the rear wall 213 of the housing 212 of the collection device 200, suppressing a decrease in the sealing function and, consequently, the inflow of outside air. Therefore, the generation of wind noise during the collection of dust from the dust storage section 146 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the dust storage section 216 of the collection device 200 is suppressed.

[0075] The sealing member 229 shown in Figure 21 is fixed to the housing 212 of the recovery device 200. Alternatively, the sealing member 229 may be fixed to the vacuum cleaner body 110 on the outer surface of the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 so as to surround the dust outlet 147. In this case as well, the sealing member 229 can maintain a compressed state by the locking mechanism 170 and perform its sealing function.

[0076] (Sixth Embodiment) During cleaning, the user uses the vacuum cleaner 100 with the suction tube 136, vacuum cleaner body 110, and grip 140 tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle 130. For this reason, the recovery device 200 may be configured as shown in Figure 22 so that the backward tilt of the suction tube 136, vacuum cleaner body 110, and grip 140 is achieved when the vacuum cleaner 100 is separated from the recovery device 200.

[0077] A vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recovery device 200 shown in Figure 22. The suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is positioned by a positioning part 214 provided on the mounting part 211 of the recovery device 200. In this state, the front part of the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is inserted into the space between the bottom surface of the housing 212 and the mounting part 211.

[0078] The recovery device 200 shown in Figure 22 is configured such that at least a portion of the lower surface of the housing 212 contacts the upper surface of the nozzle case 131 of the suction nozzle 130, which is positioned on the mounting section 211 in this manner.

[0079] To separate the vacuum cleaner 100 from the retrieval device 200, the user grasps the gripping part 140 and pulls it backward. At this time, the suction tube 136 is locked by the locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 6, etc., so the front part of the suction nozzle 130 attempts to lift off the mounting part 211 on the axis of the auxiliary rollers 161, 162. However, the lifting of the suction nozzle 130 from the mounting part 211 is prevented by the lower surface of the housing 212. Therefore, when the user pulls the gripping part 140 backward, the user can release the lock by the locking mechanism 170 without changing the posture of the suction nozzle 130, and the gripping part 140, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the suction tube 136 can be tilted backward. After that, the user can pull the suction nozzle 130 backward from the mounting part 211 and start cleaning.

[0080] (Seventh Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment of the cleaning tool set 101, the lid 148 of the vacuum cleaner 100 rotates from the closed position to the open position due to the suction force of the dust collection source 219 of the collection device 200. In this case, the dust collection source 219 needs to be configured to generate a suction force large enough to cause the lid 148 to rotate from the closed position to the open position. To improve this, the cleaning tool set 101 may be configured as shown in Figure 23.

[0081] The vacuum cleaner 100 of the cleaning tool set 101 shown in Figure 23 has a pivot shaft portion 155 for connecting the lid 148 to the housing 111 so that it can rotate vertically. The pivot shaft portion 155 is positioned higher than the lower end of the lid 148 when it is in the closed position. A lid biasing portion 152 is attached to the pivot shaft portion 155 for biasing the lid 148 to the closed position. The lid biasing portion 152 may be made of, for example, a torsion spring.

[0082] A lid operating section 221 protrudes backward from the housing 212 of the recovery device 200, causing the lid 148 to rotate from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the lid biasing section 152. The lid operating section 221 is positioned at a height that presses against the lower part of the pivot shaft section 155 on the lid 148 when the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is positioned on the mounting section 211 and the suction pipe 136 etc. are in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 130.

[0083] After completing the cleaning work, the user connects the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200. At this time, the user positions the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 on the mounting section 211, as shown in Figure 19. Then, the user raises the suction tube 136, housing 212, and gripping section 140 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to an upright position on the suction nozzle 130. As a result, the sealing member 229 surrounding the dust inlet 215 in the circumferential direction is compressed by the housings 111 and 212 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the collection device 200, as shown in Figure 24. At this time, the suction tube 136 is locked in the upright position by the locking mechanism 170 shown in Figure 6, etc., so even if the restoring force of the sealing member 229 acts backward, the suction tube 136, housing 212, and gripping section 140 can maintain their upright position. As a result, the compressed state of the sealing member 229 is maintained.

[0084] When the user changes the orientation of the suction tube 136, housing 212, and gripping part 140 from a reclined position to an upright position, the lid operating part 221 presses the lower part of the lid 148 (i.e., the part below the pivot shaft part 155) backward. As a result, the lid 148 rotates downward from the closed position to the open position, as shown in Figure 24. In this way, the lid 148 is displaced to the open position by the lid operating part 221 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recovery device 200, so the dust collection source 219 of the recovery device 200 does not need to generate a dust collection force large enough to rotate the lid 148.

[0085] (Effects, etc.) The vacuum cleaner 100 and cleaning tool set 101 according to the above embodiment have the following features and provide the following effects.

[0086] A vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to suck up dust. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates a suction force for sucking 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 suction source, a suction pipe 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 which extends from the suction nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body so as to form a flow path for the dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source, and a locking mechanism that locks the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body in the upright position in response to the change in orientation of the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body from the tilted position to the upright position. The locking mechanism is configured to release the lock on the suction pipe when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the suction pipe in the direction that changes the orientation of the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body from the upright position to the tilted position, and to allow the suction pipe to fall backward with a force of less than a predetermined magnitude when the lock is released.

[0087] 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.

[0088] When the user positions the suction tube in an upright position, the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body are locked in that position by a locking mechanism. This lock is released when an external force exceeding a predetermined magnitude is applied to the suction tube, but it will not be released if an external force smaller than this magnitude is applied. This prevents the suction tube from unintentionally falling backward. Furthermore, once the lock is released, the user can tilt the suction tube backward without applying a large external force to the suction tube or the vacuum cleaner body. Therefore, the user can change the position of the suction tube with little force during cleaning.

[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. The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the connecting shaft portion as it moves from a first rotation position where the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in a reclined position to a second rotation position where the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position.

[0090] In the above configuration, a connecting shaft portion protruding to the left or right from the suction tube is rotatably held by a bearing portion provided on the suction nozzle. By rotating the connecting shaft portion, the suction tube can change its orientation from a reclined position to an upright position. When the connecting shaft portion reaches the second rotation position where the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in an upright position, moving from the first rotation position where the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body are in a reclined position, the locking mechanism locks the connecting shaft portion.

[0091] In the above configuration, the locking mechanism may include a protrusion extending from the connecting shaft so as to undergo angular displacement with the rotation of the connecting shaft, a locking piece having a recess that allows the protrusion to engage as the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, and a biasing part that biases the locking piece so as to cause the protrusion to engage with the recess as the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position. The protrusion and the recess may be configured to restrict the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while engaged with each other.

[0092] In the above configuration, when the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, the protrusion extending from the connecting shaft engages with the recess formed in the locking piece. When the protrusion and recess engage in this manner, 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 locking mechanism may include a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft, a locking piece having a protrusion that engages with the recess when the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, and a biasing portion that biases the locking piece toward the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft. The protrusion and the recess may be configured to restrict the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while engaged with each other.

[0094] In the above configuration, when the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, the protrusion from the locking piece engages with the recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft. When the protrusion and recess engage in this way, 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.

[0095] In the above configuration, the locking mechanism may include a projection extending from the connecting shaft so as to undergo angular displacement with the rotation of the connecting shaft, an elastically deformable arm extending within the suction nozzle, and a claw provided on the arm. The claw may engage with the projection to resist the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position, and may also be configured to disengage from the projection by elastically deforming the arm and riding up onto the projection in response to a rotational force of a predetermined magnitude or greater applied to the connecting shaft that rotates the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position.

[0096] In the above configuration, when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position, the claw engages with the projection extending from the connecting shaft, restricting the rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position. When a user applies a sufficiently large external force to the suction tube to tilt it backward from its upright position, a rotational force greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied to the connecting shaft, causing it to rotate from the second rotation position to the first rotation position. In this case, the claw rides up onto the projection while elastically deforming the arm. In this state, the engagement between the claw and the projection is released.

[0097] In the above configuration, the locking mechanism may include a magnetic material provided on the connecting shaft so as to undergo angular displacement with the rotation of the connecting shaft, and a magnet that generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnetic material when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position. The magnetic material may be provided on the connecting shaft such that the distance between the magnet and the magnetic material is shorter when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position than when the connecting shaft is in the first rotation position.

[0098] In the above configuration, the locking mechanism may include a magnet provided on the connecting shaft so as to undergo angular displacement with the rotation of the connecting shaft, and a magnetic material that is magnetically attracted by the magnet when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position. The magnet may be provided on the connecting shaft such that the distance between the magnet and the magnetic material is shorter when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position than when the connecting shaft is in the first rotation position.

[0099] In the configuration described above, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic material is shorter when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position than when it is in the first rotation position. Therefore, rotation of the connecting shaft from the second rotation position to the first rotation position can be hindered by the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic material. If the user applies a sufficiently large external force to the suction tube to tilt it backward from its upright position, the connecting shaft can rotate from the second rotation position to the first rotation position against the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic material. This rotation increases the distance between the magnet and the magnetic material, thus weakening the magnetic attraction between them. For this reason, once the suction tube is tilted backward, the user can change its position with little force.

[0100] In the above configuration, the locking mechanism may include a recess or hole provided on the outer surface of the suction nozzle, a locking part that locks the suction pipe in an upright position by fitting into the recess or hole, and an elastic holding part that elastically holds the locking part. The locking part may be configured to disengage from the recess or hole while compressing and deforming the elastic holding part as the posture of the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body changes from an upright position to a reclined position.

[0101] In the configuration described above, when the suction tube is in an upright position, the locking mechanism engages with a recess or hole provided on the outer surface of the suction nozzle. This prevents the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body from falling backward from their upright position. When the user applies a sufficiently large backward external force to the suction tube and vacuum cleaner body, the locking mechanism can disengage from the recess or hole while compressing and deforming the elastic retaining mechanism. After that, the user can tilt the suction tube backward with minimal force.

[0102] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner body may have a dust collection section for storing dust that has passed through the suction pipe.

[0103] In the configuration described above, dust drawn in by the suction force of the suction source passes through the suction pipe and is then stored in the dust collection section.

[0104] A cleaning tool set according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the vacuum cleaner described above and a collection device for collecting dust from a dust storage section. The collection device has a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust out of the dust storage section, and a housing formed with a dust inlet into which the dust sucked out of the dust storage section by the dust collection force of the dust collection source flows. The vacuum cleaner body is formed so as to be connectable to the housing when the suction pipe is in an upright position. The vacuum cleaner body has a dust discharge port facing the dust inlet when the vacuum cleaner body is connected to the housing, which allows dust in the dust storage section to be sucked out by the dust collection force of the dust collection source.

[0105] In the configuration described above, the user can connect the vacuum cleaner body to the housing of the collection device by positioning the suction tube vertically relative to the vacuum cleaner's suction nozzle. In this state, the dust discharge port formed on the vacuum cleaner body faces the dust inlet formed on the housing of the collection device. When the dust collection source of the collection device is activated in this state, the dust in the storage section is forced out through the dust discharge port by the suction force of the dust collection source and into the housing of the collection device through the dust inlet.

[0106] Thus, while dust in the dust collection section is being collected by the collection device, the suction pipe remains in an upright position, and in this position, the vacuum cleaner's suction pipe is locked by a locking mechanism. Therefore, unintentional backward tilting of the suction pipe is prevented, and the suction pipe is kept in an upright position. In other words, it is possible to prevent the suction pipe from unintentionally falling backward and the vacuum cleaner body from separating from the collection device housing.

[0107] In the above configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include a compressible sealing member provided on the housing so as to surround the dust inlet in the circumferential direction. The sealing member may be compressed and deformed by the vacuum cleaner body connected to the housing and the housing itself, thereby suppressing the inflow of air from outside the vacuum cleaner and collection device into the dust inlet due to the suction force of the dust collection source.

[0108] In the above configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include a compressible sealing member provided on the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner body so as to surround the dust outlet in the circumferential direction. The sealing member may be compressed and deformed by the vacuum cleaner body connected to the housing and the housing, thereby suppressing the inflow of air from outside the vacuum cleaner and collection device into the dust inlet due to the suction force of the dust collection source.

[0109] In the above configuration, when the vacuum cleaner body is connected to the housing of the collection device, the sealing member surrounds the dust outlet of the vacuum cleaner and the dust inlet of the collection device in the circumferential direction between the vacuum cleaner body and the housing. In this state, when the sealing member is compressed by the vacuum cleaner body and the housing of the collection device, the sealing member exhibits sealing performance and can suppress the inflow of outside air from the vacuum cleaner and collection device into the dust inlet due to the suction force of the dust collection source. As a result, the suction force of the dust collection source can act on the dust in the dust collection section without being reduced by the outside air flowing into the dust inlet.

[0110] In the above configuration, the recovery device may include a mounting section on which the suction nozzle is placed, and a positioning section that positions the suction nozzle on the mounting section at a position where the sealing member is compressed by the vacuum cleaner body and housing while the suction pipe is in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle.

[0111] In the above configuration, the user can place the suction nozzle on the mounting part and position it in a predetermined position using the positioning part. In this state, when the user raises the suction tube to an upright position relative to the suction nozzle, the sealing member is compressed by the vacuum cleaner body and the housing of the collection device, exhibiting a sealing function that suppresses the inflow of outside air into the dust inlet. At this time, since the vacuum cleaner's suction tube is locked by the locking mechanism, it is prevented from falling backward. Therefore, the sealing member can maintain its compressed state by the vacuum cleaner body and the housing of the collection device.

[0112] In the above configuration, the suction tube may be attached to the rear portion of the suction nozzle such that the suction nozzle protrudes forward relative to the suction tube. The housing may be configured to abut against the upper surface of the front portion of the suction nozzle, which is positioned on the mounting portion by the positioning portion.

[0113] In the configuration described above, the user can separate the vacuum cleaner from the housing of the recovery device while tilting the suction tube backward. At this time, since the housing of the recovery device is in contact with the upper surface of the suction nozzle, the suction nozzle is prevented from lifting off the mounting surface as the suction tube's position is changed to a backward tilt. As a result, a state is obtained in which the suction tube is tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle. In this state, the user can lower the vacuum cleaner from the mounting surface and begin cleaning.

[0114] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a lid attached to the dust collection section to open and close the dust outlet, and a lid biasing section that biases the lid to the closed position to close the dust outlet. The collection device may have a lid operating section that presses the lid and displaces it to the open position to open the dust outlet as the suction pipe changes its posture from a reclined position to an upright position on the suction nozzle positioned by the positioning section.

[0115] In the configuration described above, the user positions the suction nozzle on the mounting section using the positioning section and then changes the orientation of the suction pipe from a reclined position to an upright position. This operation causes the lid operating section of the recovery device to press against the lid that is closing the dust outlet, and the lid can be displaced to the open position. Therefore, the user can open the dust outlet by changing the orientation of the suction pipe from a reclined position to an upright position. When the suction pipe is in the upright position, this dust outlet faces the dust inlet of the housing. Therefore, when the dust collection source is activated, the dust collection force of the dust collection source can draw dust from the dust collection section out through the dust outlet and into the recovery device through the dust inlet.

[0116] When the user removes the vacuum cleaner from the retrieval device to begin cleaning, the lid can be automatically returned to the closed position by the lid biasing mechanism. Therefore, the user does not need to return the lid to the closed position themselves. [Industrial applicability]

[0117] The vacuum cleaner and cleaning tool set of the above-described embodiment are suitably used in devices used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 100·········vacuum cleaner 101···········Cleaning tool set 110··········Vacuum cleaner body 111···········Cabinet 125...Bearing section 126...Bearing section 130···········Suction nozzle 134···········Intake space 136...Suction tube 142...Suction source 146...Dust storage section 147····················· Dust exhaust port 148··········Lid 152··········································− 164, 165... Connecting shaft section 170···········Lock mechanism 171···········Protruding part 172···········Lock piece 173···········Enhancing part 174············recess 175···········arm section 176···········Claw part 177··········Magnet 178...Magnetic material 181············recess 182···········Lock section 185... Space 186···········Elastic retaining part 187... Hole 200·········· Recovery device 211··········Storage section 212···········Cabinet 214···········Positioning section 215······························dust inlet 219 · · · · · · Dust absorption source 221... Lid operation section 229···········Sealing material

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner that sucks up dust, A vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, A suction nozzle that forms a downward-opening suction space so that dust on the floor surface flows in due to the suction force of the aforementioned suction source, A suction pipe is connected to the suction nozzle so as to be able to change its orientation together with the vacuum cleaner body between a rearward-tilted position relative to the suction nozzle and an upright position relative to the suction nozzle, and extends from the suction nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body so as to form a flow path for dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source, The vacuum cleaner body is equipped with a locking mechanism that locks the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body in the upright position in response to a change in the posture of the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body from the aforementioned reclined position to the aforementioned upright position. The locking mechanism is configured to release the lock on the suction tube when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the suction tube in a direction that changes the posture of the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner body from the upright position to the reclined position, and to allow the suction tube to fall backward with a force of less than the predetermined magnitude when the lock is released.

2. 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 to rotatably hold the connecting shaft portion, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the connecting shaft portion as the connecting shaft portion moves from a first rotation position in which the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the backward-tilted position to a second rotation position in which the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body are in the upright position.

3. The aforementioned locking mechanism is A protrusion is provided on the connecting shaft so as to undergo angular displacement as the connecting shaft rotates, A locking piece having a recess that allows the protrusion to engage as the connecting shaft reaches the second rotational position, It has a biasing part that biases the locking piece so that the protrusion fits into the recess when the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, 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. The aforementioned locking mechanism is A recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion, A locking piece having a protrusion that enters the recess when the connecting shaft reaches the second rotation position, It has a biasing part that biases the locking piece toward the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, 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. The aforementioned locking mechanism is A protrusion is provided on the connecting shaft so as to undergo angular displacement as the connecting shaft rotates, An elastically deformable arm portion extending within the suction nozzle, The arm portion has a claw portion, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the claw portion engages with the protrusion to resist the rotation of the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position when the connecting shaft portion is in the second rotation position, and in response to a rotational force of a predetermined magnitude or greater applied to the connecting shaft portion that rotates the connecting shaft portion from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, the arm portion elastically deforms and rides up onto the protrusion, thereby disengaging from the protrusion.

6. The aforementioned locking mechanism is A magnetic material is provided on the connecting shaft so as to undergo angular displacement with the rotation of the connecting shaft, The system includes a magnet that generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnetic material when the connecting shaft portion is in the second rotational position, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic material is provided on the connecting shaft such that the distance between the magnet and the magnetic material is shorter when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position than when the connecting shaft is in the first rotation position.

7. The aforementioned locking mechanism is A magnet is provided on the connecting shaft so as to rotate the connecting shaft, The connecting shaft portion is in the second rotational position and includes a magnetic material that is magnetically attracted by the magnet, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the magnet is provided on the connecting shaft such that the distance between the magnet and the magnetic material is shorter when the connecting shaft is in the second rotation position than when the connecting shaft is in the first rotation position.

8. The aforementioned locking mechanism is A recess or hole provided on the outer surface of the suction nozzle, A locking part that locks the suction pipe in the upright position by fitting into the recess or hole, It has an elastic holding part that elastically holds the locking part, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is configured to disengage from the recess or hole while compressing and deforming the elastic holding portion in response to a change in the posture of the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner body from the upright position to the reclined position.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner body has a dust storage section for storing dust that has passed through the suction pipe.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, The system includes a collection device for collecting dust from the dust storage section, The aforementioned recovery device is A dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage section, The housing has a dust inlet formed therein into which dust sucked out from the dust storage section by the dust suction force of the dust collection source flows in. The vacuum cleaner body is formed so that the suction pipe can be connected to the housing when it is in the upright position. A cleaning tool set comprising a vacuum cleaner body having a dust outlet facing the dust inlet when the vacuum cleaner body is connected to the housing, which allows dust in the dust storage section to be sucked out by the suction force of the dust collection source.

11. The housing further comprises a compressible sealing member provided so as to surround the dust inlet in the circumferential direction, The cleaning tool set according to claim 10, wherein the sealing member is compressed and deformed by the vacuum cleaner body connected to the housing and the housing, thereby suppressing the inflow of air from outside the vacuum cleaner and the collection device into the dust inlet due to the dust suction force of the dust collection source.

12. The vacuum cleaner body is further provided with a compressible sealing member that is provided on the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner body so as to surround the dust discharge port in the circumferential direction, The cleaning tool set according to claim 10, wherein the sealing member is compressed and deformed by the vacuum cleaner body connected to the housing and the housing, thereby suppressing the inflow of air from outside the vacuum cleaner and the collection device into the dust inlet due to the dust suction force of the dust collection source.

13. The aforementioned recovery device is The mounting section on which the suction nozzle is placed, The cleaning tool set according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: a positioning unit for positioning the suction nozzle on the aforementioned mounting unit at a position where the sealing member is compressed by the vacuum cleaner body and the housing when the suction pipe is in the upright position relative to the suction nozzle.

14. The suction tube is attached to the rear portion of the suction nozzle such that the suction nozzle protrudes forward relative to the suction tube. The cleaning tool set according to claim 13, wherein the housing is configured to contact the upper surface of the front portion of the suction nozzle that is positioned on the aforementioned mounting portion by the positioning portion.

15. The vacuum cleaner has a lid attached to the dust collection section to open and close the dust discharge port, and a lid biasing section that biases the lid to the closed position to close the dust discharge port. The cleaning tool set according to claim 13, wherein the recovery device has a lid operating unit that presses the lid and displaces it to an open position that opens the dust discharge port as the suction pipe changes its posture from the reclined position to the upright position on the suction nozzle positioned by the positioning unit.

Images