Vacuum cleaner extension tube and vacuum cleaner unit

Abstract

To provide an extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner for supplying power from a position away from a cleaner body and a vacuum cleaner unit equipped with the extension pipe.SOLUTION: An extension pipe 30 is for connecting a suction tool 70 having a suction port 73 for sucking dust to one end side in a pipe axis direction, and connecting a cleaner body 10 to the other end side in the pipe axis direction. The extension pipe 30 has a power reception part 36 for receiving and supplying power to be supplied to a battery provided on a cleaner body 10 side. The extension pipe 30 includes a first energization part 42 on a power reception side for the power reception part 36 to supply power to the battery 17a provided on the cleaner body 10 side in the other end side in the pipe axis direction, a second energization part 44 provided more on the one end side than on the other end side in the pipe axis direction, and a power reception line 46 for electrically connecting the first energization part 42 and the second energization part 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extension tube of a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been provided a vacuum cleaner system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. This vacuum cleaner system includes a vacuum cleaner and a support device for supporting the vacuum cleaner. Further, the vacuum cleaner included in this vacuum cleaner system includes a main body having a handle, a suction tool for sucking dust, and a tube connecting the main body and the suction tool, and the support device includes a support. This vacuum cleaner system is configured such that, in a state where the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support device, the front side of the suction tool is disposed closer to the support than the rear side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, there has been provided a configuration in which a battery provided in the vacuum cleaner main body can be charged by connecting to a power source through a power supply part such as a power supply terminal or a jack provided in the vacuum cleaner main body, like the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 above. However, when such a configuration is adopted, static electricity may be generated by providing a power supply part on the vacuum cleaner main body that is easily held or touched by the user, and there is a problem (hereinafter, referred to as "the first problem" for convenience) that consideration must be given to the arrangement of the power supply part and other members or separate measures against static electricity must be taken.

[0005] On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to charge the vacuum cleaner using a support device for supporting the vacuum cleaner. Since the vacuum cleaner body has connection terminals, the height of the power supply terminals for connecting to these connection terminals must be designed to match the height at which the connection terminals are located. Thus, when charging a vacuum cleaner using a support device, there is a problem in that the support device becomes large (hereinafter referred to as the "second problem" for convenience).

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an extension tube for an electric vacuum cleaner that allows power to be supplied from a location separate from the vacuum cleaner body. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an electric vacuum cleaner unit that enables miniaturization of the charging base. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An extension tube for an electric vacuum cleaner in an embodiment of the present invention, provided to solve the first problem described above, is an extension tube for an electric vacuum cleaner to which a suction device having a suction port for sucking up dust is connected on one end in the axial direction of the tube, and the other end in the axial direction of the tube is connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and the extension tube has a power receiving unit that receives and supplies power for supplying power to a battery provided on the vacuum cleaner body side, and the power receiving unit is characterized in that it comprises a first power supply unit connected to the vacuum cleaner body on the other end in the axial direction of the tube, a second power supply unit provided on the one end in the axial direction of the tube side of the first power supply unit, and a power receiving line that electrically connects the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit.

[0008] The extension tube of the vacuum cleaner in the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a power receiving unit that receives and supplies power to a battery located on the vacuum cleaner body side. Furthermore, in the extension tube of the vacuum cleaner in the embodiment of the present invention, a first power supply unit is connected to the vacuum cleaner body at the other end in the axial direction of the tube, and a second power supply unit is provided on one end in the axial direction of the tube, allowing power to be supplied to the battery via a power receiving line. Therefore, according to the extension tube of the vacuum cleaner in the embodiment of the present invention, power can be supplied to the battery from the second power supply unit, which is located separately from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0009] Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner unit in the embodiment of the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner body having a battery, a suction tool having a suction port for sucking up dust, the extension tube described above, a charging stand having a third power supply unit and a charging mechanism for charging the battery, wherein the charging stand has a mounting unit for placing the suction tool and a support column that supports the extension tube and engages with the extension tube, and the third power supply unit and the second power supply unit are electrically connected when the support column unit supports the extension tube and engages with the extension tube, and the battery can be charged by supplying power from the third power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the charging mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner unit in the embodiment of the present invention is provided to solve a second problem, which is different from the first problem described above, as its primary problem. That is, in the vacuum cleaner system of Patent Document 1, since the vacuum cleaner body is provided with connection terminals, the height of the power supply terminals for connecting to these connection terminals must be designed to match the height at which the connection terminals are located. This resulted in the problem of the charging stand becoming large.

[0011] To solve this second problem, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electric vacuum cleaner unit comprising: a vacuum cleaner body having a battery; a suction tool having a suction port for sucking up dust; the extension tube; a charging stand having a third power supply unit and a charging mechanism for charging the battery, wherein the charging stand has a mounting portion for placing the suction tool and a support column portion that supports the extension tube and engages with the extension tube, and the third power supply unit and the second power supply unit are electrically connected when the support column portion supports the extension tube and engages with the extension tube, and the charging mechanism can supply power from the third power supply unit to the second power supply unit to charge the battery.

[0012] In this way, by supporting and engaging the extension tube with the support column of the charging base, the second power supply part on the extension tube and the third power supply part on the charging base are electrically connected, and the battery can be charged by power supply through the charging mechanism. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner unit can have the third power supply part on the charging base in accordance with the second power supply part which is located lower than the vacuum cleaner body. This makes the charging base more compact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, an extension tube for an electric vacuum cleaner can be provided to enable power supply from a location separate from the vacuum cleaner body. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an electric vacuum cleaner unit can be provided that enables miniaturization of the charging base. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a side view of an electric vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the suction attachment of the vacuum cleaner with the top of the case removed. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the charging stand of the vacuum cleaner. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the extension tube of the vacuum cleaner. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the other end of the extension tube in the axial direction of the vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a magnified perspective view of the extension tube of the vacuum cleaner, with the front cover removed, showing one end of the tube in the axial direction. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the extension tube of the vacuum cleaner in Figure 1 with the front cover removed. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of one end of the extension tube in the axial direction of the vacuum cleaner. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the intersecting wiring section of the extension tube of the vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing a state of the extension pipe included in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 as viewed from one end side in the pipe axis direction. [Figure 11] It is a rear view showing the vicinity of the arrangement part at one end side in the pipe axis direction of the extension pipe included in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing a power receiving part and a power feeding part provided in the extension pipe included in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a support column part of a charging stand included in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] It is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a support column part of a charging stand included in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory view schematically showing a configuration of an extension pipe provided with a second energization part according to a modification example and a charging stand provided with a third energization part according to the modification example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, after schematically explaining the overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner unit 1, the main parts will be described in more detail. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships such as the vertical direction and the width direction are described based on the state in which the vacuum cleaner unit 1 is erected as shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] ≪Regarding the overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner unit 1≫ As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 is a vacuum cleaner having a stick-shaped (vertical) appearance. The vacuum cleaner unit 1 can be, for example, a rechargeable type or one that obtains power from an external power source via a power cord. The vacuum cleaner unit 1 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 10, a dust collection part 20 (dust collection device), an extension pipe 30 (pipe part), a suction tool 70, and a charging stand 90.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner body 10 forms the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 and is the part that exerts suction power to collect dust. Specifically, the vacuum cleaner body 10 has a drive circuit that drives an electric blower 14 and other electronic components for drawing in air and generating airflow, as well as other components, inside the main body case 12 that forms the housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner body 10 is equipped with a gripping portion 16. The gripping portion 16 is a part provided for the user of the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 to grip the vacuum cleaner body 10. That is, the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 is configured so that the user can grip the vacuum cleaner body 10 by, for example, putting their fingers (excluding their thumb) through the opening formed by the gripping portion 16. More specifically, a battery section 17 containing a battery 17a is provided at one end of the vacuum cleaner body 10, one end of the gripping portion 16 is connected to the battery section 17 and extends away from the battery section 17, and the other end of the gripping portion 16 is connected to the front of the electric blower 14.

[0019] The dust collection section 20 is the part where dust and debris sucked up by the vacuum cleaner unit 1 are collected. The dust collection section 20 may be of the cyclone type or the paper bag type. The dust collection section 20 is provided to be continuous with the vacuum cleaner body 10. An extension pipe 30 or a suction attachment 70 can be connected to the lower end of the dust collection section 20.

[0020] The extension pipe 30 is a cylindrical component that detachably connects the vacuum cleaner body 10 and the suction attachment 70. One end of the extension pipe 30 is shaped to be inserted into the pipe connection part 22, and the other end is shaped to be connected to the suction attachment 70. By connecting the vacuum cleaner body 10 and the suction attachment 70 via the extension pipe 30, a series of connected paths (air passages) from the suction attachment 70 to the vacuum cleaner body 10 can be formed. Since the extension pipe 30 is a distinctive part of the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1, the configuration of each part will be described in detail later.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the suction device 70 comprises a case body 72 and a joint portion 74. The suction device 70 also has a suction port 73 at the bottom of the case body 72, and inside the case body 72 are components such as a rotating cleaning body 76, a rotating body drive device 77, and a cleaning body drive mechanism 78. The suction device 70 can be driven by supplying power from the battery 17a to the rotating body drive device 77, which consists of a motor, etc., via the suction device connection terminals 75a and 75b. The power generated in the rotating body drive device 77 is transmitted to the rotating cleaning body 76 via the cleaning body drive mechanism 78. This causes the rotating cleaning body 76 to rotate. The case body 72 is the part that is placed on the floor during cleaning, and has a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction relative to the front-back direction, which is the direction in which the user moves during cleaning. Inside the case body 72, a suction space is formed with the floor side as the open end for sucking in air and dust from the outside. Furthermore, the joint portion 74 is mounted to the case body 72 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range of rotation (front-to-back and left-to-right directions). The joint portion 74 is the part to which the end of the extension pipe 30 described above is connected. The joint portion 74 is cylindrical, and its internal space is in communication with the suction space. The joint portion 74 is designed to be fitted with the case body 72 when in an upright position.

[0022] The charging stand 90 allows the battery 17a to be charged by placing the vacuum cleaner body 10 with the extension tube 30 and suction attachment 70 attached on it. The charging stand 90 has a mounting section 94 on which the suction attachment 70 is placed and a support column section 96 that supports the extension tube 30. Since the charging stand 90 is a distinctive part of the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1, the configuration of each part will be described in detail later.

[0023] The vacuum cleaner unit 1 has a configuration that is generally as described above. The vacuum cleaner unit 1 is characterized by the extension tube 30 and the charging base 90. The structure of each part of the vacuum cleaner unit 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0024] Regarding extension tube 30: As described above, the extension pipe 30 is a pipe for an electric vacuum cleaner to which a suction device 70 is connected on one end in the axial direction of the pipe and the vacuum cleaner body 10 is connected on the other end in the axial direction of the pipe. The extension pipe 30 has an overall appearance as shown in Figure 4, and each part has a characteristic configuration as shown in Figures 5 to 12. As shown in Figures 4 to 12, the extension pipe 30 comprises a pipe section 32, a cover section 34, a power receiving section 36 (see Figure 12), a power supply section 38 (see Figure 12), and a mounting section 40.

[0025] The pipe section 32 is a pipe that constitutes the air passage from the suction attachment 70 to the vacuum cleaner body 10. The pipe section 32 is made up of a hollow cylinder that extends substantially in a straight line from one end in the pipe axis direction (the side connected to the suction attachment 70) to the other end in the pipe axis direction (the side connected to the vacuum cleaner body 10). As shown in Figure 6, the pipe section 32 has an enlarged diameter section 32a on one end in the pipe axis direction via a stepped section 32b. This allows the joint section 74 of the suction attachment 70 to be inserted into the enlarged diameter section 32a.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cover portion 34 has a front cover portion 34a and a rear cover portion 34b. The front cover portion 34a is attached to the front-facing portion of the pipe portion 32 when the pipe portion 32 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 10. The front cover portion 34a is attached from one end in the pipe axis direction to the other end in the pipe axis direction. The rear cover portion 34b is the rear-facing portion of the pipe portion 32 when the pipe portion 32 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 10. The rear cover portion 34b is the portion of the extension pipe 30 on one end in the pipe axis direction (the side on which the suction device 70 is connected). In this embodiment, the rear cover portion 34b is a part (an integrated part) of the pipe portion 32, but it may also be configured to be attached to the pipe portion 32 and integrated with the front cover portion 34a.

[0027] Furthermore, a wiring section 33 is formed between the outer surface of the pipe section 32 and the inner surface of the cover section 34. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the wiring section 33 is a space used for wiring the receiving lines 46 and the supply lines 56, which will be described in detail later. The wiring section 33 has a wiring section 33a in the direction of the pipe axis and a wiring section 33b (communication section) in the direction of the crossing direction. The wiring section 33a in the direction of the pipe axis is a space between the pipe section 32 and the front cover section 34a for wiring the receiving lines 46 and the supply lines 56 along the pipe axis direction of the pipe section 32. The wiring section 33b in the direction of the crossing direction is a space that communicates in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction for wiring the receiving lines 46. The cross-directional wiring section 33b may be formed by providing a through hole or groove in at least one of the pipe section 32 or the cover section 34. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the space formed between the pipe section 32 and the cover section 34 at the other end side in the pipe axis direction (towards the vacuum cleaner body 10) relative to the portion of the pipe section 32 where the stepped section 32b is provided is defined as the cross-directional wiring section 33b. Furthermore, the cross-directional wiring section 33b is formed to be continuous with or communicate with the wiring section 33a in the pipe axis direction. In addition, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the cross-directional wiring section 33b and the communication hole 33c are provided in the rear cover section 34b. This allows the power receiving wire 46 to be routed from the front side of the pipe section 32 to the rear side (towards the wiring section 40). The communication hole 33c can also be described as being provided in the rear cover section 34b at a position opposite to the wiring section 40, which will be described in detail later.

[0028] The power receiving unit 36 ​​is provided to receive power for charging the battery 17a located in the vacuum cleaner body 10 described above. As shown in Figure 12, the power receiving unit 36 ​​has a first power supply unit 42, a second power supply unit 44, and a power receiving line 46.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the first energizing section 42 is provided on the other end of the extension pipe 30 in the pipe axis direction (the side connected to the vacuum cleaner body 10). The first energizing section 42 has first terminals 42a and 42b. The first terminals 42a and 42b are held or covered between the pipe section 32 and the front cover section 34a. The first terminals 42a and 42b are provided in correspondence with connection terminals (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 17a on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side. The first terminals 42a and 42b can be electrically connected to the connection terminals on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side by connecting the extension pipe 30 to the vacuum cleaner body 10. The first terminals 42a and 42b only need to be electrically connectable to the terminals on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side. In this embodiment, male terminals are used as the first terminals 42a and 42b, and female terminals are used as the connection terminals on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side.

[0030] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the second energizing section 44 is located on one end of the extension pipe 30 in the pipe axis direction (the side on which the suction device 70 is connected) more than the first energizing section 42. The second energizing section 44 is connected to the third energizing section 98, which is located on the charging base 90 side and will be described in detail later. The second energizing section 44 has second terminals 44a and 44b. The second terminals 44a and 44b correspond to the first terminals 42a and 42b, respectively. As shown in Figure 8, the second terminals 44a and 44b are located on the power receiving wire 46 that is pulled out to the outside of the cover section 34 via a communication hole 33c provided in the rear side cover section 34b. Also, as shown in Figures 8 and 11, the second terminals 44a and 44b are located inside the wiring section 40, which will be described in detail later. The second terminals 44a and 44b only need to be electrically connectable to the terminals on the third energizing section 98 side, which will be described in detail later on the charging base 90 side. In this embodiment, since male terminals are used as connection terminals on the charging base 90 side, female terminals are used for the second terminals 44a and 44b.

[0031] As shown in Figure 12, the power receiving line 46 is wiring that electrically connects the first energizing section 42 and the second energizing section 44. In this embodiment, the power receiving lines 46a and 46b are provided corresponding to the first terminals 42a and 42b provided as the first energizing section 42 and the second terminals 44a and 44b provided as the second energizing section 44. Power receiving line 46a connects the first terminal 42a and the second terminal 44a, and power receiving line 46b connects the first terminal 42b and the second terminal 44b. The power receiving lines 46 (46a, 46b) are arranged within the wiring section 33. Specifically, the power receiving lines 46 are routed from the first energizing section 42 along the pipe axis direction in the pipe axis direction wiring section 33a, and routed in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction in the cross direction wiring section 33b.

[0032] The power supply unit 38 is provided to supply power to the suction attachment 70 from the battery 17a located in the vacuum cleaner body 10. The power supply unit 38 has a configuration that is generally similar to that of the power receiving unit 36. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the power supply unit 38 has a fourth power supply unit 52, a fifth power supply unit 54, and a power supply line 56.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the fourth energizing section 52 is provided on the other end of the extension pipe 30 in the pipe axis direction (the side connected to the vacuum cleaner body 10), similar to the first energizing section 42 described above. The fourth energizing section 52 has fourth terminals 52a and 52b. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b are held or covered between the pipe section 32 and the front cover section 34a. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b are provided in correspondence with the power supply (power output) connection terminals (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 17a on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b can be electrically connected to the connection terminals on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side by connecting the extension pipe 30 to the vacuum cleaner body 10. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b only need to be electrically connectable to the terminals on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side. In this embodiment, male terminals are used as the fourth terminals 52a and 52b, and female terminals are used as the connection terminals on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 10, the fifth energizing section 54 is located on one end of the extension pipe 30 in the axial direction (the side connected to the suction device 70) than the fourth energizing section 52. The fifth energizing section 54 is connected to a connection terminal provided on the suction device 70 in order to supply power to the electrical components of the suction device 70. Such electrical components include, for example, a rotary body drive device 77 and a control unit (control board) for controlling the rotary body drive device 77. The fifth energizing section 54 has fifth terminals 54a and 54b. The fifth terminals 54a and 54b are fixed to a groove-shaped mounting section provided on the front side of the pipe section 32. The fifth terminals 54a and 54b correspond to the fourth terminals 52a and 52b, respectively. Unlike the second terminals 44a and 44b described above, the fifth terminals 54a and 54b are positioned to be electrically connectable to the connection terminals on the suction device 70 (suction device connection terminals 75a and 75b) by connecting the suction device 70 to the extension pipe 30. In this embodiment, since male type connectors are used on the suction device 70, the fifth terminals 54a and 54b are female type connectors.

[0035] As shown in Figure 12, the power supply line 56 is wiring that electrically connects the fourth energizing section 52 and the fifth energizing section 54. In this embodiment, the power supply lines 56a and 56b are provided corresponding to the fourth terminals 52a and 52b provided as the fourth energizing section 52 and the fifth terminals 54a and 54b provided as the fifth energizing section 54. Power supply line 56a connects the fourth terminal 52a and the fifth terminal 54a, and power supply line 56b connects the fourth terminal 52b and the fifth terminal 54b. The power supply lines 56 (56a, 56b) are arranged within the wiring section 33. Specifically, the power supply lines 56 are routed from the fourth energizing section 52 along the pipe axis direction in the pipe axis wiring section 33a to reach the fifth energizing section 54.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 10, the mounting section 40 is provided on the rear side of the extension pipe 30. The mounting section 40 is where the second terminals 44a and 44b of the second energizing section 44 described above are mounted. Therefore, the mounting section 40 is positioned to correspond to the communication hole 33c provided on the rear side of the extension pipe 30. In other words, the mounting section 40 is located at one end of the extension pipe 30 in the axial direction (the side connected to the suction device 70). Furthermore, the mounting section 40 is designed to engage with the support column 96 of the charging base 90, which will be described in detail later, to form an engagement structure.

[0037] The mounting section 40 has a receiving section 60 that bulges out toward the rear side of the extension pipe 30. The mounting section 40 has second terminals 44a and 44b arranged inside the receiving section 60. The receiving section 60 is hollow and has a first opening 62 that is open toward one side in the direction of the pipe axis (the side connected to the suction device 70). Therefore, the mounting section 40 can engage the extension pipe 30 with the support column 96 of the charging base 90 by allowing the first projection 110 provided on the support column 96 of the charging base 90 to enter the receiving section 60 through the first opening 62. In other words, in addition to the function of housing the second energizing section 44, the mounting section 40 also functions as an engaged part for engaging the extension pipe 30 with the support column 96.

[0038] Furthermore, when the mounting section 40 is engaged with the support column 96 of the charging base 90, it has a second opening 64 on the contact surface 60a on the side facing the support column 96. The second opening 64 is an opening that allows a third power supply section 98 provided on the charging base 90 to be connected to a second power supply section 44 located inside the receiving section 60.

[0039] The mounting section 40 has a terminal opening 66 on the back surface of the extension pipe 30 (the surface facing the surface where the second opening 64 is provided). The terminal opening 66 is an opening that allows the third terminals 98a and 98b of the third energizing section 98, which will be described later, to be inserted into and removed from the second terminals 44a and 44b of the second energizing section 44. The terminal opening 66 is open toward one side in the pipe axis direction (the side connected to the suction device 70) and toward the second opening 64. As a result, the third terminals 98a and 98b are inserted into the terminal opening 66 on one side in the pipe axis direction, and the third terminals 98a and 98b are fixed toward the second opening 64 side of the terminal opening 66.

[0040] ≪About the Charging Cradle 90≫ The electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 also features a distinctive configuration for its charging base 90, corresponding to the extension tube 30 described above. As shown in Figure 3, the charging base 90 is configured such that a third power supply unit 98 and a charging mechanism 100 are provided on the mounting portion 94 and support column portion 96 that make up the charging base body 92.

[0041] The mounting section 94 is a base for mounting the suction device 70. The mounting section 94 has a stopper 102 on its front side. The stopper 102 is formed to protrude upward from the top surface of the mounting section 94. The stopper 102 is also formed to extend in the width direction of the mounting section 94. Therefore, the stopper 102 can be positioned so that the suction device 70, which is placed on the top surface of the mounting section 94, does not move beyond the stopper 102 towards the front.

[0042] The support column 96 is a columnar portion erected vertically on the rear side of the mounting section 94 (opposite the stopper 102). The support column 96 engages with and supports the extension pipe 30 connected to the suction device 70 placed on the mounting section 94. Specifically, the support column 96 can support the extension pipe 30 by engaging the receiving portion 60, which forms the mounting portion 40 of the extension pipe 30, with the engaging portion 104 provided on the upper end of the support column 96.

[0043] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the engaging portion 104 has four projections: a first projection 110, a second projection 112, a third projection 114, and a fourth projection 116. The first projection 110 is a projection-shaped portion formed on the front side of the support portion 96 so as to extend in the width direction. The first projection 110 is the portion that is inserted into the receiving portion 60 through the first opening 62 provided in the extension pipe 30 described above. The second projection 112 is provided on the upper end side of the support portion 96, inside the space 120 which is open toward the front and top surfaces, so as to face the first projection 110 at a predetermined distance. The third projection 114 is a projection-shaped portion that is arranged to intersect with the first projection 110. The third projection 114 is arranged inside the space 120, similar to the second projection 112. Furthermore, the first projection 110 and the third projection 114 may be spaced apart, but in this embodiment, the third projection 114 is connected to the first projection 110 at the midpoint of the first projection 110 in the width direction. Therefore, the first projection 110 and the third projection 114 are formed in a roughly "T" shape in plan view. In addition, the fourth projection 116 is provided on the surface of the first projection 110 facing the space 120, so as to protrude inward into the space 120. The fourth projection 116 is provided at a position opposite the second projection 112.

[0044] Space 120 is the portion where the second projection 112 and the third projection 114 are located. The upper edge of space 120 is provided with a chamfered portion 120a, which is chamfered in a shape such as a tapered shape, to facilitate the insertion of the receiving portion 60 provided on the extension pipe 30. Furthermore, the opening width on the front side of space 120 is equal to or greater than the width of the receiving portion 60 provided on the extension pipe 30. In addition, the width of the third projection 114 is equal to or less than the width of the second opening 64 formed in the receiving portion 60 on the extension pipe 30. Furthermore, the second projection 112 is provided on both sides in the width direction relative to the third projection 114. Therefore, by inserting the receiving portion 60 into the extension pipe 30 toward the space 120, the contact surface 60a of the receiving portion 60 enters between the first projection 110 and the second projection 112, and the third projection 114 enters the second opening 64 provided in the contact surface 60a. As a result, the receiving portion 60 provided on the extension pipe 30 side and the engaging portion 104 provided on the support column 96 side become engaged.

[0045] The third energizing section 98 has third terminals 98a and 98b. The third terminals 98a and 98b are blade-shaped terminals. The third terminals 98a and 98b intersect with the first projection 110 described above and are provided to protrude toward the front side of the first projection 110. When the first projection 110 is viewed from the front, the third terminals 98a and 98b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the third projection 114. Furthermore, the third terminals 98a and 98b are provided toward the center in the width direction (towards the third projection 114) than the positions where the second projection 112 and the fourth projection 116 are provided. The third terminals 98a and 98b are each connected to the charging mechanism 100.

[0046] The charging mechanism 100 supplies power to the third energizing unit 98 using power supplied from an external power source. The control board and other components of the charging mechanism 100 are built into the charging stand body 92 (for example, the mounting section 94, the support column section 96, etc.) which constitutes the charging stand 90.

[0047] ≪Characteristic Configuration and Effects of the Electric Vacuum Cleaner Unit 1 and Extension Pipe 30≫ Next, we will explain the characteristic configuration of the aforementioned vacuum cleaner unit 1 and extension pipe 30, and the effects of this configuration.

[0048] (1) The extension pipe 30 of this embodiment is for connecting a suction tool 70 having a suction port 73 for sucking up dust to one end in the direction of the pipe axis, and for connecting a vacuum cleaner body 10 to the other end in the direction of the pipe axis, and has a power receiving unit 36 ​​that receives and supplies power to supply power to a battery 17a provided in the vacuum cleaner body 10, and the power receiving unit 36 ​​is characterized in that it has a first power receiving unit 42 on the power receiving side for supplying power to the battery 17a provided in the vacuum cleaner body 10 on the other end in the direction of the pipe axis, a second power receiving unit 44 provided on the other side of the one end in the direction of the pipe axis, and a power receiving line 46 that electrically connects the first power receiving unit 42 and the second power receiving unit 44.

[0049] The extension pipe 30 described above is equipped with a power receiving unit 36 ​​that receives and supplies power to the battery 17a located on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side. Furthermore, by connecting the first power supply unit 42 at the other end of the extension pipe 30 in the axial direction to the battery 17a located on the vacuum cleaner body 10 side, the extension pipe 30 becomes capable of supplying power to the battery 17a via the power receiving line 46 from the second power supply unit 44 located on one end of the extension pipe in the axial direction relative to the first power supply unit 42. Therefore, with the extension pipe 30 described above, it becomes possible to supply power to the battery 17a from the second power supply unit 44, which is located at a different location from the vacuum cleaner body 10. Furthermore, with this configuration, the generation of static electricity can be suppressed by avoiding placing the powered parts in the vacuum cleaner body, which is easily grasped or touched by the user.

[0050] (2) The extension pipe 30 of this embodiment comprises a pipe section 32 that constitutes an air passage and a cover section 34 for arranging a power receiving line 46 between the pipe section 32 and the cover section 34, and has a cross-direction routing section 33b (communication section) that communicates in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction in the pipe section 32, the cover section 34, or between the pipe section 32 and the cover section 34, and the power receiving line 46 is routed through the cross-direction routing section 33b, and the first power supply section 42 and the second power supply section 44 are electrically connected.

[0051] With this configuration, the power receiving line 46 can be routed not only along the pipe axis direction of the extension pipe 30, but also in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction via the intersecting direction routing section 33b. Therefore, with the above configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the second power supply section 44 relative to the first power supply section 42 is improved. Furthermore, for example, if the second power supply section 44 is provided on the rear side cover section 34b, the second power supply section 44 can be hidden by the pipe section 32 when viewed from the front, thus improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0052] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the cross-direction routing section 33b passes between the pipe section 32 and the cover section 34 and communicates in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the extension pipe 30 may be provided with through holes or grooves in at least one of the pipe section 32 or the cover section 34 so that the power receiving line 46 can be routed in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction. Furthermore, for example, in cases where it is not necessary to route the power receiving line 46 in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction, the extension pipe 30 may not have the cross-direction routing section 33b.

[0053] (3) One of the problems that the extension tube 30 of this embodiment solves is that, for example, the vacuum cleaner body, which is gripped or touched by the user and where static electricity generation is a concern, has a power supply unit, and consideration must be given to the arrangement of the power supply unit and other components, and separate measures must be taken to prevent static electricity. On the other hand, the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment can solve a problem that is completely different from the problem that the extension tube 30 of this embodiment solves. Specifically, in the vacuum cleaner system of Patent Document 1, since the vacuum cleaner body has a connection terminal, the height of the power supply terminal for connecting to the connection terminal must be designed to match the height at which the connection terminal is located. This resulted in the problem of the charging stand becoming large.

[0054] The electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem of the charging stand becoming large, comprises a vacuum cleaner body 10 having a battery 17a, a suction tool 70 having a suction port 73 for sucking up dust, the extension pipe 30 described above, a third power supply unit 98, and a charging stand 90 having a charging mechanism 100 for charging the battery 17a. The charging stand 90 has a mounting part 94 for placing the suction tool 70, and a support column 96 that supports the extension pipe 30 and engages with the extension pipe 30. In a state where the support column 96 supports the extension pipe 30 and engages with the extension pipe 30, the third power supply unit 98 and the second power supply unit 44 are electrically connected, and the charging mechanism 100 can supply power from the third power supply unit 98 to the second power supply unit 44 to charge the battery 17a.

[0055] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 illustrates that by supporting and engaging the extension pipe 30 with the support column 96 of the charging base 90, the second power supply section 44 on the extension pipe 30 and the third power supply section 98 on the charging base 90 are electrically connected, and the battery 17a can be charged by power supply from the charging mechanism 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 makes it possible to provide the third power supply section 98 on the charging base 90 to match the second power supply section 44 which is located lower than the vacuum cleaner body 10. This makes the charging base 90 more compact. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 illustrated in this embodiment is equipped with the extension tube 30 described above. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 described above can be electrically connected to the charging mechanism 100 at a location separate from the vacuum cleaner body 10 and can supply power to the battery 17a.

[0056] (4) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes an arrangement section 40 for arranging the second energizing section 44, and the arrangement section 40 constitutes an engagement structure that engages with the support column section 96.

[0057] With this configuration, the engagement structure formed by the mounting section 40 and the support column section 96 allows the second energizing section 44 to be reliably connected to the third energizing section 98, thereby enabling charging of the battery 17a.

[0058] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the mounting section 40 where the second energizing section 44 is located is used as a configuration for engaging with the support column 96 (receiving section 60), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the receiving section 60 may not be provided in the mounting section 40 where the second energizing section 44 is located, and one of the engagement structures for engaging with the support column 96 may be provided on the extension pipe 30. For example, a housing section may be provided on the support column 96 that sandwiches a part of the extension pipe 30 from the radial direction, and an engagement structure that engages with the extension pipe 30 from the radial direction may be provided in the housing section, as well as a third energizing section 98 that is connected to the second energizing section 44 in the mounting section 40.

[0059] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which a mounting section 40 is provided to which the second energizing section 44 is located, the second energizing section 44 may be located between the pipe section 32 and the rear cover section 34b. In such a case, the second energizing section 44 may be exposed on the outer surface of the rear cover section 34b, or it may have a terminal opening for the insertion of the third energizing section 98.

[0060] (5) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the mounting section 40 has a hollow receiving section 60 in which a first opening 62 is provided that is opened to face one side in the direction of the pipe axis, and the support column section 96 has a first projection 110 (projection) that is inserted into the receiving section 60 through the first opening 62.

[0061] With this configuration, the extension pipe 30 can be engaged with the support column 96 by positioning the extension pipe 30 relative to the support column 96 such that the first projection 110 provided on the support column 96 side is inserted into the receiving portion 60 which forms the arrangement portion 40 of the extension pipe 30.

[0062] (6) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that a third energizing part 98 is provided on the first projection 110.

[0063] With this configuration, by engaging the extension pipe 30 with the support column 96, it becomes possible to connect the second energized section 44 and the third energized section 98 provided within the installation section 40. This makes the connection work between the second energized section 44 and the third energized section 98 easy and reliable.

[0064] (7) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the receiving portion 60 has a second opening 64 on the side facing the support column portion 96, and the third power supply portion 98 is connected to the second power supply portion 44 via the second opening 64.

[0065] With this configuration, the second energizing section 44 and the third energizing section 98 can be connected inside the receiving section 60. This further improves the safety of the connection work between the second energizing section 44 and the third energizing section 98.

[0066] The configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 and extension pipe 30 described above is merely an embodiment or modification of one embodiment of the present invention and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above modification, an example was shown in which the engaging portion 104 is provided with four protrusions consisting of a first protrusion 110, a second protrusion 112, a third protrusion 114, and a fourth protrusion 116. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may also be provided with only the first protrusion 110, or without any one or more of the other protrusions (second protrusion 112, third protrusion 114, and fourth protrusion 116) except for the first protrusion 110.

[0067] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows examples in which male terminals and female terminals are used as the first energizing part 42, second energizing part 44, third energizing part 98, fourth energizing part 52, and fifth energizing part 54, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, some or all of these may be of the type that conducts electricity by contacting metal terminals together, or may be of the type that can conduct electricity wirelessly. Also, some or all of these energizing parts may be conventionally known jacks or plugs. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 15, a jack 44x may be provided as the second energizing part 44, and a plug 98x may be provided as the third energizing part 98 at a position that can be connected to the jack 44x that forms the second energizing part 44 when the extension tube 30 is engaged with the support column 96. Alternatively, in the configuration shown in Figure 15, the jack 44x may be provided on the support column 96 and the plug 98x may be provided on the extension tube 30.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, first terminals 42a and 42b forming the first energizing section 42 and fourth terminals 52a and 52b forming the fourth energizing section 52 are provided at the other end of the extension pipe 30 in the direction of the pipe axis. The first terminal 42a and fourth terminal 52a are arranged in this order on one side of the reference position (one side in the direction intersecting the pipe axis when viewed from the front cover section 34a), and the fourth terminal 52b and first terminal 42b are arranged in this order on the other side opposite to the reference position (the other side in the direction intersecting the pipe axis when viewed from the front cover section 34a). However, the arrangement is not limited to this order. The first terminal 42a and fourth terminal 52a can be arranged on one side of the reference position, and the first terminal 42b and fourth terminal 52b can be arranged on the other side of the reference position. Furthermore, this configuration was chosen to minimize the risk of short circuits between terminals in the event of terminal bending or dust accumulation between terminals by separating the first terminal 42a from the first terminal 42b and the fourth terminal 52a from the fourth terminal 52b. However, these distances between terminals can also be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, for example, the set of first terminals 42a and 42b forming the first energized section 42 may be arranged side by side on one side of the reference position, while the set of fourth terminals 52a and 52b forming the fourth energized section 52 may be arranged side by side on the other side of the reference position.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first energizing section 42, the fourth energizing section 52, and the fifth energizing section 54 are arranged on the front side of the pipe section 32, but the configuration is not limited to this. Modifications 1 to 7 can be considered by changing the positions of the first energizing section 42, the fourth energizing section 52, and the fifth energizing section 54. Here, configuration A is in which the first energizing section 42 and the fourth energizing section 52 are arranged on the front side of the pipe section 32 at the other end in the pipe axis direction, configuration B is in which one of the first energizing section 42 and the fourth energizing section 52 is arranged on the front side of the pipe section 32 and the other is arranged on the back side of the pipe section 32, and configuration C is in which the first energizing section 42 and the fourth energizing section 52 are arranged on the back side of the pipe section 32 at the other end in the pipe axis direction. In configurations A to C, if at least one of the first energizing section 42 or the fourth energizing section 52 is located on the rear side of the pipe section 32, rear side cover sections 34b1 to 34b6 are provided so that at least one of the power supply line 56 or the power receiving line 46 is located between it and the pipe section 32. Configuration D is a configuration in which the fifth energizing section 54 is located on the front side of the pipe section 32 at one end in the pipe axis direction, and configuration E is a configuration in which the fifth energizing section 54 is located on the rear side of the pipe section 32 at one end in the pipe axis direction.

[0070] In Modification 1, configuration A and configuration E are combined. In this configuration, the power supply line 56, along with the power receiving line 46, can be routed from the front to the back of the pipe section 32 using the crossing direction routing section 33b.

[0071] Modifications 2 to 5 are forms that combine configuration B with configurations D and E. In modification 2, which is a combination of configuration B and configuration D, where the first energizing part 42 is located on the front side of the pipe section 32 and the fourth energizing part 52 is located on the rear side of the pipe section 32, a rear side cover part 34b1 may be provided on the rear side of the pipe section 32 to hold or cover the fourth energizing part 52. Then, the cross-direction routing part 33b can be used to route the power supply line 56 from the rear side to the front side of the pipe section 32.

[0072] Furthermore, in modified example 3, which is a combination of configuration B and configuration E, where the first energizing part 42 is located on the front side of the pipe section 32 and the fourth energizing part 52 is located on the rear side of the pipe section 32, a rear side cover portion 34b2 may be provided on the rear side of the pipe section 32 to hold or cover the fourth energizing part 52 and the fifth energizing part 54.

[0073] Furthermore, in modified example 4, which is a combination of configuration B and configuration D, where the fourth energizing section 52 is located on the front side of the pipe section 32 and the first energizing section 42 is located on the rear side of the pipe section 32, a rear side cover section 34b3 may be provided on the rear side of the pipe section 32 to hold or cover the first energizing section 42. In this configuration, since it is not necessary to route the power receiving wire 46 from the front side to the rear side of the pipe section 32, the crossing direction routing section 33b becomes unnecessary.

[0074] Furthermore, in modified example 5, which is a combination of configuration B and configuration E, where the fourth energizing section 52 is located on the front side of the pipe section 32 and the first energizing section 42 is located on the rear side of the pipe section 32, a rear side cover section 34b4 may be provided on the rear side of the pipe section 32 to hold or cover the first energizing section 42. In that case, it is not necessary to route the receiving wire 46 from the front side to the rear side of the pipe section 32. The power supply wire 56 can then be routed from the front side to the rear side of the pipe section 32 using the cross-direction routing section 33b.

[0075] Modification 6 is a combination of configuration C and configuration D. In this configuration, a rear cover portion 34b5 may be provided on the rear side of the pipe portion 32 to hold or cover the first energizing portion 42 and the fourth energizing portion 52. In that case, the power supply line 56 can be routed from the rear side to the front side of the pipe portion 32 using the crossing direction routing portion 33b.

[0076] In modified example 7, configuration C and configuration E are combined. In this configuration, instead of the front cover portion 34a, a rear cover portion 34b6 may be provided on the rear side of the pipe portion 32 to hold or cover the first energized portion 42 and the fourth energized portion 52. In this case, the crossing direction wiring portion 33b can be omitted.

[0077] Furthermore, if the positions of the first energizing section 42, the fourth energizing section 46, and the fifth energizing section 54 are changed from those in the embodiment according to Modifications 1 to 7, the positions of the terminals of the vacuum cleaner body 10 and the terminals 75a of the suction attachment 70 should also be changed accordingly.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and other embodiments may be possible in the spirit and teachings thereof, without departing from the scope of the claims. The components of the embodiments described above may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the invention, or any component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to obtain rights for these as well in amendments or divisional applications of this application. [Industrial applicability]

[0079] The present invention can be suitably used in extension tubes for electric vacuum cleaners and in electric vacuum cleaner units equipped with the same. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1: Electric vacuum cleaner unit 10: Vacuum cleaner body 17a: Battery 30: Extension tube 32: Pipe section 33c: Communication part 34: Cover section 36: Power receiving section 40: Installation section 42:First energizing part 44:Second energizing part 46: Power receiving line 60: Receiving Department 62:First opening 64:Second opening 70: Suction device 73: Inlet 90: Charging stand 94: Mounting section 96: Strut part 98: Third Electrical Division 100: Charging mechanism 110: First protrusion

Claims

1. An extension pipe for an electric vacuum cleaner, having a suction port for sucking up dust connected to one end in the axial direction of the pipe, and the vacuum cleaner body connected to the other end in the axial direction of the pipe, A power receiving unit that receives and supplies power to the battery provided on the vacuum cleaner body, A power supply unit for supplying power from the battery to the suction device, A support column for the extension pipe, It has, The power receiving unit, At the other end in the axial direction of the pipe, there is a first energizing section connected to the vacuum cleaner body, A second energizing section is provided on one end side in the axial direction of the pipe, It has a power receiving line that electrically connects the first power supply section and the second power supply section, It has an engagement structure that engages with a charging stand for charging the battery, and also has a mounting section for arranging the second energizing section, The aforementioned mounting section has a hollow receiving section with a first opening that is positioned to face one side in the direction of the pipe axis, The support column has a first projection that is inserted into the receiving portion through the first opening, The second energizing section is provided within the installation section. A third energizing portion is provided on the first projection. By positioning the extension tube relative to the support column such that the first projection is inserted into the receiving portion, the extension tube is engaged with the support column. An extension tube for an electric vacuum cleaner, characterized in that the extension tube is connected to the vacuum cleaner body and the suction attachment, and the extension tube is positioned relative to the support column so that the first projection is inserted into the receiving portion, thereby engaging the mounting portion with the support column of the charging base, and the third power supply portion and the second power supply portion of the charging base can be connected on the outer circumference of the extension tube.

2. The receiving portion has a second opening on the side facing the support column portion, The extension tube for a vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the third energizing section is connected to the second energizing section via the second opening.

3. The arrangement portion has a terminal opening on the surface facing the surface on which the second opening is provided, The extension tube for a vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that the terminal opening is an opening that allows the third terminal of the third energizing part to be inserted into and detached from the second terminal of the second energizing part, and is open toward one side in the axial direction of the tube and toward the second opening.

4. The upper end of the support column is provided with a space that is open toward the front and top surfaces, An extension tube for a vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a tapered chamfered portion is provided at the upper edge of the space.

5. An extension tube for a vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second energizing portion is exposed on the outer surface of the extension tube when the extension tube is connected to the suction tool.

6. The pipe section that constitutes the air passage, An extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by comprising a cover portion for arranging the power receiving wire between itself and the pipe portion.

7. The pipe portion, the cover portion, or the space between the pipe portion and the cover portion has a communication portion that communicates in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction, The extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, characterized in that the power receiving line is routed through the connecting section and the first energizing section and the second energizing section are electrically connected.

8. A vacuum cleaner body with a battery, A suction device having a suction port for sucking up dust, An extension pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It comprises a third energizing unit and a charging stand having a charging mechanism for charging the battery, The aforementioned charging stand A mounting section for placing the aforementioned suction device, It has a support column that supports the extension pipe and engages with the extension pipe, A vacuum cleaner unit characterized in that the support column supports the extension pipe and engages with the extension pipe, the third energizing part and the second energizing part are electrically connected, and the charging mechanism can supply power from the third energizing part to the second energizing part to charge the battery.

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