Suction-type vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a technique for configuring a cleaner body which can be inserted to a narrow space in a height direction while securing suction force being sufficient to suck dust.SOLUTION: A cleaner includes: a cleaner body incorporating a suction source; a suction nozzle where a suction space opened toward a floor surface so as to suck dust by suction force of the suction source is formed inside; a connection part for connecting the suction nozzle to a distal end of the cleaner body so as to allow the cleaner body to be in a lying posture along the floor surface by backward inclination; and a dust storage part arranged inside the suction nozzle so as to catch and store the dust flowing from the suction space to the cleaner body. The suction source is arranged to be adjacent to the connection part between the cleaner body and the suction nozzle. The maximum height of the cleaner body in the lying posture is equal to or less than the maximum height of the suction nozzle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that sucks dust from the floor surface by suction force.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stick-type vacuum cleaner 300 shown in FIG. 11. This vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 310, a suction pipe 320 extending downward from the vacuum cleaner main body 310, a suction nozzle 330 connected to the lower end of the suction pipe 320, and a grip portion 340 extending upward from the vacuum cleaner main body 310.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner main body 310 has a rectangular box-shaped housing 311, and the internal space of the housing 311 is partitioned into two upper and lower spaces by a filter 313. In the upper space of the filter 313, a suction source 312 that generates a suction force for sucking dust is accommodated. In the lower space of the filter 313, the dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source 312 is stored.

[0004] An intake space for sucking dust on the floor surface is formed inside the suction nozzle 330. When the suction source 312 generates a suction force, the dust on the floor surface flows into the suction pipe 320 through the intake space of the suction nozzle 330. Then, the dust flows into the lower space of the filter 313 and is stored.

[0005] In the vacuum cleaner 300 shown in FIG. 11, the suction pipe 320, the vacuum cleaner main body 310, and the grip portion 340 are in a substantially right-angle upright posture with respect to the floor surface, but during the cleaning operation, they can be in a rear-tilted posture tilted backward from the upright posture. In this state, the suction nozzle 330 is at a position spaced apart from the user in the front, and the user can remove the dust at a position far away in the front from the floor surface.

[0006] The greater the tilt of the suction tube 320, the vacuum cleaner body 310, and the grip 340 from an upright position to the rear, the further the user can position the suction nozzle 330 in front of them. For this reason, the connection between the suction nozzle 330 and the suction tube 320 can be configured to allow the suction tube 320 to be in a reclining position, approximately parallel to the floor (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-267032 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-149283 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] If the suction tube 320 is in a horizontal position, even in a narrow space in the height direction (for example, the space under a bed), the user can insert not only the suction nozzle 330 but also the suction tube 320 into the space and suck up dust from the back of the space. However, the vacuum cleaner body 310 is somewhat large because it has a built-in suction source 312. Therefore, even if the user positions the suction tube 320 in a horizontal position, the vacuum cleaner body 310 may get caught on furniture (for example, a bed) surrounding the aforementioned space, making it impossible to insert the vacuum cleaner body 310 into the space. If the vacuum cleaner body 310 is made smaller, it will be possible to insert it into such a space, but this would require miniaturizing the suction source 312 as well. If the suction source 312 is made smaller, it becomes difficult to obtain sufficient suction power to suck up dust.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a technology that enables the construction of a vacuum cleaner body that can be inserted into a narrow space in the vertical direction while ensuring sufficient suction power to suck up dust. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The vacuum cleaner in this disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle having an internal suction space that opens toward the floor so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source, a connection part that connects the suction nozzle to the tip of the vacuum cleaner body so as to allow the vacuum cleaner body to tilt backward and assume a lying position along the floor, and a dust storage part provided inside the suction nozzle to capture and store dust flowing from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body. A gripping part configured to be held by the user and connected to the base end of the vacuum cleaner body, a battery that supplies power to the suction source, a charging terminal configured to accept power input from an external power source, and a charging cable that transmits the power input to the charging terminal to the battery, It is equipped with the following features. The suction source is located next to the connection point between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. When the vacuum cleaner is in a lying position, the maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body is less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle. The battery is located, at least partially, within the grip. The grip, along with the charging terminals and charging cable, is designed to be detachable from the vacuum cleaner body. Other vacuum cleaners in this disclosure include a vacuum cleaner body having a first main body part that incorporates a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust; a suction nozzle connected to the first main body part, having a suction space formed inside that opens toward the floor so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source; a connection part that connects the suction nozzle to the tip of the vacuum cleaner body so as to allow the vacuum cleaner body to tilt backward to assume a reclining position along the floor; a dust collection part provided inside the suction nozzle to capture and store dust flowing from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body; a grip part that is configured to be held by the user and connected to the base end of the vacuum cleaner body; and a battery that supplies power to the suction source. The suction source is provided next to the connection part between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. The maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body when in a reclining position is less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle. At least a portion of the battery is located inside the grip part. The vacuum cleaner body has a second main body part that has a base end to which the grip part is connected and is configured to be detachable from the first main body part. The second main body is equipped with a charging terminal configured to receive power from an external power source, and also has a built-in charging cable that transmits the power input to the charging terminal to the battery. The gripping section is formed to be detachable from the first main body together with the second main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The above invention makes it possible to construct a vacuum cleaner body that can be inserted into narrow spaces in the vertical direction while ensuring sufficient suction power to suck up dust. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (first embodiment) [Figure 2] Cross-section of the bottom of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Side view of a vacuum cleaner in a reclining position. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the suction nozzle [Figure 5] Bottom view of the suction nozzle [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the dust storage section [Figure 8] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (second embodiment) [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the connection between the vacuum cleaner body and the intermediate housing. [Figure 10] Perspective view of other vacuum cleaners [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of a conventional vacuum cleaner

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the first and second embodiments of the vacuum cleaner will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, for the convenience of those skilled in the art, for example, the detailed description of well-known matters or the redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0014] <First Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 includes a substantially cylindrical cleaner body 110 having a suction source 111 that generates a suction force for sucking dust, and a suction nozzle 130 connected to the tip of the cleaner body 110 via a connection portion 120. Further, from the base end of the cleaner body 110, a grip portion 150 extends in the axial direction of the cleaner body 110. The grip portion 150 is thinner than the cleaner body 110 and has a thickness that can be gripped by the user. An operation portion 115 that is operated by the user to instruct the operation and stop of the suction source 111 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 150.

[0015] The suction source 111 inside the cleaner body 110 has a fan motor 112 and a rotating blade portion 113 rotated by the fan motor 112. The rotating blade portion 113 is configured to generate an air flow from the suction nozzle 130 toward the suction source 111 when rotated by the fan motor 112.

[0016] A battery 114 is located in the upper part of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and in the internal space of the grip portion 150, and power to drive the fan motor 112 is supplied from the battery 114. In addition, a power supply circuit 116 is provided inside the vacuum cleaner body 110, which is configured to supply or stop power from the battery 114 to the fan motor 112 according to the operation of the control unit 115.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, a connecting part 120 is attached to the lower end (tip) of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The connecting part 120 has a substantially cylindrical connecting pipe section 121, the upper part of which is fitted into the vacuum cleaner body 110. The connecting part 120 also has a substantially cylindrical rotating connecting part 122 provided at the lower end (tip) of the connecting pipe section 121, and this rotating connecting part 122 is connected to the suction nozzle 130. The central axis of the rotating connecting part 122 constitutes the tilting axis of the connecting pipe section 121, and the connecting pipe section 121 can tilt in the front-rear direction around the tilting axis. In detail, the rotating connecting part 122 is configured to allow the connecting pipe section 121, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the grip section 150 to tilt backward until they are in a substantially horizontal position as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the connecting pipe 121, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the grip 150 are in a reclining position along the floor surface. When the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip 150 are in a reclining position, their maximum height H1 from the floor surface is configured to be less than or equal to the maximum height H2 of the suction nozzle 130.

[0018] The vacuum cleaner body 110 has a built-in suction source 111, but in order to keep the maximum height H1 of the vacuum cleaner body 110, which is in a horizontal position, below the maximum height H2 of the suction nozzle 130, the vacuum cleaner body 110 needs to be somewhat narrow. For this reason, the diameter of the suction source 111 (i.e., the fan motor 112 and the rotating blade section 113) also needs to be small. If the suction source 111 has a small diameter, the suction capacity of the suction source 111 will also be small. In order to be able to suck up dust from the floor surface through the suction nozzle 130 even with such a small suction capacity, it is preferable that the suction source 111 be located as close as possible to the suction nozzle 130. For this reason, the suction source 111 is located next to the upper end of the connecting pipe section 121, and the distance from the tip of the vacuum cleaner body 110 to which the suction nozzle 130 is connected to the suction source 111 is shorter than the distance from the base end of the vacuum cleaner body 110 to which the grip section 150 is connected to the suction source 111. A gap is provided between the suction source 111 and the upper end of the connecting pipe 121, such that the suction source 111 and the connecting pipe 121 do not come into contact with each other when the suction source 111 is operating. However, this gap is smaller than the size of the dust collection section 170 provided inside the suction nozzle 130 for collecting dust, in the axial direction of the connecting pipe 121.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, the suction nozzle 130 has a nozzle case 131 that is roughly C-shaped in plan view, and a nozzle cover 132 that is attached to the nozzle case 131. The nozzle case 131 has a main case portion 133 that is long in the left-right direction, a left case portion 134 that protrudes forward from the left end of the main case portion 133, and a right case portion 135 that protrudes forward from the right end of the main case portion 133. The nozzle cover 132 is a curved thin plate member that closes the upper and front parts of the space enclosed by the main case portion 133, the left case portion 134, and the right case portion 135. When the nozzle cover 132 is attached to the nozzle case 131, as shown in Figure 5, a suction space 136 enclosed by the nozzle cover 132, the main case portion 133, the left case portion 134, and the right case portion 135 is formed inside the suction nozzle 130. The suction space 136 opens toward the floor, and when the suction source 111 acts upon the suction space 136, dust on the floor is drawn into the suction space 136.

[0020] A pair of left and right brush rollers 161 and 162 are provided within the suction space 136. The left brush roller 161 is rotatably cantilevered to the left case portion 134, and the right brush roller 162 is rotatably cantilevered to the right case portion 135. Each of these brush rollers 161 and 162 has a roller body 163 and a plurality of brush rows 164 planted on the outer circumferential surface of the roller body 163. The brush rollers 161 and 162 are arranged and configured such that at least a portion of these brush rows 164 are in contact with the floor surface.

[0021] As shown in Figure 6, the main case section 133 has three compartments 137 to 139 arranged in the left-right direction. The left compartment 137 houses a brush motor 165 for driving the left brush roller 161, and a drive belt (not shown) connecting the brush motor 165 and the brush roller 161 extends within the left compartment 137 and the left case section 134. The right compartment 138 houses a brush motor 166 for driving the right brush roller 162, and a drive belt (not shown) connecting the brush motor 166 and the brush roller 162 extends within the right compartment 138 and the right case section 135. The brush motors 165 and 166 are electrically connected to the power supply circuit 116 shown in Figure 1, and can receive power from the battery 114 through the power supply circuit 116.

[0022] A connecting section 120 is connected to the rear of the central compartment 139. The front of the section to which the connecting section 120 is connected is formed to accommodate a dust collection section 170 for storing dust. An outlet 171 is formed on the upper surface of the central compartment 139 for removing the dust collection section 170 from the suction nozzle 130. In addition, openings 177 and 178 are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the central compartment 139, as shown in Figure 2, so that air in the suction space 136 can flow through the dust collection section 170 to the vacuum cleaner body 110.

[0023] As shown in Figure 7, the dust collection section 170 is a roughly cubic box and comprises a first case body 172 and a second case body 173. As shown in Figure 2, the first case body 172 is positioned next to the rear of the suction space 136. An inlet 174 is formed in the front wall of the first case body 172 to connect the suction space 136 with the internal space of the dust collection section 170. The second case body 173 is connected to the rear of the first case body 172, and an outlet 175 is formed in the rear wall of the second case body 173 to connect the internal space of the dust collection section 170 with the internal space of the connection section 120. The outlet 175 and the inlet 174 face each other in the front-to-back direction. A dust collection filter 176 is fitted inside the second case body 173. The dust filter 176 is configured to allow air to pass from the suction space 136 through the connection part 120 toward the vacuum cleaner body 110, while capturing dust contained in this air.

[0024] (Vacuum cleaner operation) When the user operates the control unit 115, power from the battery 114 is supplied to the suction source 111 and brush motors 165 and 166 through the power supply circuit 116. When the suction source 111 is activated by the power from the battery 114, the suction force of the suction source 111 acts on the suction space 136 through the connection part 120 and the dust collection part 170. Inside the suction space 136, brush rollers 161 and 162, driven by brush motors 165 and 166 powered by the battery 114, rotate and scrape up dust from the floor surface. The dust scraped up by the brush rollers 161 and 162 is sucked up into the suction space 136 along with air by the suction force of the suction source 111 and flows into the dust collection part 170 through the inlet 174. The dust filter 176 of the dust collection section 170 allows air to pass from the dust collection section 170 toward the connection section 120 and the suction source 111 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110, while capturing dust contained in this air. As a result, dust accumulates inside the dust collection section 170.

[0025] To dispose of the dust accumulated in the dust storage section 170, the user can remove the dust storage section 170 from the suction nozzle 130 through the outlet 171. After that, the user can separate the second case body 173 from the first case body 172 and dispose of the dust accumulated in the dust storage section 170.

[0026] The user can use the vacuum cleaner 100 to clean narrow spaces in the vertical direction, such as under a bed. If the height of the space to be cleaned is greater than the maximum height H2 of the suction nozzle 130, the user can insert the suction nozzle 130 into the space to be cleaned. To clean deep into this space, the user should position the vacuum cleaner body 110 and grip 150 in the lateral position shown in Figure 3. In this position, the maximum height H1 of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and grip 150 is less than or equal to the maximum height H2 of the suction nozzle 130. Therefore, the user can insert a portion of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and grip 150 (the portion on the suction nozzle 130 side relative to the part held by the user) into the space to be cleaned. In this state, if the suction source 111 is activated, dust deep inside the space to be cleaned will be sucked into the dust collection section 170.

[0027] To ensure that the maximum height H1 of the vacuum cleaner body 110 in a reclining position is less than or equal to the maximum height H2 of the suction nozzle 130, the vacuum cleaner body 110 is made narrower. As a result, the diameter of the suction source 111 (i.e., the fan motor 112 and rotating blade section 113) built into the vacuum cleaner body 110 is also smaller. Therefore, the suction capacity of the suction source 111 may be lower than that of a typical vacuum cleaner's suction source. In order to obtain sufficient suction force to suck up dust in the suction space 136 even with such low suction capacity, the suction source 111 is positioned as close as possible to the suction space 136 (i.e., next to the connection section 120). A gap is necessary between the suction source 111 and the connection section 120 to prevent contact between the suction source 111 and the connection section 120 when the suction source 111 is operating, but a larger gap is not required. In particular, in this embodiment, since the dust collection section 170 is provided in the suction nozzle 130 rather than the vacuum cleaner body 110, it is preferable that the volume of the gap between the suction source 111 and the connection section 120 is smaller than the volume of the dust collection section 170.

[0028] Since the suction source 111 is located near the connection part 120, the distance from the tip of the vacuum cleaner body 110 to which the suction nozzle 130 is connected to the suction source 111 is shorter than the distance from the base end of the vacuum cleaner body 110 to which the grip part 150 is connected to the suction source 111. Therefore, the weight of the suction source 111 rests more on the floor surface than on the user holding the grip part 150, and the suction nozzle 130 can be pressed against the floor surface by the weight of the suction source 111. In other words, even if the user does not press the suction nozzle 130 against the floor surface themselves, it is possible to perform cleaning work with the suction nozzle 130 pressed against the floor surface by the weight of the suction source 111.

[0029] It is assumed that the user will attempt to lift the suction nozzle 130 off the floor during cleaning to avoid obstacles on the floor. The suction source 111 generates a rotational moment that resists this lifting motion. As mentioned above, the suction source 111 is miniaturized, so it can be made lighter to some extent, but because it is located away from the grip 150, the rotational moment can be somewhat large. To suppress a further increase in the rotational moment that resists the lifting motion of the suction nozzle 130, the battery 114 is located near the user's gripping position. That is, the battery 114 is located in the upper part of the grip 150 and the vacuum cleaner body 110. Since the distance from the user's gripping position to the battery 114 is short, the rotational moment caused by the battery 114 is small.

[0030] In the above embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip portion 150 are in a reclining position, their maximum height H1 is less than or equal to the maximum height H2 of the suction nozzle 130. Alternatively, when they are in a reclining position, only the vacuum cleaner body 110 may have a maximum height less than or equal to the maximum height H2, while the grip portion 150 may have a maximum height greater than the maximum height H2 of the suction nozzle 130. In this case, when the user attempts to insert the vacuum cleaner 100 into a space that is narrow in the height direction, the grip portion 150 may get caught on furniture or other objects around the space, but the suction nozzle 130 and the vacuum cleaner body 110 can enter the space. Therefore, the user can push the suction nozzle 130 into the back of the space by the length of the vacuum cleaner body 110, and remove dust and debris from the back of the space.

[0031] <Second Embodiment> It is anticipated that users may find it cumbersome to carry the entire vacuum cleaner 100 to the charger in order to charge the battery 114. Therefore, it is preferable that the vacuum cleaner 100 be configured so that only the part containing the battery 114 can be carried by the user.

[0032] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the vacuum cleaner body 110 may have a first body portion 141 having a tip to which a suction nozzle 130 is connected, and a second body portion 142 having a base to which a grip portion 150 is connected. The first body portion 141 has a built-in suction source 111, and the second body portion 142 has a part of a battery 114 and a power supply circuit 116 built-in. The first body portion 141 and the second body portion 142 are separable from each other, as shown in Figure 9.

[0033] In this case, as shown in Figure 9, a power supply terminal 181 is fixed to the upper end of the first main body 141, and a power supply line 182 extends from the power supply terminal 181. The power supply line 182 is connected to the suction source 111 (see Figure 1), and the power input to the power supply terminal 181 is transmitted to the suction source 111 through the power supply line 182.

[0034] The lower end portion of the second main body 142 is configured to allow the upper end portion of the first main body 141 to be fitted into it. Furthermore, an internal wall 183 is provided inside the second main body 142 to determine the depth into which the first main body 141 can be fitted into the second main body 142. The first main body 141 can be fitted into the second main body 142 until its upper end abuts against the internal wall 183.

[0035] A charging terminal 184 is fixed inside the second main body 142, protruding from the internal wall 183 toward the first main body 141. The charging terminal 184 is plugged into the power supply terminal 181 when the first main body 141 is fitted into the second main body 142. A charging wire 185 extends from the charging terminal 184 and is connected to the battery 114 shown in Figure 1.

[0036] When the first main unit 141 and the second main unit 142 are connected, the charging terminal 184 is connected to the power supply terminal 181. At this time, if the user operates the control unit 115 to instruct the operation of the suction source 111, the power supply circuit 116 enables power supply from the battery 114. Power from the battery 114 is input to the power supply terminal 181 through the charging line 185 and the charging terminal 184. The power input to the power supply terminal 181 is supplied to the suction source 111 through the power supply line 182.

[0037] When the charge level of the battery 114 decreases, the user separates the second main body 142 and the grip 150 from the first main body 141. As a result, the user can transport the second main body 142, the grip 150, the battery 114 built into them, the charging cable 185, and the charging terminal 184 to an external power source (not shown), such as a charger, while they are separated from the first main body 141. During transport, the weight of the first main body 141 with the built-in suction source 111 and the suction nozzle 130 does not rest on the user, thus reducing the burden on the user during the battery 114 charging operation. The charging terminal 184 is connected to an external power source, and power from the external power source is input to the charging terminal 184. The power input from the external power source to the charging terminal 184 is supplied to the battery 114 through the charging cable 185, and the battery 114 is charged.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, if the upper part of the vacuum cleaner body 110, as well as the grip portion 150, is formed to accommodate the battery 114, the size of the battery 114 can be increased, and the battery 114 can be made to have a larger capacity. However, for the purpose of reducing the weight of the vacuum cleaner 100, as shown in Figure 10, the battery 114 may be formed to a size that fits inside the grip portion 150.

[0039] In this case, instead of forming the vacuum cleaner body 110 so as to be separable into a first body part 141 and a second body part, the grip part 150 can be formed so as to be separable from the base end of the vacuum cleaner body 110. Furthermore, the charging terminal 184 is provided on the grip part 150 and the power supply terminal 181 is provided on the vacuum cleaner body 110 so that the charging terminal 184 and the power supply terminal 181 are in contact at the connection portion between the grip part 150 and the vacuum cleaner body 110.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is configured, the user can separate the grip portion 150 from the base end of the vacuum cleaner body 110, and then carry the battery 114, charging cable 185, and charging terminal 184 to the charger by holding the grip portion 150.

[0041] In the first and second embodiments, the battery 114 is provided in the grip portion 150. However, the battery 114 may be built into the vacuum cleaner body 110 so as to be located near the suction source 111. In this case, the wiring between the battery 114 and the suction source 111 is shortened, which can suppress electrical failures of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0042] In the first and second embodiments, the distance from the tip of the vacuum cleaner body 110 to which the suction nozzle 130 is connected to the suction source 111 is shorter than the distance from the base end of the vacuum cleaner body 110 to which the grip portion 150 is connected to the suction source 111. However, if the axial length of the vacuum cleaner body 110 is short, the suction source 111 does not have to be positioned in this location. That is, if the suction source 111 is located near the connecting pipe portion 121, the relative magnitudes of these distances may be reversed.

[0043] In the first and second embodiments, the gripping portion 150 is rod-shaped, but it may have other shapes that can be gripped by the user.

[0044] (Effects, etc.) The vacuum cleaner 100 according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0045] A vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes: a vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust; a suction nozzle having a suction space formed inside that opens toward the floor so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source; a connection part that connects the suction nozzle to the tip of the vacuum cleaner body so as to allow the vacuum cleaner body to tilt backward and assume a lying position along the floor; and a dust collection part provided inside the suction nozzle to capture and store dust flowing from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body. The suction source is provided next to the connection part between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. The maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body when it is in a lying position is less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle.

[0046] In the above configuration, the dust collection unit, which captures and stores dust flowing from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body, is located inside the suction nozzle, not inside the vacuum cleaner body. In this case, there is no need to provide space for the dust collection unit between the connection point between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle and the suction source, so the suction source can be located next to the connection point. When the suction source is located next to the connection point, the distance from the suction source to the suction space of the suction nozzle is shortened, making it easier to obtain sufficient suction force in the suction space to suck up dust compared to when the distance is longer. For this reason, it is permissible to miniaturize the suction source to some extent. If the suction source is miniaturized, it is permissible to make the vacuum cleaner body containing the suction source to some extent thinner, so it becomes possible to make the maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body when it is lying on its side along the floor less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle. In this case, even if the space that the user intends to clean is narrow in the height direction, if the space is large enough to insert the suction nozzle, the user can insert the vacuum cleaner body into that space. Therefore, it becomes possible to vacuum up dust and debris from deep within the space.

[0047] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a gripping portion that is configured to be held by the user and is connected to the base end of the vacuum cleaner body. The suction source may be built into the vacuum cleaner body at a position where the distance from the tip of the vacuum cleaner body to the suction source is shorter than the distance from the base end of the vacuum cleaner body to the suction source.

[0048] In the above configuration, the user grasps the handle connected to the base of the vacuum cleaner body and brings the vacuum cleaner body and the handle closer to a lying-down position, thereby allowing the suction nozzle connected to the tip of the vacuum cleaner body to reach a position away from the user. At this time, the suction source is located at a position where the distance from the tip of the vacuum cleaner body to the suction source is shorter than the distance from the base of the vacuum cleaner body to the suction source. Therefore, the weight of the suction source is borne more by the suction nozzle connected to the tip of the vacuum cleaner body than by the user who is grasping the handle at the base of the vacuum cleaner. As a result, the user can change the position of the vacuum cleaner body and the handle with almost no feeling of the weight of the suction source. In addition, since the weight of the suction source is borne by the suction nozzle, the suction nozzle is pressed against the floor surface by the weight of the suction source, making it possible to clean with the suction nozzle pressed against the floor surface without the user having to press the suction nozzle against the floor surface themselves.

[0049] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a gripping section configured for the user to hold and connected to the base end of the vacuum cleaner body, and a battery that supplies power to the suction source. At least a portion of the battery may be located within the gripping section.

[0050] In the above configuration, when the user attempts to lift the suction nozzle off the floor, not only the suction nozzle and suction source but also the battery generate a rotational moment that acts in a direction opposed to this lifting motion. However, at least a portion of the battery is located within the gripping section, and the distance from the user's gripping position to the battery is short. Therefore, the rotational moment caused by the battery is reduced, and the rotational moment that opposes the lifting motion is suppressed to some extent.

[0051] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a charging terminal configured to receive power from an external power source, and a charging cable that transmits the power input to the charging terminal to the battery. The grip portion may be formed to be detachable from the vacuum cleaner body together with the charging terminal and the charging cable.

[0052] In the configuration described above, the grip section, along with the charging terminal and charging cable, can be separated from the vacuum cleaner body. This allows the user to connect the charging terminal to an external power source while the grip section is detached from the vacuum cleaner body. In this state, power is supplied to the charging terminal from the external power source, and this power is supplied to the battery through the charging cable. Therefore, the user can move the grip section, detached from the vacuum cleaner body, to an external power source to charge the battery inside the grip section without moving the entire vacuum cleaner.

[0053] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner body may be detachably configured to consist of a first body portion having a tip to which a suction nozzle is attached, and a second body portion having a base end to which a grip portion is attached. The second body portion may be provided with a charging terminal configured to receive power from an external power source, and may also have a built-in charging wire for transmitting the power input to the charging terminal to the battery. The grip portion may be formed to be detachably separated from the first body portion together with the second body portion.

[0054] In the configuration described above, by separating the second main unit from the first main unit, the grip unit, along with the charging terminal and charging cable, is separated from the vacuum cleaner body. In this state, if the user connects the charging terminal to an external power source, power is input from the external power source to the charging terminal, and this power is supplied to the battery through the charging cable. Therefore, the user can move the grip unit, which has been separated from the vacuum cleaner body, to an external power source and charge the battery in the grip unit without moving the entire vacuum cleaner.

[0055] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a power supply terminal configured to be connectable to a charging terminal, and a power supply line that transmits the power input to the power supply terminal to a suction source.

[0056] In the configuration described above, when the power supply terminal is connected to the charging terminal, power from the battery is input to the power supply terminal through the charging line and charging terminal. The power input to the power supply terminal is transmitted to the suction source through the power supply line, and the suction source can be operated by this power.

[0057] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a gripping section configured for the user to hold and connected to the base end of the vacuum cleaner body. When the vacuum cleaner body is in a lying position, the maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body and the gripping section may be less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle.

[0058] In the configuration described above, both the vacuum cleaner body and the handle have a maximum height that is less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle when the vacuum cleaner body is in a lying position. Therefore, the user can insert not only the suction nozzle and the vacuum cleaner body but also the handle into a narrow space in the height direction (for example, the space under a bed) and perform cleaning work. [Industrial applicability]

[0059] The technology of the above-described embodiment is suitably used in devices used for cleaning work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 100...Vacuum cleaner 110·····Vacuum cleaner body 111...Suction source 114... Battery 120·····Connection part 130·····Suction nozzle 136... Intake space 141·····First main body 142·····Second main body 150...Grip part 170...Dust storage section 181...Power supply terminal 182...Power supply line 184...Charging terminal 185 charging cable

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, A suction nozzle having an internal suction space that opens towards the floor surface so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the aforementioned suction source, A connection part that connects the suction nozzle to the tip of the vacuum cleaner body so as to allow the vacuum cleaner body to tilt backward and assume a lying position along the floor surface, A dust collection section is provided inside the suction nozzle to capture and store dust flowing from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body, A gripping portion is configured to be held by the user and is connected to the base end of the vacuum cleaner body, A battery that supplies power to the aforementioned suction source, A charging terminal configured to allow power input from an external power source, The system includes a charging cable that transmits power input to the charging terminal to the battery, The suction source is provided next to the connection between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. When the vacuum cleaner is in the aforementioned reclining position, the maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body is less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle. The battery is positioned, at least partially, within the grip portion. A vacuum cleaner in which the grip portion is formed to be detachable from the vacuum cleaner body together with the charging terminal and the charging cable.

2. A vacuum cleaner body having a first main body section that incorporates a suction source that generates suction force for sucking up dust, A suction space is formed inside that opens toward the floor surface so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source, and a suction nozzle is connected to the first main body. A connection part that connects the suction nozzle to the tip of the vacuum cleaner body so as to allow the vacuum cleaner body to tilt backward and assume a lying position along the floor surface, A dust collection section is provided inside the suction nozzle to capture and store dust flowing from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body, A gripping portion is configured to be held by the user and is connected to the base end of the vacuum cleaner body, The system includes a battery that supplies power to the suction source, The suction source is provided next to the connection between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. When the vacuum cleaner is in the aforementioned reclining position, the maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body is less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle. The battery is positioned, at least partially, within the grip portion. The vacuum cleaner body has a base end to which the gripping portion is connected, and a second body portion which is configured to be detachable from the first body portion. The second main unit is provided with a charging terminal configured to receive power from an external power source, and has a built-in charging cable that transmits the power input to the charging terminal to the battery. The gripping portion is formed to be detachable from the first main body together with the second main body of the vacuum cleaner.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction source is built into the vacuum cleaner body at a position where the distance from the tip of the vacuum cleaner body to the suction source is shorter than the distance from the base end of the vacuum cleaner body to the suction source.

4. A power supply terminal configured to be connectable to the aforementioned charging terminal, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a power supply line for transmitting power input to the power supply terminal to the suction source.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum height of the vacuum cleaner body and the grip portion when the vacuum cleaner body is in the lying position is less than or equal to the maximum height of the suction nozzle.

Images