Nozzles and work machines

Abstract

To improve operability of a nozzle and a working machine.SOLUTION: A nozzle 4 includes: a main body part 30 to be detachable from a cleaner body and having a bottom surface 32 equipped with a suction port; and a blade member 50 to be supported by the main body part 30. The blade member 50 includes: a base part 51 to be supported by the main body part 30; and a plate part 52 projected downward to be lower than the bottom surface 32 in a state where the base part 51 is supported by the main body part 30. The main body part 30 includes a storage part 36 for supporting the base part 51 by storing the base part 51. The blade member 50 is supported by the main body part 30 so as to be swingable in a front and rear direction with respect to the storage part 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine such as a cleaner.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a working machine, a cleaner used for dust collection work and the like is known. Further, as an example of a cleaner, a cyclone cleaner that centrifugally separates dust from dust-containing air is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Various nozzles are attached to the cleaner main body according to the work content. For example, when the cleaner is used for floor cleaning, a nozzle suitable for floor cleaning (floor nozzle) is attached to the cleaner main body. The floor nozzle and other nozzles may be directly attached to the cleaner main body or may be attached to the cleaner main body via an extension pipe or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The nozzle may be provided with a suction port communicating with the intake port of the cleaner and a blade for scraping dust. As the blade moves, it slides on the surface where dust is falling or adhering (such as the floor surface or wall surface) to scrape the dust. Therefore, the smooth movement of the nozzle is hindered by the blade, the operability of the nozzle is reduced, and ultimately the operability of the working machine may be reduced.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to further improve the operability of the nozzle and the working machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A nozzle in one embodiment is detachable from the cleaner body and comprises a main body portion having a bottom surface with a suction port, and a blade member supported by the main body portion. The blade member includes a base portion supported by the main body portion and a plate portion that protrudes below the bottom surface while the base portion is supported by the main body portion. The main body portion also includes a housing portion that supports the base portion by housing it. The blade member is supported by the main body portion so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction relative to the housing portion.

[0008] A work machine according to one embodiment includes a housing having an air intake port and an exhaust port, a drive unit housed in the housing, a fan housed in the housing and driven by the drive unit to generate an airflow from the air intake port to the exhaust port, and a nozzle connected to the air intake port of the housing. The nozzle has a main body portion having a bottom surface provided with an intake port communicating with the air intake port, and a blade member supported by the main body portion. The blade member includes a base portion supported by the main body portion and a plate portion that protrudes below the bottom surface while the base portion is supported by the main body portion. The main body portion also includes a housing portion that supports the base portion by housing the base portion. The blade member is supported by the main body portion so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction relative to the housing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, nozzles and work implements with improved operability are provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a cleaner. [Figure 2] This is a cross-section of the cleaner. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the nozzle. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view of the nozzle. [Figure 5]This is a downward perspective view of the nozzle. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle. [Figure 7] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the blade member when the nozzle is being advanced. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the blade member when the nozzle is retracted. [Figure 9] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the blade member when the nozzle, which had been retracted, is moved forward again. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing modified examples of the housing and base. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings used to describe the embodiment, the same or substantially identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, components that have already been described will not be repeated in principle.

[0012] <Cleaner Overview> Figure 1 is a perspective view of Cleaner 1, an example of a work machine to which the present invention is applied, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Cleaner 1. The applications of Cleaner 1 are not particularly limited, but Cleaner 1 is suitable for dust collection work, and is especially suitable for floor cleaning.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cleaner 1 comprises a cleaner body 2, an extension pipe 3, and a nozzle 4. The nozzle 4 is a floor nozzle suitable for floor cleaning and is connected to the cleaner body 2 via the extension pipe 3. More specifically, one end (base) of the extension pipe 3 is detachably connected to the cleaner body 2, and the other end (tip) of the extension pipe 3 is detachably connected to the nozzle 4. However, the nozzle 4 can also be connected directly to the cleaner body 2 without going through the extension pipe 3.

[0014] <Cleaner body> The cleaner main body 2 has a housing 10 provided with an air inlet 11, an air outlet 12, and a grip portion 13. Normally, an operator operates the cleaner 1 by grasping the grip portion 13. More specifically, the operator grasps the grip portion 13 and pushes or pulls the cleaner 1 to move the nozzle 4 back and forth on the floor.

[0015] The housing 10 houses a motor 14a constituting a drive unit, a fan 14b driven by the motor 14a, a control unit (control board) for controlling the motor 14a, and the like. The fan 14b is fixed to one end of the rotation shaft of the motor 14a and is integrated with the motor 14a. Therefore, in the following description, the motor 14a and the fan 14b may be collectively referred to as the "fan motor 14".

[0016] The housing 10 is provided with a tubular connecting portion 15 communicating with the air inlet 11. The extension pipe 3 is connected to the cleaner main body 2 by inserting the base end thereof into the connecting portion 15. As a result, the nozzle 4 connected to the tip of the extension pipe 3 is connected to the air inlet 11 of the housing 10 via the extension pipe 3. Viewed from another perspective, the nozzle 4 communicates with the air inlet 11 of the housing 10 via the extension pipe 3.

[0017] A cylindrical dust collection portion 16 is provided on the tip side of the housing 10. Inside the dust collection portion 16, two cyclone portions for separating air mixed with dust into air and dust are provided. More specifically, a first cyclone portion 17 is provided at the center of the dust collection portion 16. Also, a plurality of second cyclone portions 18 are provided around the first cyclone portion 17 so as to surround the first cyclone portion 17.

[0018] A battery (secondary battery) 5 which is the power source of the motor 14a is mounted on the housing 10. An operation portion 13a including a power switch (ON switch / OFF switch) is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 13.

[0019] When the power switch (ON switch) on the control unit 13a is pressed, power is supplied from the battery 5 to the motor 14a, and the motor 14a starts operating. On the other hand, when the power switch (OFF switch) on the control unit 13a is pressed, the power supply from the battery 5 to the motor 14a is cut off, and the motor 14a stops.

[0020] As previously described, the fan 14b is fixed to one end of the rotation axis of the motor 14a. Therefore, when the power switch (ON switch) is pressed and the motor 14a operates, the fan 14b rotates. When the fan 14b rotates, an airflow is generated inside the housing 10 from the intake port 11 to the exhaust port 12. As a result, outside air flows into the housing 10 through the nozzle 4 and the extension pipe 3. More specifically, air containing dust and other particles that have fallen on the floor is drawn into the housing 10 through the intake port 11.

[0021] The dust-laden air drawn into the housing 10 flows into the first cyclone section 17, where it is separated into air and dust. The first cyclone section 17 is equipped with a cylindrical mesh filter, and the dust-laden air that flows into the first cyclone section 17 swirls around the mesh filter. As a result, the air and dust are separated by centrifugal force.

[0022] The air from which dust has been removed passes through the first cyclone section 17 (mesh filter) and flows into one of the multiple second cyclone sections 18. This air contains dust that could not be removed by the first cyclone section 17. The dust-mixed air that flows into the second cyclone section 18 swirls inside the second cyclone section 18. As a result, the air and dust are separated by centrifugal force.

[0023] Dust separated from the air in the first cyclone section 17 and the second cyclone section 18 is stored in the dust collection section 19. Meanwhile, the air from which dust has been removed in the first cyclone section 17 and the second cyclone section 18 passes through the housing 10 and is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port 12.

[0024] More specifically, the air that has passed through the second cyclone section 18 is drawn into the fan motor 14. The air drawn into the fan motor 14 is exhausted behind the fan motor 14, and then passes through the housing 10 and flows out to the outside through the exhaust port 12.

[0025] As described above, the air drawn into the housing 10 through the intake port 11 passes through the first cyclone section 17, the second cyclone section 18, the fan motor 14, etc., before reaching the exhaust port 12. Alternatively, the housing 10 is provided with a flow path that connects the intake port 11 and the inlet of the first cyclone section 17. Furthermore, the housing 10 is provided with a flow path that connects the outlet of the first cyclone section 17 and the inlet of the second cyclone section 18, and a flow path that connects the outlet of the second cyclone section 18 and the inlet of the fan motor 14.

[0026] One or more filters can be provided in the above-described flow path. In this embodiment, a filter chamber is provided in the flow path that connects the outlet of the second cyclone section 18 and the inlet of the fan motor 14. Furthermore, two filter members are housed in the filter chamber. More specifically, an inner filter member and an outer filter member surrounding the inner filter member are housed in the filter chamber.

[0027] The air that has passed through the second cyclone section 18 flows into the fan motor 14 after passing through the outer filter member and the inner filter member in that order. Note that the inner filter member and the outer filter member are not limited to specific filter members. For example, a HEPA filter made of nonwoven fabric may be used for the inner filter member, and a sponge made of resin such as polyurethane may be used for the outer filter member.

[0028] <Nozzle> Next, we will describe the details of nozzle 4. Figure 3 is a plan view of nozzle 4, Figure 4 is a bottom view of nozzle 4, and Figure 5 is a downward perspective view of nozzle 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of nozzle 4. Note that the cross-section shown in Figure 6 is the cross-section along line AA in Figure 4.

[0029] The nozzle 4 has a main body 30, a connecting pipe 40, and a blade member 50, and is detachable from the cleaner body 2. As described above, the nozzle 4 is attached to the cleaner body 2, for example, via the extension pipe 3.

[0030] <Main body and connecting pipes> As is most clearly shown in Figure 6, the main body 30 and the connecting pipe 40 are connected and integrated via a flexible joint so as to be rotatable relative to each other. A spherical socket portion 31 is formed in the longitudinal center of the main body 30. On the other hand, a spherical plug portion 41 is formed at one longitudinal end of the connecting pipe 40, and an insertion portion 42 is provided at the other longitudinal end of the connecting pipe 40.

[0031] The spherical plug portion 41 of the connecting pipe 40 is fitted into the spherical socket portion 31 of the main body portion 30 and held rotatably. Alternatively, the spherical socket portion 31 of the main body portion 30 receives the spherical plug portion 41 of the connecting pipe 40 and holds the spherical plug portion 41 rotatably.

[0032] <Laura> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the bottom surface 32 of the main body 30 is provided with a pair of front wheel rollers 34a and 34b and a pair of rear wheel rollers 35a and 35b. The front wheel rollers 34a and 34b are positioned in front of the bottom surface 32 of the main body 30. More specifically, the front wheel rollers 34a and 34b are positioned on both the left and right sides of the front of the bottom surface. The axles of each front wheel roller 34a and 34b are arranged coaxially and are rotatably held by the main body 30.

[0033] The rear wheel rollers 35a and 35b are positioned behind the bottom surface 32 of the main body 30. More specifically, the rear wheel rollers 35a and 35b are positioned on both the left and right sides at the rear of the bottom surface. The axles of each rear wheel roller 35a and 35b are arranged coaxially and are rotatably held by the main body 30.

[0034] The axis passing through the centers of rotation of the front rollers 34a and 34b (= the central axis of the axles of the front rollers 34a and 34b) and the axis passing through the centers of rotation of the rear rollers 35a and 35b (= the central axis of the axles of the rear rollers 35a and 35b) are parallel. However, the distance between the rear rollers 35a and 35b is narrower than the distance between the front rollers 34a and 34b.

[0035] Here, the axis passing through the centers of rotation of the front rollers 34a and 34b is referred to as the "front roller axis LF", the axis passing through the centers of rotation of the rear rollers 35a and 35b is referred to as the "rear roller axis LR", and when the axis passing through the center O of the spherical socket portion 31 and parallel to the front roller axis LF and the rear roller axis LR is referred to as the "joint axis LJ", the distance d1 from the rear roller axis LR to the joint axis LJ in the front-rear direction is shorter than the distance d2 from the rear roller axis LR to the back surface 30r of the main body portion 30 in the front-rear direction (d1 < d2).

[0036] In the present embodiment where the relationship d1 < d is established, compared with other embodiments where the relationship d1 ≥ d is established, the rear roller axis LR approaches the joint axis LJ. For this reason, when an operator applies a force to press the connecting pipe 40 against the floor F, the front of the nozzle 4 is more likely to be lifted with the rear rollers 35a and 35b as fulcrums. Then, the nozzle 4 is sucked to the floor F by the suction force, and an increase in the moving resistance is suppressed.

[0037] <Blade member> The blade member is made of rubber and is swingably supported by the main body portion 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the blade member includes an integrally formed base portion 51 and a plate portion 52.

[0038] The base portion 51 of the blade member is columnar or rod-shaped and has a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Viewed from another perspective, the thickness of the base portion 51 in the front-rear direction gradually decreases upward.

[0039] The plate portion 52 of the blade member 50 is flat and protrudes downward from the bottom surface 51b of the base portion 51. Furthermore, the plate portion 52 gradually becomes thinner towards the bottom.

[0040] The base portion 51 is housed in a housing portion 36 provided in the main body portion 30. The plate portion 52 protrudes below the bottom surface 32 of the main body portion 30 when the base portion 51 is supported by the housing portion 36 (when the base portion 51 is housed in the housing portion 36). The blade member 50, whose base portion 51 is supported by the housing portion 36, is pivotable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing portion 36. The pivoting of the blade member 50 will be explained in more detail later.

[0041] <Storage Area> As previously described, the main body 30 is provided with a housing portion 36 that houses and supports the base portion 51 of the blade member 50. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing portion 36 is a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 and has dimensions and a shape that can house the base portion 51 of the blade member 50.

[0042] The bottom surface 32 of the main body 30 is provided with a roughly rectangular suction port 33 that communicates with the connecting pipe 40. The housing section 36 is located inside the suction port 33 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 30. Alternatively, the housing section 36 traverses the suction port 33. As a result, the blade member 50, whose base 51 is housed in the housing section 36, traverses the suction port 33, dividing the suction port 33 in the front-to-back direction. This allows the suction port 33 to effectively suck up both the dust that is swept forward by the blade member 50 when the nozzle 4 moves forward, and the dust that is swept backward by the blade member 50 when the nozzle 4 moves backward.

[0043] In the following explanation, a portion of the suction port 33 located in front of the blade member 50 may be referred to as the "front region," while the other portion of the suction port 33 located behind the blade member 50 may be referred to as the "rear region" to distinguish between them.

[0044] The housing section 36 is located slightly rearward from the center in the front-to-back direction of the suction port 33. Therefore, the blade member 50 is also located slightly rearward from the center in the front-to-back direction of the suction port 33. In other words, the blade member 50 divides the suction port 33 in two, but not equally. As a result, the opening area of ​​the suction port 33 in front of the blade member 50 (the area of ​​the front region) is larger than the opening area of ​​the suction port 33 behind the blade member 50 (the area of ​​the rear region). This results in a greater suction force for sucking up dust drawn forward than for dust drawn backward, ensuring sufficient suction performance when the nozzle 4 is moving forward. For example, the area of ​​the front region is 741 mm². 2 (This represents 83% of the total opening area of ​​the suction port 33, and the area of ​​the rear region is 151 mm².) 2 (This is 17% of the total opening area of ​​the suction port 33.) However, the aforementioned effect can be obtained if the area of ​​the front region is between 50% and 100% of the total area.

[0045] Refer to Figure 6 again. The housing section 36 comprises a front wall 36f and a rear wall 36r facing each other, an upper wall 36u spanning the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r, and a slit 36s facing the upper wall 36u.

[0046] The front wall 36f of the housing section 36 is located in front of the base 51 of the blade member 50 when the base 51 of the blade member 50 is housed in the housing section 36, and faces the front surface 51f of the base 51. The rear wall 36r of the housing section 36 is located behind the base 51 of the blade member 50 when the base 51 of the blade member 50 is housed in the housing section 36, and faces the back surface 51r of the base 51. The upper wall 36u of the housing section 36 is located above the base 51 of the blade member 50 when the base 51 of the blade member 50 is housed in the housing section 36, and faces the upper surface 51u of the base 51.

[0047] From another perspective, the base 51 of the blade member 50 is housed in the housing 36 with its front surface 51f facing the front wall 36f, its back surface 51r facing the rear wall 36r, and its top surface 51u facing the top wall 36u.

[0048] When the base portion 51 of the blade member 50 is housed in the housing portion 36 in the above state, the plate portion 52 of the blade member 50 is inserted through the slit 36s and protrudes from the housing portion 36 through the slit 36s. As a result, the plate portion 52 protrudes below the bottom surface 32 of the main body portion 30 and can contact the floor surface. Then, when the nozzle 4 moves back and forth, the tip of the plate portion 52 moves back and forth while in contact with the floor surface.

[0049] The housing section 36 has a cross-sectional shape that follows the cross-sectional shape of the base 51. More specifically, the internal space of the housing section 36 has a shape that follows the cross-sectional shape of the base 51. In other words, the housing section 36 has a roughly trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Another way of looking at it is that the distance S between the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r of the housing section 36, which face each other across the base 51, decreases as it approaches the upper wall 36u. In other words, the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r of the housing section 36 are inclined to move closer to each other as they approach the upper wall 36u.

[0050] Furthermore, the thickness of the base portion 51, which has a roughly trapezoidal cross-sectional shape similar to the housing portion 36, decreases in the front-to-back direction as it approaches the upper wall 36u of the housing portion 36.

[0051] However, the distance S between the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r is greater than the thickness T of the base 51 in the front-rear direction. More specifically, the minimum value of the distance S between the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r is 3.0 mm or more greater than the maximum value of the thickness T of the base 51 in the front-rear direction. In other words, clearance is ensured between the housing 36 and the base 51.

[0052] More specifically, when the base 51 is located in the center in the front-to-back direction of the housing 36, there is a gap between the front wall 36f of the housing 36 and the front surface 51f of the base 51, and there is also a gap between the rear wall 36r of the housing 36 and the back surface 51r of the base 51. As a result, the base 51 is movable back and forth within the housing 36.

[0053] In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the front wall 36f and rear wall 36r of the housing section 36 are slightly gentler than the inclination angles of the front surface 51f and rear surface 51r of the base section 51. Therefore, the gap widens as it approaches the upper wall 36u of the housing section 36.

[0054] The upper wall 36u of the housing section 36 is provided with a projection 37 having a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape. The projection 37 is located at an intermediate position on the upper wall 36u in the front-rear direction and extends along the entire length or nearly the entire length of the upper wall 36u.

[0055] The projection 37 contacts the upper surface 51u of the base 51 of the blade member 50. At least, when the base 51 is pushed up by the plate portion 52 being pressed against the floor surface, the tip of the projection 37 contacts the upper surface 51u of the base 51. In other words, the main body portion 30 (housing portion 36) and the base 51 make line contact. As a result, the blade member 50, including the base 51 which is movable back and forth within the housing portion 36, becomes able to swing back and forth with the contact point between the projection 37 and the base 51 as the pivot point.

[0056] However, the projection 37 is not essential for the blade member 50 to swing back and forth. In other words, a blade member 50 whose base 51 is supported so as to be movable back and forth can swing back and forth even without the projection 37. However, in this embodiment, the projection 37 reduces the contact area between the housing 36 and the base 51, making it easier for the blade member 50 to swing.

[0057] <Notched portion and claw portion> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a plurality of notches 38 are formed in at least one of the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r of the housing section 36. More specifically, a plurality of notches 38 are formed in both the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r. The notches 38 formed in the front wall 36f and the notches 38 formed in the rear wall 36r face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0058] Furthermore, multiple claw portions 39 are formed on the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r, respectively. More specifically, the claw portions 39 are formed on one or both sides of the notch portion 38 formed on the front wall 36f. Also, the claw portions 39 are formed on one or both sides of the notch portion 38 formed on the rear wall 36r. Seven claw portions 39 are provided at equal intervals on the front wall 36f, and seven are also provided at equal intervals on the rear wall 36r.

[0059] Similar to the notch portion 38, the claw portion 39 formed on the side of the notch portion 38 of the front wall 36f and the claw portion 39 formed on the side of the notch portion 38 of the rear wall 36r face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0060] More specifically, the claw portion 39 formed on the front wall 36f protrudes toward the rear wall 36r, and the claw portion 39 formed on the rear wall 36r protrudes toward the front wall 36f. Furthermore, the claw portion 39 formed on the front wall 36f and the claw portion 39 formed on the rear wall 36r are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the slit 36s and face each other through the slit 36s.

[0061] The base 51 of the blade member 50 is inserted into the housing 36 (between the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r) from between any pair of opposing notches 38. Each claw portion 39 protrudes below the bottom surface 51b of the base 51 inserted into the housing 36 (between the front wall 36f and the rear wall 36r), supporting the base 51 (see Figure 6).

[0062] <Operation of the blade component> Next, the operation of the blade member 50 will be described in detail. As previously stated, the blade member 50 is supported by the main body 30 so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 36. As a result, the blade member 50 swings in the front-rear direction in accordance with the front-rear movement of the nozzle 4.

[0063] Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the blade member 50 when the nozzle 4 is moving forward. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the blade member 50 when the nozzle 4 is moving backward. Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the blade member 50 when the nozzle 4, which had been moved backward, is moved forward again. In other words, the blade member 50 repeats the operations shown in Figures 7, 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), 9(a), and 9(b) in this order.

[0064] For the sake of explanation, the series of operations of the blade member 50 will be described using the blade member 50 shown in Figure 7 as a reference.

[0065] When the cleaner 1, which had been pushed, is pulled back, the nozzle 4, which had been moving forward, begins to move backward. Then, the blade member 50 operates in the order of Figure 7 → Figure 8(a) → Figure 8(b) → Figure 8(c). More specifically, when the nozzle 4 moves backward, a counterclockwise rotational force acts on the blade member 50 due to friction between the plate portion 52 and the floor F. As a result, the base portion 51 of the blade member 50 rotates counterclockwise within the housing portion 36, with the contact point with the projection portion 37 as the pivot point. Consequently, the blade member 50, which was tilted forward as shown in Figure 7, goes through the state shown in Figure 8(a) to become upright as shown in Figure 8(b), and then tilts backward as shown in Figure 8(c).

[0066] On the other hand, when the cleaner 1, which had been pulled, is pushed, the nozzle 4, which had been retracting, begins to move forward. Then, the blade member 50 moves in the order of Figure 8(c) → Figure 9(a) → Figure 9(b) → Figure 7. More specifically, when the nozzle 4 moves forward, a clockwise rotational force acts on the blade member 50 due to the friction between the plate portion 52 and the floor F. Then, the base portion 51 of the blade member 50 rotates clockwise within the housing portion 36 with the contact point with the projection portion 37 as the pivot point. As a result, the blade member 50, which was tilted backward as shown in Figure 8(c), goes through the state shown in Figure 9(a) to become upright as shown in Figure 9(b), and then tilts forward as shown in Figure 7.

[0067] In this way, the blade member 50 alternately changes between a state tilted forward relative to the housing 36 and a state tilted backward relative to the housing 36 as the direction of movement of the nozzle 4 changes. In other words, the blade member 50 oscillates in accordance with the change in the direction of movement of the nozzle 4. As a result, the resistance to the movement of the nozzle 4 is reduced, and the change in the direction of movement of the nozzle 4 and subsequent movement are performed smoothly. In other words, the operability of the nozzle 4 is improved, and consequently the operability of the cleaner 1 is improved.

[0068] When the nozzle 4 is moving forward, the blade member 50 pushes the dust that has fallen on the floor F forward. The dust pushed forward by the blade member 50 is sucked into the main body 30 from the front area of ​​the suction port 33 and flows into the extension pipe 3 through the connecting pipe 40.

[0069] On the other hand, when the nozzle 4 is retracted, the blade member 50 pushes the dust that has fallen on the floor F backward. The dust pushed backward by the blade member 50 is sucked into the main body 30 from the rear area of ​​the suction port 33 and flows into the extension pipe 3 through the connecting pipe 40.

[0070] In other words, dust is sucked in not only when nozzle 4 is moving forward, but also when it is moving backward. Another way to look at it is that dust is sucked in not only when cleaner 1 is being pushed, but also when it is being pulled back.

[0071] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear bottom surface of the main body 30 has a slope that gradually rises from front to rear. In addition, multiple ribs 60 with inclined end faces as described above are formed on the rear bottom surface of the main body 30. When the floor F is a flat floor such as hardwood flooring, the front rollers 34a, 34b and the rear rollers 35a, 35b make even contact with the floor F, and the bottom surface 32 is parallel to the floor F. On the other hand, when the floor F is a soft floor such as one covered with a long-pile carpet, the rear rollers 35a, 35b dig into the floor F due to the force with which the operator presses the connecting pipe 40 against the floor F. As a result, the inclined end faces of the multiple ribs 60 come into contact with the floor F, and the entire nozzle 4 tilts so that the front of the nozzle 4 is lifted. When the nozzle 4 is tilted in this manner, the suction port 33 is separated from the floor F, suppressing the force that causes the nozzle 4 to stick to the floor F, and reducing the resistance to the movement of the nozzle 4. In addition, since the part of the nozzle 4 that contacts the floor F when tilted is made up of multiple ribs 60, the contact area with the floor F is reduced, further reducing the resistance to the movement of the nozzle 4.

[0072] In this embodiment, the synergistic effect of the above-described improvements to the shape of the bottom surface 32 and the movable blade member 50 further improves the operability of the nozzle 4. As a result, the nozzle 4 can be moved smoothly even on floors with high resistance to movement.

[0073] Furthermore, a damper 61 made of soft plastic (for example, polyvinyl chloride) is provided on the outer surface of the main body 30. Therefore, even if the nozzle 4 is accidentally hit against furniture or a wall, there is no risk of damaging the furniture or wall.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, the shape of the housing portion 36 of the main body portion 30 and the base portion 51 of the blade member 50 can be changed as appropriate. Figures 10(a), (b), and (c) show several different modifications of the housing portion 36 and the base portion 51.

[0075] The housing section 36 shown in Figure 10(a) is trapezoidal, while the base 51 is rectangular. More specifically, the front wall 36f and rear wall 36r of the housing section 36 are inclined, while the front 51f and rear 51r of the base 51 are not inclined.

[0076] The housing section 36 shown in Figure 10(b) is trapezoidal, while the base section 51 is rectangular. In this respect, the housing section 36 and base section 51 shown in Figure 10(b) are the same as those shown in Figure 10(a).

[0077] However, the upper surface 36u of the housing portion 36 shown in Figure 10(b) does not have a projection 37. On the other hand, the upper surface 51u of the base portion 51 shown in Figure 10(b) is provided with a projection 53 that corresponds to the projection 37.

[0078] The housing portion 36 shown in Figure 10(c) is trapezoidal, and the base portion 51 is also trapezoidal. In this respect, the housing portion 36 and base portion 51 shown in Figure 10(c) are the same as the housing portion 36 and base portion 51 in the above embodiment.

[0079] However, the housing portion 36 shown in Figure 10(c) does not have a projection 37. On the other hand, the base portion 51 shown in Figure 10(c) is provided with a projection 53 that corresponds to the projection 37.

[0080] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, there are embodiments in which the cross-sectional shape of the base 51 of the blade member 50 is rectangular, while the cross-sectional shape of the housing 36 is an inverted trapezoid. In addition, there are embodiments in which the cross-sectional shape of the housing 36 is rectangular, while the cross-sectional shape of the base 51 of the blade member 50 is a trapezoid.

[0081] The dust collection method of Cleaner 1 is not limited to the cyclone type. Alternatively, Nozzle 4 can be attached to and detached from a Cleaner body that employs a dust collection method other than the cyclone type.

[0082] The power source for the cleaner unit 2 is not limited to a battery (rechargeable battery); it may be commercial power, or both. The operating mode of the cleaner unit 2 is not limited to one. For example, the cleaner unit 2 may have three operating modes, "strong," "standard," and "weak," which can be switched by the operator pressing a button. In this case, the suction power decreases in the order of "strong," "standard," and "weak." [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...Cleaner, 2...Cleaner body, 3...Extension pipe, 4...Nozzle, 5...Battery (rechargeable battery), 10...Housing, 11...Air intake, 12...Exhaust port, 13...Grip 13a...Operating section, 14...Fan motor, 14a...Motor, 14b...Fan, 15...Connecting section, 16...Dust collection section, 17...First cyclone section, 18...Second cyclone section, 19...Dust containment section, 30...Main body section, 30r...Rear, 31...Spherical socket section, 32...Bottom, 33...Inlet, 34a, 34b...Front wheel rollers, 35a, 35b...Rear wheel rollers, 36...Containment section, 36f...Front wall, 36r...Rear wall, 36s...S Lit, 36u...Upper wall, 37...Protrusion, 38...Notch, 39...Claw, 40...Connecting tube, 41...Spherical plug, 42...Insertion part, 50...Blade member, 51...Base, 51b...Bottom surface, 51f...Front surface, 51r...Back surface, 51u...Top surface, 52...Plate part, 53...Protrusion, 60...Rib, 61...Damper, d1, d2...Distance, F...Floor, LF...Front wheel roller shaft, LJ...Joint shaft, LR...Rear wheel roller shaft, S...Opposite spacing

Claims

1. A nozzle that can be attached to and detached from the cleaner body, The main body has a bottom surface with an intake port, It has a blade member supported by the main body, The blade member includes a base supported by the main body and a plate portion that protrudes below the bottom surface while the base is supported by the main body. The main body portion includes a housing portion that supports the base portion by housing it, The blade member is supported by the main body so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction relative to the housing portion. The aforementioned housing section is The front wall located in front of the base, A rear wall located behind the base and facing the front wall, An upper wall located above the base and spanning the front wall and the rear wall, It comprises a slit located below the base through which the plate portion is inserted, The distance between the front wall and the rear wall is greater than the thickness of the base in the front-rear direction. A nozzle having a projection provided at an intermediate position in the front-rear direction on either the upper wall of the housing portion or the upper surface of the base portion, and projecting toward the other.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the minimum distance between the front wall and the rear wall is 3.0 mm or more greater than the maximum thickness of the base in the front-rear direction.

3. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the gap between at least one of the front wall and the rear wall and the base widens as it approaches the upper wall.

4. The nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the base in the front-rear direction decreases as it approaches the upper wall.

5. The nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the distance between the front wall and the rear wall decreases as it approaches the upper wall.

6. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of notches are formed in at least one of the front wall and the rear wall.

7. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of claw portions supporting the base are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the slit.

8. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the blade member crosses the suction port and divides the suction port into two in the front-to-back direction.

9. The nozzle according to claim 8, wherein the opening area of ​​the suction port in front of the blade member is wider than the opening area of ​​the suction port rear of the blade member.

10. The main body is, A spherical socket portion that receives a spherical plug portion provided at one end of the connecting pipe, A pair of front wheel rollers positioned in front of the blade member, The blade member comprises a pair of rear wheel rollers positioned behind the blade member, The axis passing through the rotation centers of the pair of rear wheel rollers is defined as the rear wheel roller axis. When the axis passing through the center of the spherical socket portion and parallel to the rear wheel roller shaft is defined as the joint axis, The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the rear wheel roller axis to the joint axis in the front-rear direction is shorter than the distance from the rear wheel roller axis to the back of the main body in the front-rear direction.

11. A housing equipped with an air intake and an exhaust port, The drive unit housed in the aforementioned housing, A fan housed in the aforementioned housing and driven by the aforementioned drive unit to generate an airflow from the intake port toward the exhaust port, The housing has a nozzle connected to the air intake port, The aforementioned nozzle is The main body has a bottom surface provided with an intake port that communicates with the aforementioned air intake, It has a blade member supported by the main body, The blade member includes a base supported by the main body and a plate portion that protrudes below the bottom surface while the base is supported by the main body. The main body portion includes a housing portion that supports the base portion by housing it, The blade member is supported by the main body so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction relative to the housing portion. The aforementioned housing section is The front wall located in front of the base, A rear wall located behind the base and facing the front wall, An upper wall located above the base and spanning the front wall and the rear wall, It comprises a slit located below the base through which the plate portion is inserted, The distance between the front wall and the rear wall is greater than the thickness of the base in the front-rear direction. A work machine having a projection provided at an intermediate position in the front-rear direction on either the upper wall of the housing or the upper surface of the base, and projecting toward the other.

Images