Suction attachments and electric vacuum cleaners

Abstract

The objective was to create a suction attachment and vacuum cleaner that could suppress the decrease in motor cooling efficiency. [Solution] The suction device 50 comprises a suction device body 52 having an air intake port 58, a rotating cleaning body 70, a motor 82a that serves as a drive source for the rotation of the rotating cleaning body 70, and a partition portion 130 extending toward the axial center of the motor 82a. The motor 82a has an inlet opening 82b through which air drawn in from the air intake port 58 flows in, and an outlet opening 82c located on one side of the inlet opening 82b in the axial direction of the motor 82a, through which the air that has flowed into the inlet opening 82b flows out. The containment chamber has a communication portion 55 that communicates with the vacuum cleaner body 20, and an exhaust port 120 through which air that has flowed out from the outlet opening 82c is discharged into the containment chamber. The partition portion 130 divides the area on one side of the outlet opening 82c from the other side in the axial direction, and includes a first partition portion 132 located on one side of the outlet opening 82c.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction tool and an electric vacuum cleaner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, there is provided a suction port body configured such that an upper case or a lower case is connected to an electric motor chamber, the suction port has no filter element installed, the upper case or the lower case is connected to a suction chamber or a pipeline, and the exhaust port has a filter element installed or not installed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional suction port body, a slight gap may be generated between the upper case, the lower case and the connection pipe part due to manufacturing errors, or a clearance (gap) necessary for design may be provided between the upper case, the lower case and the connection pipe part. For this reason, the conventional suction port body has a problem that the air flowing into the case from the aforementioned gap hinders the smooth flow of air from the suction port to the exhaust port, and the cooling efficiency of the motor is reduced.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention has an object to realize a suction tool capable of suppressing a decrease in motor cooling efficiency, and an electric vacuum cleaner provided with the suction tool.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vacuum cleaner suction device of the present invention comprises a case body having an air intake port, a rotating cleaning body, a motor provided inside the case body and serving as a drive source for the rotation of the rotating cleaning body, and a partition portion, which is integral with or separate from the case body and extends toward the axis center of the motor, wherein the case body has a housing chamber in which the rotating cleaning body is disposed, the motor has an inlet opening into which air drawn in from the air intake port flows, and an outlet opening located on one side of the inlet opening in the axial direction of the motor and through which the air that has flowed into the inlet opening flows out, the housing chamber has a communication portion communicating with the vacuum cleaner body and an exhaust port through which air that has flowed out from the outlet opening is discharged into the housing chamber, and the partition portion is a first partition portion that divides one side from the outlet opening and the other side in the axial direction, and includes a first partition portion located on one side from the outlet opening.

[0007] As described above, the suction attachment of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention is provided with a first partition portion that separates one side from the outlet opening in a partition portion that extends toward the axis center of the motor located inside the case body. The first partition portion prevents air from flowing smoothly from the intake port to the exhaust port by air flowing into the case body through gaps that occur at the joint portions of the case body and the connection portions between the case body and the joint portion. Therefore, the suction attachment of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention can suppress a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a suction device capable of suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of a motor, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with such a suction device can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view of an electric vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the vacuum cleaner body. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a suction device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the suction device with the upper case removed. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the suction device. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a rear view of the suction device shown. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the motor and support body built into the suction device. [Figure 8] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the suction device shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following description will detail an electric vacuum cleaner 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships in the vertical, front-to-back, left-to-right (width) directions, etc., will be described based on the state in which the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is erected, as shown in Figure 1.

[0011] ≪Regarding the overall structure≫ As shown in Figure 1, the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is a vacuum cleaner having a stick-like (vertical) appearance. The electric vacuum cleaner 10 can be, for example, a vacuum cleaner that obtains power from an external power source via a power cord, but in this embodiment it is a rechargeable type. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 20, a dust collection unit 30, a pipe unit 40, and a suction attachment 50.

[0012] The vacuum cleaner body 20 forms the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner 10 and is the part that performs the function of collecting dust by exerting suction power. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner body 20, as will be described in detail later, is equipped with an electric blower 24, a battery 26, a control unit (not shown), and other parts inside the main body section 22 (main body case) which forms the housing. The vacuum cleaner body 20 is also equipped with a handle section 60 on the outside of the main body section 22. The vacuum cleaner body 20 also has a suction port 29 on the lower side in the vertical direction. The suction port 29 is designed to allow connection of a pipe section 40 and a suction attachment 50. The control board on which the control unit is mounted is located inside the housing of the battery 26.

[0013] The electric blower 24 is for drawing in air and generating airflow. The battery 26 is electrically connected to the electric blower 24. The battery 26 supplies power to the electric blower 24 and other electrical components of the vacuum cleaner 10. The control unit controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner 10. The control unit controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner 10 by controlling the power supply to electrical components such as the electric blower 24.

[0014] The handle portion 60 is for the user to grip the vacuum cleaner 10. The handle portion 60 is located on the upper side of the main body portion 22 in the vertical direction. An operating section 62 is also provided near the handle portion 60. The operating section 62 is for operating the vacuum cleaner 10, for example, for turning the power on and off.

[0015] The dust collection section 30 is the part that collects dust and debris sucked up by the vacuum cleaner 10. The dust collection section 30 is provided so as to be continuous with the suction port 29. The dust collection section 30 communicates with the inside and outside of the vacuum cleaner body 20 via the suction port 29 provided on the lower end side of the vacuum cleaner body 20.

[0016] The pipe part 40 is for connecting the cleaner main body 20 and the suction tool 50. The pipe part 40 is detachably connected to the suction port 29 of the cleaner main body 20. The pipe part 40 is a hollow cylindrical member, and forms an air flow passage inside. One end of the pipe part 40 is connected to the suction port 29 of the cleaner main body 20, and the other end is connected to the suction tool 50.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the suction tool 50 is for taking in dust from the outside, and can suck air and dust from the outside by the suction force generated by the electric blower 24 (see Figure 2). The suction tool 50 includes a suction tool main body part 52 (main body part), a pipe connection part 54, and a joint part 51. The detailed configuration of the suction tool 50 will be described later.

[0018] «Basic Configuration of Suction Tool» The suction tool 50 is for taking in dust from the outside, and can suck air and dust from the outside by the suction force generated by the electric blower 24. The suction tool 50 includes a suction tool main body part 52 (main body part), a pipe connection part 54, and a joint part 51. Further, the suction tool 50 has a rotary cleaning body 70 (see Figure 4) and a cleaning body drive part 80 (drive part) inside the suction tool main body part 52. Further, as shown in Figure 3 and the like, the suction tool 50 is provided with a light emitting part 53 on the suction tool main body part 52.

[0019] The suction tool main body 52 is a portion placed on a floor during cleaning, and has a shape that is long in the left-right direction relative to the front-rear direction, which is the direction in which the user operates the suction tool during cleaning. The suction tool main body 52 includes an upper case 52a and a lower case 52b. The upper case 52a and the lower case 52b are joined to each other to form the suction tool main body 52. A slight gap due to manufacturing error may occur at the joint portion between the upper case 52a and the lower case 52b, or at the connection portions between the upper case 52a and the lower case 52b and the joint portion 51. In addition, a clearance (gap) necessary in design may be provided at the connection portion between the suction tool main body 52 and the joint portion 51 to allow the joint portion 51 to rotate as will be described later. The presence of such a gap causes a problem that the flow of air from the suction port, which will be described later, is obstructed, and the cooling efficiency of the motor is reduced. In the present embodiment, this problem is solved by providing a partition portion which will be described later.

[0020] The suction tool main body 52 has a rotary cleaning body arrangement portion 56 (see FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc.), a suction port 58 (see FIG. 6), and a housing portion 59 (see FIG. 4). The rotary cleaning body arrangement portion 56 is a portion where the rotary cleaning body 70 is disposed. The rotary cleaning body arrangement portion 56 (housing chamber) extends in the left-right direction of the suction tool main body 52, and has a hollow space capable of housing the rotary cleaning body 70. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotary cleaning body arrangement portion 56 is opened on the bottom surface side of the suction tool main body 52 to take in dust. Since negative pressure from the electric blower 24 acts on the opening of the rotary cleaning body arrangement portion 56, the opening functions as a suction port. The housing portion 59 is for housing a drive portion 82 constituting a cleaning body drive portion 80, which will be described in detail later, wiring for supplying electric power to the drive portion 82, and the like.

[0021] The joint portion 51 is provided at a position on the rear side (rear side) of the suction tool body portion 52 of the electric vacuum cleaner 10, via a communication portion 55 (see Figure 5), so that the suction tool body portion 52 and the vacuum cleaner body 20 can communicate. The joint portion 51 is attached to the suction tool body portion 52 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. The joint portion 51 is connected to the pipe connection portion 54 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction. The joint portion 51 is cylindrical and communicates with the communication portion 55 at its base end. The pipe connection portion 54 is the part to which the pipe portion 40 or the suction port 29 of the vacuum cleaner body 20 is connected, and communicates with the vacuum cleaner body 20.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the rotating cleaning body 70 is a cylindrical member housed in the rotating cleaning body placement section 56 and supported so as to be rotatable. The rotating cleaning body 70 is powered by the cleaning body drive section 80, which will be described in detail later, and is made rotatable in the rotating cleaning body placement section 56. The rotating cleaning body 70 has a cleaning body 72 that extends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the suction tool body 52 and is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the suction tool body 52.

[0023] The suction device 50 is equipped with a cleaning body drive unit 80, and the rotating cleaning body 70 is driven by power output from the cleaning body drive unit 80. As shown in Figure 4, the cleaning body drive unit 80 includes a drive unit 82, a belt 84, an output side structure 88 including an output side pulley 86, a driven side structure 92 including a driven side pulley 90, and the like.

[0024] The drive unit 82 includes a motor 82a located within the suction tool body 52. ​​As shown in Figure 4, the motor 82a is positioned on the end side of the rotating cleaning body 70 in the axial direction of the rotating cleaning body 70 (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 4). The shaft of the motor 82a and the shaft of the rotating cleaning body 70 are aligned with each other (in the width direction of the suction tool 50). In other words, the rotating cleaning body 70 is positioned in front of the motor 82a so that it is aligned with the motor 82a in the front-to-back direction. The driving force of the motor 82a is converted into rotational motion of the rotating cleaning body 70 via a reduction mechanism 94 comprising a belt 84, an output pulley 86, and a driven pulley 90. With this arrangement, the cleaning body drive unit 80 can efficiently transmit the power generated in the drive unit 82 to the rotating cleaning body 70.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, each component of the cleaning body drive unit 80 is supported by the support unit 100. Specifically, the support unit 100 is a component that integrally supports the output side structure 88 and the driven side structure 90 (driven side pulley 90). The support unit 100 is positioned on one axial side of the rotating cleaning body 70, aligned longitudinally with the rotating cleaning body 70. The support unit 100 is also a plate-shaped component that extends along the direction of alignment between the rotating cleaning body 70 and the drive unit 82. The support unit 100 is provided with an axial support unit 100a that rotatably supports the rotating cleaning body 70 (see Figure 7). In addition, the support unit 100 is provided with a receiving portion 100b that is cut out to support the drive unit 82 at a position on the rear side of the suction tool body 52. Alternatively, the output shaft of the drive unit 82 may be inserted through the notch in the receiving portion 100b to position the drive unit 82 relative to the support portion 100 with the output shaft at the position of the hole 100d in the receiving portion 100b, or, in a configuration without a notch in the receiving portion 100b, the drive unit 82 may be positioned relative to the support portion 100 with the output shaft of the drive unit 82 inserted into the hole 100d in the receiving portion 100b. A fixing device (for example, a screw) is used as a means for positioning the drive unit 82 (motor 82a) relative to the support portion 100. The fixing device fixes the support portion 100 and the drive unit 82 (motor 82a) by passing it through the hole 100e in the support portion 100 and the hole 82d provided on the output shaft side of the drive unit 82 (motor 82a). Holes 100d and 100e, 82d penetrate the suction device body 52 in the longitudinal direction (a direction intersecting the extension direction of the support portion 100). Alternatively, the support portion 100 may support the output pulley 86 of the drive unit 82 instead of being fixed to the motor 82a. When the support portion 100 supports the driven structure 90 and when the support portion 100 supports the output pulley 86, the driven pulley 90 and the output pulley 86 are rotatable.

[0026] Furthermore, the support section 100 has a communication opening 100c formed to connect the intake port 58 (see Figure 6) and the inlet opening 82b of the motor 82a, in order to introduce air introduced from the suction device body section 52 to the motor 82a. The communication opening 100c is provided so as to penetrate the support section 100 in order to efficiently guide the intake air to the motor 82a.

[0027] The specific configuration will be described in detail later, but as shown in Figure 7, the motor 82a has an inlet opening 82b on one side in the axial direction (in this embodiment, the end face on one side in the axial direction), and air can be introduced into the inside of the motor 82a from this inlet opening 82b. The communication opening 100c is provided in the support portion 100 in the portion facing the end face of the motor 82a, at a position corresponding to (opposite) the inlet opening 82b. Therefore, the communication opening 100c can efficiently guide the intake air to the motor 82a via the inlet opening 82b. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the motor 82a has an outlet opening 82c on the opposite side in the axial direction from where the inlet opening 82b is provided, at a position corresponding to the exhaust port 120 (see Figure 4) provided in the suction device body portion 52. In other words, the motor 82a (shown by a dashed line in Figure 4) has an outlet opening 82c on the opposite side in the axial direction from where the inlet opening 82b is located, and connects the exhaust port 120 (see Figure 4) provided on the suction device body 52 with the inlet opening 82b. As a result, a cooling channel is formed in which air drawn in from the intake port 58 of the suction device body 52 passes through the motor 82a and flows efficiently to the exhaust port 120, which will be described in detail later.

[0028] The light-emitting unit 53 incorporates a light source such as an LED and is capable of emitting light when in use. The light-emitting unit 53 can be provided to illuminate objects to be illuminated, such as the floor surface, or to illuminate the area in front of the suction tool 50 from the user's perspective, or to visually indicate the usage status or operating status of the suction tool 50. The light-emitting unit 53 may be provided at any part of the suction tool 50 as long as it can achieve the effects described above. In this embodiment, a stepped portion 52c is formed on the upper case 52a of the suction tool 50, and the light-emitting unit 53 is arranged on this stepped portion 52c.

[0029] Here, the suction device 50 is characterized by having a motor cooling structure realized on top of the basic configuration of the suction device 50, and a partition section 130, etc., for improving the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a by the motor cooling structure, in light of the challenge of suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a. The motor cooling structure, the configuration of the partition section 130, etc., and the airflow formed by them will be described in more detail below.

[0030] ≪Regarding the motor cooling structure≫ Next, the motor cooling structure realized on top of the basic configuration of the suction device 50 described above will be explained in detail. As described above, the motor 82a has an inlet opening 82b and an outlet opening 82c in its axial direction (see Figure 5, etc.).

[0031] The inlet opening 82b is the opening through which air drawn in from the intake port 58 flows in. The inlet opening 82b is located on one side (the left side in Figure 4) of the motor 82a in terms of its axial direction. The outlet opening 82c is the opening through which the air that has flowed into the inlet opening 82b flows out. The outlet opening 82c is located on the other side (the right side in Figure 4) of the inlet opening 82b in terms of the axial direction of the motor 82a.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the intake port 58 is located on the back of the intake device body 52, specifically on the back of the upper case 52a. The intake port 58 is located on the side of the inlet opening 82b in the axial direction of the motor 82a. As a result, the air drawn in from the intake port 58 flows axially towards the inlet opening 82b.

[0033] The exhaust port 120 shown in Figure 4 is an opening that connects the internal space of the suction device body 52 to the outside. The exhaust port 120 is located away from the inlet opening 82b in the axial direction of the motor 82a. The exhaust port 120 is an opening through which air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c is discharged into the rotating cleaning body placement section 56 (housing chamber).

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the exhaust port 120 is provided to open inside a recess 57 formed on the bottom side of the suction tool body 52, which is recessed toward the inside (top side) of the suction tool body 52. ​​Due to the recessed structure of the recess 57, the exhaust port 120 is partially covered by a wall, which has the effect of preventing dust scraped up by the rotating cleaning body 70 from directly entering the exhaust port 120. In addition, the recessed structure formed by the recess 57 ensures an appropriate distance between the exhaust port 120 and the rotating cleaning body 70, further reducing the risk of dust intrusion.

[0035] Here, the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c of the motor 82a is guided to the exhaust port 120 by the negative pressure generated by the electric blower 24. This negative pressure acts directly on the exhaust port 120 from the electric blower 24 of the vacuum cleaner body 20 through the joint 51. The negative pressure acting in this way forms a flow path through which air flows from the intake port 58, through the inlet opening 82b, inside the motor 82a, and the outlet opening 82c to the exhaust port 120.

[0036] In particular, in this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the exhaust port 120 is set to be smaller than the opening area of ​​the intake port 58. This prevents dust from entering the exhaust port 120 from inside the suction device 50. Generally, when using the suction device 50, a large amount of dust scraped up by the rotating cleaning body 70 may flow into the inside of the suction device 50 from the exhaust port 120, so by reducing the opening area of ​​the exhaust port 120, dust intrusion can be effectively prevented.

[0037] Ensuring reliable airflow from the intake port 58 to the exhaust port 120 is an important factor in improving cooling efficiency when cooling the motor 82a. As mentioned above, gaps may occur at the joint between the upper case 52a and the lower case 52b, and at the connection between the suction device body 52 and the joint 51. If air flows in through these gaps, the efficiency of the original cooling path will decrease.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing a partition 130, which will be described later, air is prevented from flowing in through these gaps, and airflow from the intake port 58 to the exhaust port 120 is ensured. As a result, the suction device 50 is configured to improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a and suppress overheating of the motor 82a.

[0039] Regarding the partition section: Next, the structure and function of the partition 130 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 8, the partition 130 is provided inside the suction tool body 52. ​​The partition 130 is provided either integrally with the suction tool body 52 or separately, and is a member that extends toward the axis of the motor 82a. The partition 130 is a plate-shaped structure that extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the motor 82a (perpendicular or oblique to the axis of the motor 82a). In this embodiment, plate-shaped portions extending toward the axis of the motor 82a from the inner surfaces of the upper case 52a and the lower case 52 that constitute the suction tool body 52 form the partition 130 by sandwiching the motor 82a from above and below. The partition 130 plays a role in partitioning the internal space of the suction tool body 52. ​​As a result, the partition 130 plays a role in appropriately guiding the airflow and improving the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0040] The partition section 130 includes a first partition section 132 and a second partition section 134. The first partition section 132 and the second partition section 134 are plate-shaped members that are arranged to traverse the interior of the suction device body 52 in the front-to-back direction (a direction intersecting the axis of the motor 82a). The first partition section 132 is a member that separates one side from the outlet opening 82c in the axial direction of the motor 82a. The first partition section 132 expands in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the motor 82a and has a shape that surrounds the motor 82a. The first partition section 132 is located on one side of the outlet opening 82c. This ensures that the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c is reliably guided into the space on one side of the suction device body 52.

[0041] The second partition 134 is located between the inlet opening 82b and the outlet opening 82c in the axial direction of the motor 82a. The second partition 134 expands in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the motor 82a and has a shape that surrounds the motor 82a. Due to this shape and arrangement, the second partition 134 can effectively separate the air flowing into the inlet opening 82b from the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c. In addition, the second partition 134 can guide the air entering from the inlet opening 82b to flow through the inside of the motor 82a to the outlet opening 82c. In this embodiment, the second partition 134 is provided, but the second partition 134 is not an essential component, and the configuration may be made without it.

[0042] In this embodiment, the exhaust port 120 and the outlet opening 82c are located axially between the first partition 132 and the second partition 134, or more precisely, between the inlet opening 82b and the first partition 132. With this arrangement, the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c is collected in the space between the first partition 132 and the second partition 134 (between the inlet opening 82b and the first partition 132) and efficiently guided to the exhaust port 120. As a result, the airflow within the suction device body 52 is optimized, and even if air flows in from gaps such as the joint between the upper case 52a and the lower case 52b that make up the suction device body 52 (case joint), this air does not obstruct the airflow for cooling the motor 82a, thereby suppressing a decrease in cooling efficiency.

[0043] In this embodiment, the partition portion 130 is formed integrally with the suction device body portion 52 (case body), but it is also possible to form it separately. When the partition portion 130 is formed integrally with the case body, there is the advantage that the manufacturing process can be simplified. On the other hand, when it is formed separately, there is the advantage that it can be realized with a configuration that cannot be created by integral molding, such as making the partition portion 130 a more complex shape.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to enhance the airtightness of the partition 130, an airtight member 140 is provided around the partition 130. The airtight member 140 can be made of an appropriate material or formed into an appropriate shape. In this embodiment, the airtight member 140 is made of a sponge-like material and has a band-like shape (sponge band). The airtight member 140 is positioned to fill the gap between the partition 130 and the motor 82a. In particular, in this embodiment, a first airtight member 140a for the first partition 132 and a second airtight member 140b for the second partition 134 are provided separately.

[0045] By using separate airtight members 140 in this way, optimal airtightness can be ensured according to the shape and position of each partition. Another advantage is that even if one airtight member 140 deteriorates, the other airtight member can maintain its function.

[0046] The partition 130 and the airtight member 140 clearly divide the space inside the suction device body 52 into the inlet and outlet sides of the motor 82a. This division prevents air from obstructing the cooling path of the motor 82a, even if air flows in through gaps at the joint between the upper case 52a and the lower case 52b, or at the connection between the suction device body 52 and the joint 51. As a result, airflow from the intake port 58 to the exhaust port 120 is ensured, improving the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0047] Regarding airflow channels: Next, the air passage and cooling system inside the suction device 50 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, a cooling air passage is formed inside the suction device 50, extending from an intake port 58 located on the back of the suction device body 52 to an exhaust port 120 located on the bottom of the suction device body 52. ​​This air passage is appropriately partitioned by a partition 130 in order to efficiently cool the motor 82a.

[0048] The airflow first enters the main body 52 of the suction device through the intake port 58. Since the intake port 58 is located on the other side of the inlet opening 82b in the axial direction of the motor 82a, the intake air is guided axially towards the inlet opening 82b. At this time, the communication opening 100c formed in the support portion 100 serves as a passage connecting the intake port 58 and the inlet opening 82b of the motor 82a.

[0049] The air that has passed through the communication opening 100c flows into the motor 82a through the inlet opening 82b. As the air passes through the inside of the motor 82a, it absorbs heat from the motor 82a and its temperature rises. This heat exchange cools the motor 82a.

[0050] The air that has passed through the motor 82a flows out from the outlet opening 82c. The air that flows out from the outlet opening 82c enters the space formed between the first partition 132 and the second partition 134. Since this space is separated from other spaces by the partition 130, the air is efficiently guided to the exhaust port 120.

[0051] The exhaust port 120 is located between the first partition 132 and the second partition 134 when viewed in the axial direction. This positional relationship allows air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c to flow efficiently to the exhaust port 120.

[0052] In the air passage formed in the suction device 50 of this embodiment, it is important that the airflow from the intake port 58 to the exhaust port 120 is ensured by the partition portion 130. In particular, the first partition portion 132 ensures that the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c is reliably guided toward the exhaust port 120. Although the second partition portion 134 is not an essential component, it prevents the mixing of air flowing into the inlet opening 82b and air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c.

[0053] Furthermore, in the suction device 50, the position of the air intake port 58 is also an important factor that affects the cooling efficiency. In this embodiment, the air intake port 58 is located on the side of the support portion 100 (away from the motor 82a), which allows air to flow smoothly to the inlet opening 82b. In addition, the air intake port 58 is provided on the other side of the second partition portion 134 or the inlet opening 82b, thereby ensuring airflow to the inlet opening 82b.

[0054] Regarding the operation of the suction device: Next, the operation of the suction attachment 50 will be explained. When cleaning the floor surface using the electric vacuum cleaner 10, the user first turns on the power by operating the control unit 62 of the electric vacuum cleaner 10, and the electric blower 24 starts up. When the electric blower 24 starts up, negative pressure is generated inside the vacuum cleaner body 20, and this negative pressure is transmitted to the suction attachment 50 through the pipe section 40 and the joint section 51.

[0055] When the negative pressure from the electric blower 24 acts inside the suction device 50 through the communication section 55 of the joint section 51, negative pressure is generated at the exhaust port 120. This negative pressure creates an airflow inside the suction device 50, drawing in outside air through the intake port 58. The air drawn in through the intake port 58 passes through the communication opening 100c of the support section 100 and flows into the inlet opening 82b of the motor 82a. At this time, the second partition section 134 ensures that air flows into the inlet opening 82b.

[0056] The air flowing into the motor 82a cools the motor 82a as it passes through its interior and then flows out through the outlet opening 82c. The air flowing out through the outlet opening 82c is guided into the space between the first partition 132 and the second partition 134. Because this space is properly partitioned by the partition 130, the air flows efficiently to the exhaust port 120. The air that reaches the exhaust port 120 is then discharged to the outside.

[0057] While the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, the above operations are continuously performed, and the motor 82a is cooled efficiently. In the suction attachment 50 of this embodiment, the partition 130 prevents obstruction of airflow due to gaps such as the joint between the upper case 52a and the lower case 52b, and a stable cooling effect is obtained.

[0058] Furthermore, even if the temperature of the motor 82a rises due to prolonged use, overheating of the motor 82a is prevented because airflow is maintained from the intake port 58 to the inlet opening 82b and from the outlet opening 82c to the exhaust port 120. In addition, the negative pressure acting on the exhaust port 120 maintains a stable flow of cooling air, so that the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a does not decrease and stable operation can continue.

[0059] ≪Variations≫ Next, a modified version of this embodiment will be described. In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the air intake port 58 is located on the end side of the support portion 100, but the following modifications are also possible.

[0060] As a first modification, the suction device 50 can be modified by changing the position of the air intake port 58. For example, the air intake port 58 can be positioned between the support portion 100 and the second partition portion 134 in the axial direction of the motor 82a. In this case, by appropriately adjusting the position and shape of the communication opening 100c of the support portion 100, airflow from the air intake port 58 to the inlet opening 82b can be ensured. It is also possible to position the air intake port 58 in a position that partially overlaps with the support portion 100 in the axial direction of the motor 82a, or to position it on the side of the suction device body portion 52 (the side on which the motor 82a is located). Such configurations improve the design flexibility of the suction device body portion 52.

[0061] As a second modification, the intake 50 can be modified by changing the position of the exhaust port 120. For example, the exhaust port 120 can be positioned in close proximity to the first partition 132. This reduces flow resistance and further improves cooling efficiency because the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c reaches the exhaust port 120 over a shorter distance.

[0062] As a third modification, the suction device 50 can be made by changing the structure of the partition section 130. For example, by adjusting the distance between the first partition section 132 and the second partition section 134, the volume of the space between them can be optimized. If the distance between the partition sections is widened, the volume of the space increases, creating more room for airflow. On the other hand, if the distance between the partition sections is narrowed, the airflow velocity increases, which may improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0063] As a fourth variation, the suction device 50 can be made by changing the configuration of the airtight member 140. For example, the first airtight member 140a and the second airtight member 140b can be integrated to form a single continuous airtight member. Furthermore, the suction device 50 can be made to achieve higher airtightness by changing the material or shape of the airtight member 140. For example, the suction device 50 can be made to have improved airtightness by using a highly elastic rubber material or by devising a cross-sectional shape.

[0064] As a fifth modification, the suction device 50 can be made by changing the number and shape of the communication openings 100c of the support portion 100. For example, by providing multiple small communication openings, the airflow can be dispersed, and the air supply to the motor 82a can be made more uniform. In addition, by making the shape of the communication openings 100c streamlined, the resistance to the airflow can be reduced, and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0065] These modifications can be applied individually or in combination. For example, by combining a change in the position of the air intake 58 with a change in the structure of the partition 130, a cooling structure optimized for specific design conditions can be realized.

[0066] The above modifications are merely examples, and various changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in addition to the above modifications, various elements such as the shape of the suction device body 52, the arrangement of the motor 82a, and the material of the partition 130 can be changed.

[0067] Regarding the effects obtained by the suction device 50 and the vacuum cleaner 10: The effects and other aspects obtained by the suction device 50 and the electric vacuum cleaner 10 described above will be explained below for each aspect of the present invention.

[0068] [Regarding a suction device and electric vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the present invention] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-23293 discloses an intake port body in which the upper or lower case is connected to the motor room and has an intake port without a filter, and the upper or lower case is connected to a suction chamber or pipeline and has an exhaust port with or without a filter.

[0069] In the conventional suction port described above, slight gaps may occur between the upper case, lower case, and connecting pipe due to manufacturing tolerances, or there may be a design-required clearance (gap) between the upper case, lower case, and connecting pipe. As a result, the conventional suction port has a problem in which air flowing into the case through the aforementioned gaps hinders the smooth flow of air from the intake port to the exhaust port, reducing the cooling efficiency of the motor.

[0070] Therefore, the present invention aims to realize a suction device that can suppress the decrease in the cooling efficiency of a motor.

[0071] (1) The suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment comprises a case body (suction attachment body portion 52) having an air intake port 58, a rotating cleaning body 70, a motor 82a provided inside the case body and serving as a drive source for the rotation of the rotating cleaning body 70, and a partition portion 130 which is integrated with or separate from the case body and extends toward the axis of the motor 82a, the case body having a housing chamber (rotating cleaning body arrangement portion 56) in which the rotating cleaning body 70 is arranged, and the motor 82a having an inlet opening 82b into which air drawn in from the air intake port 58 flows, and The motor 82a has an outlet opening 82c located on one side of the inlet opening 82b in the axial direction, through which air that has flowed into the inlet opening 82b flows out. The housing chamber has a communication section 55 that communicates with the vacuum cleaner body 20, and an exhaust port 120 through which air that has flowed out from the outlet opening 82c is discharged into the housing chamber. The partition section 130 is a first partition section 132 that separates one side from the outlet opening 82c in the axial direction, and includes a first partition section 132 located on one side of the outlet opening 82c.

[0072] The suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment is provided with a first partition portion 132 in the partition portion 130 that extends toward the axis center of the motor 82a, which is located inside the case body, and which separates one side from the outlet opening 82c. The first partition portion 132 prevents air from flowing smoothly from the intake port 58 to the exhaust port 120 due to slight gaps in the joint portion of the case body due to manufacturing tolerances, or air flowing into the case body from gaps in the connection portion between the case body and the joint portion 51. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment can suppress a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a. Note that the present invention also includes configurations without a support member, in which case the reduction mechanism 94 can be supported by the lower case 52b.

[0073] (2) The suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment has negative pressure acting on the exhaust port 120.

[0074] In this embodiment, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner, as described in (2) above, allows air to flow efficiently from the intake port 58 through the inside of the motor 82a to the exhaust port 120 due to the negative pressure acting on the exhaust port 120. This negative pressure ensures a reliable airflow for cooling the motor 82a. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment can further improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0075] (3) In the suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment, the intake port 58 is provided on the other side of the intake opening 82b in the axial direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner is provided with the intake port 58 located on the other side of the intake opening 82b in the axial direction of the motor 82a, as described in (3) above. This allows the intake air to be smoothly guided to the front intake opening 82b of the motor 82a. This improves the cooling efficiency. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment can further improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0077] Furthermore, even if the air intake port 58 is not located on the other side of the intake opening 82b, the first partition 132 forms a section for the airflow, thus suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0078] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment has the exhaust port 120 located on one side of the inlet opening 82b in the axial direction.

[0079] In this embodiment, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner is positioned such that the exhaust port 120 is located on one side of the inlet opening 82b in the axial direction of the motor 82a, as described in (4) above. This allows the air that has passed through the motor 82a to be guided to the exhaust port 120 in a natural flow. As a result, the air that has cooled the motor 82a is discharged more smoothly, improving the cooling efficiency. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment can further improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0080] Furthermore, even if the exhaust port 120 is not located on one side of the intake opening 82b, the first partition 132 forms a section for the airflow, thus suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0081] (5) The suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment is provided with a support member (support part 100) that supports the motor 82a or the output pulley 86 in the configuration of (1) to (4) above, and the support member has a communication opening 100c that connects the air intake port 58 and the inlet opening 82b.

[0082] As described in (5) above, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment is provided with a communication opening 100c in the support portion 100 that supports the motor 82a, which connects the air intake port 58 and the inlet opening 82b. Through this communication opening 100c, the air drawn in from the air intake port 58 is efficiently guided to the inlet opening 82b of the motor 82a. The support portion 100 is a structure that supports the motor 82a and would normally be a factor that obstructs the airflow, but this problem is solved by providing the communication opening 100c. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment can further improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0083] Furthermore, even if the support member does not have a communication opening, the present invention provides the effect of suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a because the first partition portion 132 forms a section for the airflow.

[0084] (6) The suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner in this embodiment is equipped with a reduction mechanism 94 for transmitting the driving force of the motor 82a to the rotating cleaning body 70 as described in (5) above, and the support member (support portion 100) supports the reduction mechanism 94.

[0085] In this embodiment, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner is unitized by the support portion 100 also supporting the reduction mechanism 94 for transmitting the driving force of the motor 82a to the rotating cleaning body 70, as described in (6) above, thereby facilitating the assembly of the motor 82a and the reduction mechanism 94 into the case body. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment can be easily assembled into the case body of the motor 82a and the reduction mechanism 94.

[0086] Furthermore, even if the support member does not support the reduction mechanism, the first partition 132 forms a section for airflow, thus suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0087] (7) In the suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment, the partition portion 130 further includes a second partition portion 134 located between the inlet opening 82b and the outlet opening 82c in the axial direction, as described in (1) to (6) above.

[0088] As described in (7) above, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner of this embodiment clearly separates the airflow to the motor 82a from the airflow to the motor 82a by providing the second partition 134 located between the inlet opening 82b and the outlet opening 82c. This prevents the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c from flowing back to the inlet opening 82b, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner of this embodiment can further improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0089] Furthermore, even if the present invention does not include the second partition portion 134, the first partition portion 132 forms a section for the airflow, thus providing an effect of suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0090] (8) In the suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment, the exhaust port 120 and the outlet opening 82c are located between the first partition portion 132 and the second partition portion 134 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0091] As described in (8) above, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner of this embodiment is structured such that the air flowing out from the outlet opening 82c is efficiently guided to the exhaust attachment 120 by positioning the exhaust port 120 and the outlet opening 82c between the first partition 132 and the second partition 134. By arranging the outlet opening 82c and the exhaust attachment 120 within the space formed by the first partition 132 and the second partition 134, a clear path for airflow is ensured, improving cooling efficiency. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner of this embodiment can further improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0092] Furthermore, even if the exhaust port 120 and the outlet opening 82c are not located between the first partition 132 and the second partition 134, the first partition 132 forms a section for the airflow, thus suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0093] (9) In any of (1) to (8), the suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment is arranged such that the rotating cleaning body 70 and the exhaust port 120 are aligned in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the bottom side of the case body.

[0094] As described in (9) above, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment is arranged such that the rotating cleaning body 70 and the exhaust port 120 are aligned in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the bottom of the case body, making it difficult for dust stirred up by the rotating cleaning body 70 to directly enter the exhaust port 120. This prevents dust from entering the air passage for cooling the motor 82a and prevents a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a. Therefore, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner in this embodiment can maintain stable cooling performance of the motor 82a over a long period of time.

[0095] Furthermore, even if the rotating cleaning body 70 and the exhaust port 120 are not aligned in the front-to-back direction, the first partition 132 forms a section for the airflow, thus suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0096] (10) In the suction attachment 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment, the air intake port 58 is provided on the other side of the second partition portion 134 in the axial direction, as described in (7) above.

[0097] In this embodiment, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner has a structure in which the intake port 58 is located on the other side of the second partition 134, as described in (10) above, so that the intake air is guided through the space partitioned by the second partition 134 to the front opening 82b of the motor 82a. As a result, the airflow from the intake port 58 to the front opening 82b is protected by the second partition 134 and is less affected by other airflows inside the case. Therefore, in this embodiment, the suction attachment 50 of the vacuum cleaner has a stable air supply to the motor 82a and improved cooling efficiency.

[0098] Furthermore, even if the present invention is configured such that the air intake port 58 is not provided on the other side of the second partition portion 134, the first partition portion 132 forms a section for the airflow, thus providing the effect of suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a.

[0099] (11) The electric vacuum cleaner 10 of this embodiment is characterized by comprising a suction device 50 as described in any of (1) to (10) above, and a vacuum cleaner body 20 having an electric blower 24 that generates suction force.

[0100] As described in (11) above, the vacuum cleaner 10 of this embodiment comprises the suction attachment 50 and a vacuum cleaner body 20 having an electric blower 24 that generates suction force, thereby realizing a vacuum cleaner with improved cooling efficiency of the motor 82a in the suction attachment 50. The negative pressure generated by the electric blower 24 of the vacuum cleaner body 20 acts on the exhaust port 120 in the suction attachment 50, thereby ensuring a reliable airflow for cooling the motor 82a. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 10 of this embodiment is a product that combines high cleaning performance and reliability.

[0101] Furthermore, the above configurations can be combined in any way. In particular, by combining configurations (5) and (7), a particularly excellent effect is obtained in which the cooling efficiency of the motor 82a is greatly improved due to the synergistic effect of the communication opening 100c of the support portion 100 and the second partition portion 134. Also, by combining configurations (8) and (9), the exhaust port 120 and the outlet opening 82c of the motor 82a can be placed between the first partition portion 132 and the second partition portion 134, while the rotating cleaning body 70 and the exhaust port 120 can be aligned in the front-to-back direction, making it possible to achieve both improved cooling efficiency of the motor 82a and prevention of dust intrusion.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and other embodiments may exist in the spirit and teachings thereof, without departing from the scope of the claims. The components of the embodiments described above may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the invention, or any component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to obtain rights for these as well in amendments or divisional applications of this application. [Industrial applicability]

[0103] The present invention can be suitably used in dust suction devices in general. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 10: Electric vacuum cleaner 20: Vacuum cleaner body 24:Electric blower 50: Suction device 52: Suction device body 52a: Upper case 52b: Lower case 54: Joint section 55:Communication part 58: Air intake 70: Rotating cleaning unit 82a: Motor 82b: Entrance opening 82c: Exit opening 100: Support part 100c: Communication opening 120: Exhaust port 130: Partition section 132: First partition section 134: Second partition section

Claims

1. A case body having an air intake, Rotating cleaning body and A motor is provided inside the case and serves as a drive source for the rotation of the rotating cleaning body. The case body is integrated with or separate from the aforementioned case body, and comprises a partition portion extending toward the axis center of the motor, The case body has a housing chamber in which the rotating cleaning body is arranged, The aforementioned motor is An inlet opening through which air drawn in from the aforementioned intake port flows, The motor has an outlet opening located on one side of the inlet opening in the axial direction of the motor, through which the air that has flowed into the inlet opening flows out. The aforementioned storage chamber has a communication section that communicates with the main body of the vacuum cleaner, and an exhaust port through which air flowing out from the outlet opening is discharged into the storage chamber. The partition portion is a first partition portion that separates one side from the outlet opening in the axial direction, and is characterized in that it includes a first partition portion located on one side from the outlet opening.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that negative pressure acts on the exhaust port.

3. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intake port is provided on the other side of the intake opening in the axial direction.

4. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exhaust port is located on one side of the inlet opening in the axial direction.

5. The motor or output pulley is supported by a support member, The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support member has a communication opening that connects the air intake port and the inlet opening.

6. The motor is equipped with a reduction mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the rotating cleaning body, The suction device according to claim 5, characterized in that the support member supports the reduction mechanism.

7. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the partition portion further includes a second partition portion located between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the axial direction.

8. Idea 4 The suction device according to claim 7, characterized in that the exhaust port and the outlet opening are located between the first partition and the second partition when viewed in the axial direction.

9. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when viewed from the bottom of the case body, the rotating cleaning body and the exhaust port are arranged in a front-to-back direction.

10. The suction device according to claim 7, characterized in that the intake port is provided on the other side of the second partition in the axial direction.

11. The suction device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a joint portion that is rotatably connected to the case body.

12. A suction device according to claim 1 or 2, An electric vacuum cleaner characterized by comprising a vacuum cleaner body having an electric blower that generates suction power.

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