Suction nozzle

Abstract

To provide a suction nozzle capable of inserting a suction nozzle to a narrow gap by changing a width-direction length of the nozzle and also capable of applying suction force to dust on a floor surface over the nearly whole area in the width direction of the suction nozzle.SOLUTION: A suction nozzle 10 is connectable to a dust pipe of a cleaner body and comprises: a main case 20 where a first suction space opening downward is formed; sub-cases 30 each of which is arranged on a side of the main case 20 and where a second suction space opening downward is formed; and connection parts 40 each of which is elastically bendable and connects the main case 20 to the sub-case 30. The connection part 40 includes a third suction space which is opening downward continuously in a zone from the first suction space to the second suction space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction nozzle that is attached to a vacuum cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] A suction nozzle is known that is attached to a vacuum cleaner body and sucks up dust on a floor surface by the suction force from the vacuum cleaner body. Patent Document 1 discloses a suction nozzle 510, which includes a suction tube 502 connected to the vacuum cleaner body, a base 501 connected to the lower end of the suction tube 502, and a pair of movable suction port bodies 503 arranged side by side on the left and right so as to abut against the lower surface of the base 501, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The pair of movable suction port bodies 503 are connected to the base 501 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction. The base 501 is formed with a communication space 501a that communicates with the suction tube 502. Each of the pair of movable suction port bodies 503 is formed with a suction passage 503b that opens downward and is used to suck up dust from the floor surface, and a communication port 503c that connects the communication space 501a and the suction passage 503b. According to the suction nozzle 510 of Patent Document 1, the width of the suction nozzle 510 can be shortened by rotating the movable suction port body 503 relative to the base 501 while maintaining the suction force acting on the suction passage 503b, and the suction nozzle 510 can be inserted into a narrow gap for cleaning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-128617 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the suction nozzle 510 of Patent Document 1, because the pair of movable suction port bodies 503 are configured to be connected to the underside of the base 501, there is a section in the width direction of the pair of movable suction port bodies 503 where a suction space for sucking up dust on the floor surface is not formed. This causes a problem that, in the cleaning range of the vacuum cleaner, suction force from the suction space does not act on some of the dust on the floor surface, and some of the dust on the floor surface is not sucked up by the suction nozzle 510.

[0005] This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a suction nozzle that can be inserted into narrow gaps by changing the width of the suction nozzle, and that can apply suction force to dust on the floor surface over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the suction nozzle of the present invention is a suction nozzle configured to be connectable to a dust duct of a vacuum cleaner body having a built-in suction source that generates suction force, comprising: a main case configured to be connectable to the dust duct and having a first suction space that opens downward to suck in dust on a floor surface by the suction force of the suction source; a sub-case arranged to the side of the main case and having a second suction space that opens downward to suck in dust on the floor surface; and a connecting part that connects the main case and the sub-case and is configured to be elastically bendable; a first spacing member that separates the main case from a floor surface so as to form a gap that opens forward from the first suction space; and a second spacing member that separates the sub-case from the floor surface so as to form a gap that opens forward from the second suction space when the connecting portion is not bent, and allows dust on the front side of the sub-case to flow into the sub-case through this gap. The connecting portion has a third suction space that communicates with the first suction space and the second suction space and that is continuously open downward in a section from the first suction space to the second suction space, and the third suction space is configured to maintain a state in which the first suction space and the second suction space communicate with each other when the connecting portion is bent. The gap formed by the first spacing member has a height that allows dust on the front side of the main case to flow into the main case through the gap. The gap formed by the second spacing member has a height greater than the height of the gap formed by the first spacing member. .

[0007] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the first suction space formed in the main case, the second suction space formed in the sub-case, and the third suction space formed in the connecting portion form a suction space for sucking up dust from the floor surface over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle. Moreover, by bending the connecting portion connecting the main case and the sub-case, the sub-case can be switched from a state in which the sub-case is located to the side of the main case to a state in which the sub-case is located in front or behind the main case while maintaining the communication between the first suction space and the second suction space. This allows the width of the suction nozzle to be shortened while maintaining the state in which the suction space is formed over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle. Therefore, according to this suction nozzle, the width of the suction nozzle can be changed to insert it into a narrow gap, and suction force can be applied to dust on the floor surface over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle. In this suction nozzle, a relatively large suction force acts on the first suction space of the main case connected to the dust duct of the vacuum cleaner body, and a relatively small suction force acts on the second suction space of the sub-case. Meanwhile, the first and second spacing members make the height of the gap between the main case and the floor relatively small, and the height of the gap between the sub-case and the floor relatively large. Therefore, even if the height of the gap is relatively small in the main case, a relatively large suction force acts on the first suction space, so that dust is prevented from clogging in the gap between the main case and the floor. And, even if the suction force acting on the second suction space in the sub-case is relatively small, the height of the gap is increased to prevent dust from clogging in the gap between the sub-case and the floor. Therefore, in both the main case and the sub-case, dust can be prevented from clogging in the gap between the floor.

[0008] The suction nozzle may further include a protrusion portion protruding laterally from the main case, an extension portion extending from the sub-case toward the main case, and a connection portion connecting the protrusion portion and the extension portion, and the connection portion may be configured to allow the sub-case to rotate around the connection portion.

[0009] In this aspect, the projection, extension, and connection parts are configured to keep the trajectory of the movement of the sub-case relative to the main case constant when the connecting part is bent, thereby preventing excessive strain on the connecting part due to the movement of the sub-case.

[0014] Another suction nozzle according to the present invention is configured to be connectable to a dust duct of a vacuum cleaner body having a built-in suction source that generates suction force. The suction nozzle is configured to be connectable to the dust duct and includes a main case having a first suction space that opens downward for sucking dust on a floor surface by the suction force of the suction source, a sub-case that is arranged on a side of the main case and has a second suction space that opens downward for sucking dust on the floor surface, and a connecting part that connects the main case and the sub-case and is configured to be elastically bendable. The main case includes , No. 1 Intake space Forms a gap that opens forward from the The first notch is formed. do. The sub-case includes: When the connecting portion is not bent, The second suction space A gap is formed that opens forward from the front of the sub-case, and dust on the front side of the sub-case is allowed to flow into the sub-case through the gap. The second notch is formed. The gap formed by the first cutout has a height that allows dust on the front side of the main case to flow into the main case through this gap. The second cutout The gap formed by The first cutout and has a height greater than the height of the gap formed by .

[0015] In this aspect, the opening of the second notch formed in the sub-case for sucking dust around the sub-case into the second suction space is larger than the opening of the first notch formed in the main case for sucking dust around the main case into the first suction space. In this case, in the main case where a relatively large suction force acts on the first suction space, dust can be prevented from clogging the opening of the first notch even if the opening of the first notch is made relatively small. In the sub-case where a relatively small suction force acts on the second suction space, dust can be prevented from clogging the opening of the second notch by making the opening of the second notch relatively large. Therefore, in both the main case and the sub-case, dust can be prevented from clogging the first notch and the second notch.

[0016] The sub-case may be tapered toward its tip, which makes it easier to insert and remove the sub-case into and from a narrow gap when cleaning the narrow gap with the suction nozzle. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the suction nozzle of the present disclosure, the widthwise length of the suction nozzle can be changed to insert it into narrow gaps, and suction force can be applied to dust on the floor surface over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] Side view showing a vacuum cleaner [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a suction nozzle according to an embodiment, as viewed from above; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a suction nozzle according to an embodiment, as viewed from below; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a suction nozzle according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a suction nozzle according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view showing a suction nozzle in a normal state according to an embodiment; [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view showing a suction nozzle in a bent state according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view showing a suction nozzle in a bent state according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first spacing member and a second spacing member according to a modified example of the embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first cutout portion and a second cutout portion according to a modified example of the embodiment; [Figure 11] A plan view from below showing the suction nozzle of Patent Document 1 (movable part in initial state) [Figure 12] A plan view from below showing the suction nozzle of Patent Document 1 (in a state where the movable part is rotated) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0020] (Vacuum cleaner structure) 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 includes a vacuum cleaner body 110 incorporating a suction source 102 that generates a suction force for sucking dust, a dust duct 103 extending from the vacuum cleaner body 110, and a suction nozzle 10 attached to the end of the dust duct 103. During cleaning work, the suction force of the suction source 102 acts on the suction nozzle 10 through the dust duct 103, and dust sucked into the suction nozzle 10 by the suction force of the suction source 102 is sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 110 through the dust duct 103. The dust duct 103 includes a flexible hose 105 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 110, an extension tube 106 extending in one direction, and a grip part 107 that connects the hose 105 and the extension tube 106 and is formed so as to be grippable by a user. The grip part 107 is provided with an operation part 108 for operating the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the suction nozzle 10.

[0021] (Suction nozzle structure) The suction nozzle 10 is for forming a suction space wider in the left-right direction than the flow path formed by the dust duct 103, and is attached to an extension pipe 106. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the suction nozzle 10 includes a nozzle case 12 that is wider in the left-right direction, and a connecting pipe 14 that extends rearward from the nozzle case 12. The connecting pipe 14 is configured so as to be connectable to the extension pipe 106 of the dust duct 103. The nozzle case 12 includes a main case 20 connected to the connecting pipe 14, a pair of sub-cases 30 disposed on the sides of the main case 20, and a pair of connecting portions 40 located between the main case 20 and the pair of sub-cases 30.

[0022] The main case 20 includes a case base 21 connected to the connecting pipe 14, and a case front portion 22 connected to the front end portion of the case base 21 and opening downward. The case base 21 has an upper surface portion 53, left and right side surfaces 52, and a lower surface portion 54. A communication passage 26 that communicates with the space inside the connecting pipe 14 is formed inside the case base 21.

[0023] The case front part 22 is formed integrally with the case base part 21, and a first suction space 25 is formed in the case front part 22, which is connected to the communication passage 26 of the case base part 21 and opens downward to suck in dust. That is, the case front part 22 has a rear wall part 56 in which an opening that communicates the communication passage 26 with the first suction space 25 is formed, a front wall part 55 and an upper wall part 57 that define the front and upper surfaces of the first suction space 25, and a left wall part 58 and a right wall part 59 that define the left wall and right side of the first suction space. Dust sucked into the first suction space 25 is sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 110 through the communication passage 26, the connecting pipe 14, and the dust duct 103.

[0024] The left side wall portion 58 and the right side wall portion 59 are formed with communication ports 27 that communicate the first suction space 25 with a third suction space 45 of the connecting portion 40, which will be described later.

[0025] Of the pair of sub-cases 30, the left sub-case 30 is disposed to the left of the main case 20, and is formed with a second suction space 35 that opens downward to suck in dust. That is, the left sub-case 30 includes an upper wall portion 81, a front wall portion 82, a rear wall portion 83, an outer wall portion 84, and an inner wall portion 85. The upper wall portion 81, the front wall portion 82, and the rear wall portion 83 respectively define the upper wall, the front wall, and the rear wall of the second suction space 35. The outer wall portion 84 and the inner wall portion 85 define the outer wall and the inner wall in the width direction of the second suction space 35. The inner wall portion 85 is formed with a communication port 37 that communicates the second suction space 35 with a third suction space 45 of the connecting portion 40 described later.

[0026] 4 and 5, the left sub-case 30 has a tapered shape that narrows from an inner wall portion 85 on the main case 20 side toward an outer wall portion 84 on the opposite side to the main case 20. In other words, the left sub-case 30 is formed such that its width (length in the front-to-rear direction) and height (length in the up-to-down direction) become smaller from the inner wall portion 85 on the main case 20 side toward the outer wall portion 84 on the opposite side to the main case 20.

[0027] The pair of sub-cases 30 are formed symmetrically, and the right-side sub-case 30 of the pair of sub-cases 30 is configured in the same manner as the left-side sub-case 30, except that it is positioned to the right of the main case 20.

[0028] 6, the left connecting part 40 has an inner end 42 which is the end on the main case 20 side connected to the left side wall 58 of the case front part 22, and an outer end 43 which is the end on the left sub-case 30 side connected to the inner wall 85 of the left sub-case 30. The left connecting part 40 has a half-pipe shape that opens downward, and is provided with a third suction space 45 which opens downward for sucking in dust.

[0029] The left connecting part 40 is made of a slightly elastic material (such as soft resin or hard rubber) and has a bellows structure that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the left connecting part 40 is configured to be elastically bent and deformable by one part of the left connecting part 40 deforming to expand and another part of the left connecting part 40 deforming to contract.

[0030] The pair of connecting portions 40 are formed symmetrically, and the right connecting portion 40 of the pair of connecting portions 40 is formed in the same manner as the left connecting portion 40, except that its inner end portion 42 is connected to the right side wall portion 59 of the case front portion 22, and its outer end portion 43, which is the end portion on the right sub-case 30 side, is connected to the inner wall portion 85 of the right sub-case 30.

[0031] 6, in the suction nozzle 10, the first suction space 25 of the main case 20 and the second suction space 35 of the sub case 30 communicate with each other through the communication openings 27, 37, and the third suction space 45 of the connecting portion 40. Therefore, in the suction nozzle 10, a continuous suction space is formed over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle 10 by the first suction space 25 of the main case 20, the second suction space 35 of the sub case 30, and the third suction space 45 of the connecting portion 40. Therefore, dust sucked into not only the first suction space 25 but also the second suction space 35 and the third suction space 45 is sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 110 through the communication passage 26, the connecting pipe 14, and the dust pipe 103.

[0032] 7 and 8, the suction nozzle 10 is configured so that the state of the connecting part 40 changes from a normal state in which the connecting part 40 extends in the left-right direction to a bent state in which the connecting part 40 is bent, by bending the connecting part 40 forward or backward. Even when the state of the suction nozzle 10 changes from the normal state to the bent state, the first suction space 25 and the second suction space 35 are maintained in communication with each other through the third suction space 45.

[0033] Specifically, when the suction nozzle 10 is used in a large space, the suction nozzle 10 is in a normal state in which the connecting part 40 extends in the left-right direction, as shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the suction nozzle 10 extends in the left-right direction (the width direction of the suction nozzle 10) from the main case 20 to the connecting part 40 and the sub-case 30, and a suction space that is continuous across almost the entire width of the nozzle case 12 is formed.

[0034] On the other hand, when the suction nozzle 10 is inserted into a narrow gap, both ends of the nozzle case 12 may come into contact with an obstacle, and a rearward external force may act on the sub-case 30, as shown in Fig. 7. In this case, a rearward external force acts on the outer end 43 of the connecting part 40 via the sub-case 30, and the outer end 43 rotates rearward by approximately 90 degrees, bending the connecting part 40 rearward, and the state of the suction nozzle 10 switches from the normal state to the bent state. The suction nozzle 10 in the bent state has a smaller width than the normal state due to the rotation of the sub-case 30, so that the suction nozzle 10 can be inserted into a narrow gap. When the suction nozzle 10 is pulled out of the narrow gap, the restoring force of the connecting part 40 elastically deforms the connecting part 40 so as to extend in the left-right direction, and the state of the suction nozzle 10 switches from the bent state to the normal state.

[0035] Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, when a forward external force acts on the sub-case 30, a forward external force acts on the outer end 43 of the connecting part 40 via the sub-case 30, causing the outer end 43 to rotate, thereby bending the connecting part 40 forward and switching the suction nozzle 10 to a bent state.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the suction nozzle 10 comprises a pair of protruding portions 60 formed to protrude laterally from the left and right side surfaces of the main case 20, a pair of extending portions 63 respectively extending from the widthwise inner surfaces of the left and right sub-cases 30 toward the main case 20, and a pair of connecting portions 61 connecting the pair of protruding portions 60 and the pair of extending portions 63.

[0037] Of the pair of overhanging portions 60, the left overhanging portion 60 extends leftward (toward the left sub-case 30) from an upper portion of the left side wall portion 58 of the case front portion 22 and is formed integrally with the case front portion 22 so that its lower surface is flat. The right overhanging portion 60 is formed symmetrically with the left overhanging portion 60.

[0038] Of the pair of extension parts 63, the left extension part 63 protrudes rightward (towards the main case 20) from the inner wall part 85 of the left sub-case 30 and is formed integrally with the left sub-case 30 so that its upper surface is flat. A part of the upper surface of the left extension part 63 abuts a part of the lower surface of the left protruding part 60. The right extension part 63 is formed symmetrically with the left extension part 63.

[0039] Of the pair of connecting parts 61, the left connecting part 61 is formed as an axis extending in the vertical direction, and is configured so that the left extension part 63 is rotatably connected to the left overhang part 60. The right connecting part 61 is formed symmetrically with the left connecting part 61. In other words, when the connecting part 40 is bent, the sub-case 30 rotates along a certain trajectory around the connecting part 61 relative to the main case 20. With this configuration, when an external force acts on the connecting part 40 and the connecting part 40 is deformed, the deformation of the connecting part 40 is restricted, so that excessive load is not applied to the connecting part 40.

[0040] 4 and 6, the front wall 55 of the case front part 22 is provided with a first notch 87 at its lower edge. The first notch 87 communicates between the first suction space 25 and the space in front of the front wall 55 and is cut upward from the lower edge of the front wall 55. The first notch 87 is for sucking dust on the floor surface in front of the front wall 55 into the first suction space 25.

[0041] 4 and 5, the front wall 82 and the outer wall 84 of the sub-case 30 are provided with second notches 88 at their lower edges, which communicate the second suction space 35 with the space in front of the front wall 82 and the space to the side of the outer wall 84 and are formed continuously so as to cut upward from the lower edges of the front wall 82 and the outer wall 84. The second notches 88 are for sucking dust on the floor surface in front of the front wall 82 and to the side of the outer wall 84 into the second suction space 35.

[0042] The first cutout 87 may be formed in the rear wall 56 of the case front part 22, so as to be cut upward from the lower edge. The second cutout 88 may be formed in the rear wall 83 of the sub-case 30, so as to be cut upward from the lower edge.

[0043] 5 and 6, a movement assisting part 23 is attached to the case front part 22, which is connected to the lower part of the rear wall part 56 and serves to position the roller 71 and the first hair raising member 72 at predetermined positions. The height of the bottom surface of the movement assisting part 23 is approximately the same as the height of the bottom surface of the case front part 22.

[0044] A roller 71 for assisting the suction nozzle 10 in moving forward and backward on the floor surface, and a first raising member 72 formed to protrude downward (toward the floor surface) are disposed on the bottom of the movement assisting part 23. The roller 71 and the first raising member 72 function as a first spacing member for spacing the main case 20 from the floor surface.

[0045] A second raising member 73 formed to protrude downward (toward the floor surface) is disposed on the bottom of the rear wall 83 of the sub-case 30. The second raising member 73 functions as a second spacing member for spacing the sub-case 30 from the floor surface. In the suction nozzle 10, the roller 71, the first raising member 72 and the second raising member 73 function as a spacing portion 70 for spacing the bottom of the nozzle case 12 from the floor surface.

[0046] The roller 71 is composed of an axis member 75 extending in the left-right direction, and a wheel 76 formed to be rotatable about the axis member 75 as a central axis. The wheel 76 is formed so that a part of the wheel 76 protrudes downward (toward the floor surface) from the bottom surface of the movement assistance part 23, and the other part is housed within the movement assistance part 23. The configuration of the roller 71 is not limited to this. For example, the roller 71 may be a spherical ball roller capable of assisting the suction nozzle 10 in moving in the front-back and left-right directions on the floor surface. The first nap member 72 and the second nap member 73 are composed of, for example, napped cloth with a cloth surface having nap raised so that friction due to contact with the floor surface is unlikely to occur.

[0047] (Explanation of operation) The operation of cleaning the suction nozzle 10 will now be described.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the suction nozzle 10 is used for cleaning in a state in which the connecting pipe 14 in FIG. 2 is connected to the extension pipe 106 and the bottom surface of the nozzle case 12 is kept approximately parallel to the floor surface.

[0049] When a user operates the operating unit 108 provided on the grip portion 107 to start cleaning, the suction source 102 is activated and the vacuum cleaner body 110 generates suction force. This suction force acts on the first suction space 25 of the main case 20, and the air in the first suction space 25 is sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 110 through the connecting pipe 14 and the dust duct 103. At this time, dust on the floor surface is sucked up into the first suction space 25 and is sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 110 by the air flow, and is collected in the vacuum cleaner body 110.

[0050] The suction force of the vacuum cleaner body 110 is further applied to the second suction space 35 and the third suction space 45 via the first suction space 25, and dust on the floor surface is sucked up into the second suction space 35 and the third suction space 45, and collected in the vacuum cleaner body 110. Since the nozzle case 12 has a continuous suction space formed over almost the entire width, the width of the nozzle case 12 is the cleaning range of the suction nozzle 10.

[0051] Between the bottom surface and the floor surface of the nozzle case 12, a gap for sucking in dust is formed by the separating portion 70 (roller 71, first brushed member 72, and second brushed member 73). The suction force acting inside the nozzle case 12 (inside the first suction space 25, the second suction space 35, and the third suction space 45) also acts on the periphery of the nozzle case 12 (outside in the front-rear and left-right directions) through this gap. The suction force acting inside the nozzle case 12 further acts on the front of the front wall portion 55 through a first cutout portion 87 provided in the main case 20, and on the front of the front wall portion 82 and the side of the outer wall portion 84 through a second cutout portion 88 provided in the sub-case 30.

[0052] In this way, with this suction nozzle 10, not only dust on the floor below the nozzle case 12, but also dust on the floor around the nozzle case 12 is sucked into the nozzle case 12. The separating portion 70, the first notch 87, and the second notch 88 function to expand the cleaning range of the suction nozzle 10.

[0053] When the suction nozzle 10 is used in a large space, the suction nozzle 10 is in a normal state with the connecting portion 40 extended, and cleaning is performed by sucking dust from the floor surface with the suction nozzle 10 having a suction space formed over almost the entire width. On the other hand, when the suction nozzle 10 is inserted into a narrow gap, the suction nozzle 10 switches from the normal state to a bent state in which the connecting portion 40 is bent and deformed, and cleaning is performed with the suction nozzle 10 having a smaller suction space in the width direction.

[0054] When the user performs an operation to complete cleaning on the operation unit 108, the suction source 102 stops operating.

[0055] Various modifications or improvements may be made to the suction nozzle 10 according to the embodiment described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the suction nozzle 10 may be configured such that the height H2 of the gap formed between the sub-case 30 and the floor surface by the second hair raising member 73 is greater than the height H1 of the gap formed between the main case 20 and the floor surface by the roller 71 and the first hair raising member 72. In this case, a gap of height H1 is formed between the bottom surface of the main case 20 and the floor surface by the roller 71 and the first hair raising member 72 functioning as the first spacing member for spacing the main case 20 from the floor surface. Then, a gap of height H2 greater than height H1 is formed between the bottom surface of the sub-case 30 and the floor surface by the second hair raising member 73 functioning as the second spacing member for spacing the sub-case 30 from the floor surface. At this time, the connecting portion 40 may be deformed so that the outer end portion 43 side is slightly bent upward.

[0056] Furthermore, the first notch 87 and the second notch 88 may be formed such that the height H4 of the opening formed by the second notch 88 in the sub-case 30 is greater than the height H3 of the opening formed by the first notch 87 in the case front portion 22, as shown in FIG.

[0057] In addition, the pair of protruding portions 60, the pair of extending portions 63, and the pair of connecting portions 61 can be omitted. In this case, the connecting portion 40 that connects the main case 20 and the sub-case 30 bends and deforms without being restrained by the protruding portions 60, the extending portions 63, and the connecting portions 61.

[0058] It is also possible to omit the roller 71, the first hair raising member 72, and the second hair raising member 73 that constitute the separation portion 70. In this case, the bottom surface of the nozzle case 12 comes into contact with the floor surface.

[0059] Moreover, the first cutout portion 87 and the second cutout portion 88 may be omitted.

[0060] (Effects, etc.) The suction nozzle according to the above-described embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0061] The suction nozzle according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is a suction nozzle configured to be connectable to a dust duct of a vacuum cleaner body having a built-in suction source that generates suction force. The suction nozzle is configured to be connectable to the dust duct, and includes a main case having a first suction space that opens downward to suck dust on a floor surface by the suction force of the suction source, a sub-case that is arranged on the side of the main case and has a second suction space that opens downward to suck dust on the floor surface, and a connecting part that connects the main case and the sub-case and is configured to be elastically bendable. The connecting part has a third suction space that communicates the first suction space with the second suction space and opens downward continuously in a section from the first suction space to the second suction space, and the third suction space is configured to maintain a state in which the first suction space and the second suction space are connected to each other when the connecting part is bent.

[0062] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the first suction space formed in the main case, the second suction space formed in the sub-case, and the third suction space formed in the connecting portion form a suction space for sucking up dust from the floor surface over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle. Moreover, by bending the connecting portion connecting the main case and the sub-case, the sub-case can be switched from a state in which the sub-case is located to the side of the main case to a state in which the sub-case is located in front or behind the main case while maintaining the communication between the first suction space and the second suction space. This allows the width of the suction nozzle to be shortened while maintaining the state in which the suction space is formed over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle. Therefore, according to this suction nozzle, the width of the suction nozzle can be changed to insert it into a narrow gap, and suction force can be applied to dust on the floor surface over almost the entire width of the suction nozzle.

[0063] In the above-mentioned configuration, the suction nozzle further includes a protruding portion protruding laterally from the main case, an extension portion extending from the sub-case toward the main case, and a connecting portion connecting the protruding portion and the extension portion. The connecting portion is configured to allow the sub-case to rotate around the connecting portion.

[0064] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the projection, extension, and connection parts are configured to keep the trajectory of the movement of the sub-case relative to the main case constant when the connecting part is bent, thereby preventing excessive strain on the connecting part due to the movement of the sub-case.

[0065] In the above-mentioned configuration, the suction nozzle includes a spacing portion for spacing at least one of the main case, the sub-case, and the connecting portion from the floor surface.

[0066] According to the above-mentioned configuration, by separating at least one of the main case, the sub case, and the connecting part from the floor surface by the separating part, a suction gap is formed for sucking dust around at least one of the first suction space, the second suction space, and the third suction space into the at least one suction space. This allows dust to be sucked into the first suction space, the second suction space, and the third suction space not only from the opening on the underside of the suction nozzle but also from the suction gap, thereby expanding the cleaning range of the suction nozzle.

[0067] In the above-mentioned configuration, the spacing portion includes a first spacing member that spaces the main case from the floor surface and a second spacing member that spaces the sub-case from the floor surface. The suction nozzle is configured such that the height of the gap formed between the sub-case and the floor surface by the second spacing member is greater than the height of the gap formed between the main case and the floor surface by the first spacing member.

[0068] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a relatively large suction force acts on the first suction space of the main case connected to the dust duct of the vacuum cleaner body, and a relatively small suction force acts on the second suction space of the sub-case. Meanwhile, the first and second spacing members make the height of the gap between the main case and the floor relatively small, and the height of the gap between the sub-case and the floor relatively large. Therefore, even if the height of the gap is relatively small in the main case, a relatively large suction force acts on the first suction space, so that dust is prevented from clogging in the gap between the main case and the floor. And, even if the suction force acting on the second suction space in the sub-case is relatively small, the height of the gap is increased to prevent dust from clogging in the gap between the sub-case and the floor. Therefore, in both the main case and the sub-case, dust can be prevented from clogging in the gap between the floor.

[0069] In the above-mentioned configuration, the main case is formed with a first cutout portion at the front or rear lower edge portion thereof that opens to communicate with the first suction space, and the sub-case is formed with a second cutout portion at the front or rear lower edge portion thereof that opens to communicate with the second suction space. The opening of the second cutout portion is configured to be larger than the opening of the first cutout portion.

[0070] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the opening of the second notch formed in the sub-case for sucking dust around the sub-case into the second suction space is larger than the opening of the first notch formed in the main case for sucking dust around the main case into the first suction space. In this case, in the main case where a relatively large suction force acts on the first suction space, even if the opening of the first notch is made relatively small, dust can be prevented from clogging the opening of the first notch. In the sub-case where a relatively small suction force acts on the second suction space, the opening of the second notch is made relatively large, thereby preventing dust from clogging the opening of the second notch. Therefore, in both the main case and the sub-case, dust can be prevented from clogging the first notch and the second notch.

[0071] In the above-mentioned configuration, the sub-case is formed so as to taper toward the tip.

[0072] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the sub-case is formed so as to taper toward the tip, which makes it easier to insert and remove the sub-case into and from a narrow gap when cleaning the narrow gap. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The principle of this embodiment is suitably applied to an apparatus used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10 Suction nozzle 20 Main case 25 First suction space 30 Sub-case 35 Second intake space 40 Connection part 45 Third intake space 60 Overhang 61 Connection 63 Extension section 70 Separation part 71 Roller (first spacing member) 72 First raised member (first spacer member) 73 Second raised member (second spacing member) 87 First notch 88 Second notch 100 vacuum cleaner 103 Dust pipe 110 Vacuum cleaner body

Claims

1. A suction nozzle configured to be connectable to a dust duct of a vacuum cleaner body having a built-in suction source that generates suction force, a main case configured to be connectable to the dust duct and having a first suction space formed therein that opens downward to suck in dust on a floor surface by the suction force of the suction source; a sub-case disposed on a side of the main case and having a second suction space that opens downward to suck in dust on a floor surface; a connecting portion that connects the main case and the sub case and is configured to be elastically bendable; a first spacing member that spaces the main case from a floor surface so as to form a gap that opens forward from the first suction space; and a second spacing member that separates the sub-case from a floor surface so that a gap that opens forward from the second suction space is formed when the connecting portion is not bent, and that allows dust on the front side of the sub-case to flow into the sub-case through the gap, the connecting portion has a third suction space that communicates with the first suction space and the second suction space and is continuously open downward in a section from the first suction space to the second suction space, The third suction space is configured to maintain a state in which the first suction space and the second suction space are communicated with each other when the connecting portion is bent, the gap formed by the first spacing member has a height that allows dust on a front side of the main case to flow into the main case through the gap, A suction nozzle, wherein the gap formed by the second spacing member has a height greater than a height of the gap formed by the first spacing member.

2. A protruding portion protruding laterally from the main case; an extension portion extending from the sub-case to the main case; A connection portion that connects the protruding portion and the extension portion, The suction nozzle of claim 1 , wherein the connection portion is configured to allow the sub-case to rotate about the connection portion.

3. A suction nozzle configured to be connectable to a dust duct of a vacuum cleaner body having a built-in suction source that generates suction force, a main case configured to be connectable to the dust duct and having a first suction space formed therein that opens downward to suck in dust on a floor surface by the suction force of the suction source; a sub-case disposed on a side of the main case and having a second suction space that opens downward to suck in dust on a floor surface; a connecting portion that connects the main case and the sub case and is configured to be elastically bendable, a first cutout portion that forms a gap that opens forward from the first suction space is formed in the main case, a second cutout portion is formed in the sub-case, the second cutout portion forming a gap that opens forward from the second suction space when the connecting portion is not bent and allowing dust on the front side of the sub-case to flow into the sub-case through the gap; the gap formed by the first cutout portion has a height that allows dust on a front side of the main case to flow into the main case through the gap, A suction nozzle, wherein the gap formed by the second cutout portion has a height greater than a height of the gap formed by the first cutout portion.

4. 4. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the sub-case is tapered toward a tip thereof.

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