Vacuum cleaner head assembly method, vacuum cleaner head, and vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The present invention facilitates easy attachment of caster parts to a head body.　This assembly method is for a vacuum cleaner head 10, and the vacuum cleaner head comprises a caster parts 131, 141 and caster holding parts 132, 142 for holding the caster parts. The caster parts include tires 131T, 141T and axles 131S, 141S which are rotating shafts of the tires. The axles respectively comprise: first projection portions 131S1, 141S1 projecting on one side in the tire width direction; and second projection portions 131S2, 141S2 projecting on the other side. The caster holding parts are each provided with a first bearing 1322 into which the corresponding first projection portion is fitted, and a second bearing 1323 into which the corresponding second projection portion is press-fitted. The shape of the first bearing is different from that of the second bearing. A method for attaching the first projection portion to the first bearing is different from a method for attaching the second projection portion to the second bearing.

Description

Method for assembling a vacuum cleaner head, vacuum cleaner head, and vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of assembling a cleaner head, a cleaner head, and a vacuum cleaner.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner is known that has a rotary brush mounted on a vacuum cleaner head (nozzle head) that sucks up dirt from a cleaning surface. When a user operates the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner head moves back and forth over the cleaning surface, causing the rotary brush to rotate and scrape off dirt from the cleaning surface, and then the scraped dirt is sucked up.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner head is provided with caster units. The caster units facilitate movement of the vacuum cleaner head on the cleaning surface. The caster units include casters (tires) and caster rotation shafts. The casters rotate on the cleaning surface. The caster rotation shafts are attached to the head body that constitutes the vacuum cleaner head. The casters rotate on the cleaning surface, allowing the vacuum cleaner head to move smoothly back and forth on the cleaning surface.

[0004] The dirt includes dust such as human and animal hair and fiber debris such as lint. As a result, dust that has fallen on the cleaning surface can get caught in the caster parts as the casters rotate and become tangled in the rotating shaft. If dust gets tangled in the rotating shaft, the rotation of the caster can be hindered.

[0005] Therefore, when dust gets tangled around the rotating shaft, the user detaches the caster unit from the head body and removes the dust tangled around the rotating shaft. The caster unit from which the dust has been removed is then attached to the head body.

[0006] The task of removing the caster parts from the head body and the task of attaching the caster parts to the head body are difficult for users who are not accustomed to these tasks.

[0007] To solve this problem, a vacuum cleaner head (floor suction tool for a vacuum cleaner) has been proposed in which the caster parts can be easily attached to the head body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0008] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-253450

[0009] The caster part of the vacuum cleaner head (floor suction tool for vacuum cleaners) of the vacuum cleaner disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a wheel in which one end of the rotating shaft forms an insertion part that is attached to the case, and the other end of the rotating shaft forms a sleeve-shaped boss for the case. One end of the rotating shaft is attached to a mounting hole in the case, and the other end of the rotating shaft is fastened with a screw with the sleeve-shaped boss aligned with a boss seat for mounting on the case.

[0010] To attach a rotating shaft to a case using a screw, work is required to align the boss at the other end of the rotating shaft with the boss seat on the case in order to pass the screw through, and then to fasten the case with the screw after aligning the boss and boss seat.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a vacuum cleaner head that allows easy attachment of caster parts to the head body, a vacuum cleaner head, and a vacuum cleaner.

[0012] The method for assembling a vacuum cleaner head according to the present invention is a method for assembling a vacuum cleaner head that collects dust from a cleaning surface, wherein the vacuum cleaner head comprises caster parts that enable the vacuum cleaner head to move on the cleaning surface, and caster holding parts that hold the caster parts, the caster parts including tires that rotate on the cleaning surface, and axles that are the rotation axes of the tires, the axles having a first protruding part that protrudes from one side surface in the width direction of the tire, and a second protruding part that protrudes from the other side surface in the width direction of the tire, and the caster holding parts The caster assembly is characterized in that it comprises a first bearing into which the first protrusion is fitted and a second bearing into which the second protrusion is press-fitted, the shape of the first bearing being different from the shape of the second bearing, and includes a caster part mounting process in which the caster part is mounted to the caster holding part, the caster part mounting process including a first process in which the first protrusion is fitted into the first bearing, and a second process in which the second protrusion is press-fitted into the second bearing after the first process, and the method in which the first protrusion is mounted to the first bearing is different from the method in which the second protrusion is mounted to the second bearing.

[0013] The present invention can facilitate the attachment of the caster portion to the head body.

[0014] 7 is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner head included in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a front partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the vacuum cleaner head of FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a side partial cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the vacuum cleaner head of FIG. 3. FIG. 12 is a front view of a caster unit included in the vacuum cleaner head of FIG. 2. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the caster unit of FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a front view of a caster portion included in the caster unit of FIG. 6. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the caster unit of FIG. 7. FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a caster holder included in the caster unit of FIG. 6 from another angle. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an assembly process for assembling the caster unit of FIG. 6. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another assembly process for assembling the caster unit of FIG. 6.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a method for assembling a cleaner head, a cleaner head, and a cleaner according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] 1 is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, showing a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner from the front, top, and left side.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner 1 sucks up dust (debris) such as lint, human and animal hair, lint, and other fiber waste, food debris, etc., from a cleaning surface. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a vacuum cleaner head 10, a universal joint 20, a vacuum cleaner body 30, and a handle 40.

[0018] The cleaner head 10 collects dust by sucking in dust-containing air from a cleaning surface. The cleaner head 10 is connected to a cleaner body 30 via a universal joint 20. The cleaner head 10 includes a head body 11 (see FIG. 2), safety casters 12 (see FIG. 3), and a pair of caster units (a first caster unit 13 and a second caster unit 14, see FIG. 3). The specific configuration of the cleaner head 10 will be described later.

[0019] The universal joint 20 connects the cleaner head 10 and the cleaner body 30. The universal joint 20 allows the cleaner body 30 to be freely tilted at any angle relative to the cleaner head 10 in all directions.

[0020] One end of the universal joint part 20 (the end at the bottom of the page in Figure 1) is attached to the cleaner head 10 (mounting port 111, described later; see Figure 2). That is, the universal joint part 20 is attached to approximately the center of the top of the cleaner head 10. That is, the center of the cleaner head 10 and the axis of the universal joint part 20 coincide with each other. One end of the universal joint part 20 is positioned so as to overlap with a suction port 110 (see Figure 2), described later, in a plan view. The axis (axial line) of the suction port 110 coincides with the axis of the universal joint part 20.

[0021] The other end of the universal joint part 20 (the end at the top of the page in FIG. 1 ) is attached to the lower end of the vacuum cleaner body 30. The axis of the universal joint part 20 coincides with the axis of the vacuum cleaner body 30. That is, the axis of the universal joint part 20 is located on the axis of the vacuum cleaner body 30. In other words, the vacuum cleaner body 30 is located on the axis (axial line) of the suction port 110. This allows the vacuum cleaner body 30 to be freely tilted at any angle in all directions relative to the vacuum cleaner head 10.

[0022] The universal joint part 20 includes a flexible member 21. The flexible member 21 is, for example, a bellows-shaped hose. The flexible member 21 is connected to the cleaner head 10 (suction port 110) and the lower end of the cleaner body 30. The flexible member 21 forms a passage (flow path) through which dust that has passed through the suction port 110 (head body 11) passes toward the cleaner body 30. The flexible member 21 is housed inside the universal joint part 20.

[0023] The other end of the universal joint portion 20 and the flexible member 21 are detachably attached to the lower end of the vacuum cleaner body 30 .

[0024] The vacuum cleaner main body 30 accommodates a battery 34 and a suction motor (not shown), which will be described later, inside. A handle 40 is detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner main body 30. One end of the vacuum cleaner main body 30 (the end at the bottom of the page in FIG. 1 ) is connected to the universal joint unit 20. The other end of the vacuum cleaner main body 30 (the end at the top of the page in FIG. 1 ) is connected to the handle 40. The vacuum cleaner main body 30 is substantially cylindrical. The vacuum cleaner main body 30 includes a main body unit 31, a dust box 32, a handle attachment / detachment unit 33, the battery 34, an exhaust port 35, a handle attachment portion (not shown), and a suction motor (not shown).

[0025] The main body 31 houses the dust box 32, the battery 34, and the suction motor. One end of the main body 31 (the end at the bottom of the page in FIG. 1 ) is connected to the universal joint 20. When the dust box 32 is housed in the main body 31, the shape formed by the main body 31 and the dust box 32 is substantially cylindrical.

[0026] The dust box 32 is a box in which dust on the cleaning surface that is sucked by the cleaner head 10 and passes through the flexible member 21 is collected. The dust box 32 is detachably attached (housed) to the main body 31. Some of the multiple components that make up the dust box 32 are made of, for example, transparent or translucent plastic. When the dust box 32 is housed in the main body 31, some of the components that make up the dust box 32 are exposed to the outside of the main body 31. That is, some of the dust box 32 is visible from the outside of the main body 31. That is, the dust collected inside the dust box 32 is visible from the outside of the vacuum cleaner main body 30. The user discards the dust collected inside the dust box 32 outside the dust box 32. To do this, first, the user removes the dust box 32 from the main body 31. Next, the user removes some of the components of the dust box 32 from the components that store the dust. Next, the user tilts the member that contains the dust to eject the dust from the opening of the member.

[0027] The "user" is the user (operator) of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0028] The handle 40 is detachably attached (mounted) to the handle attachment / detachment section 33. The handle attachment / detachment section 33 is disposed at the other end (the upper end in FIG. 1 ) of the main body section 31. The handle attachment / detachment section 33 is a handle insertion port into which one end (the lower end in FIG. 1 ) of the handle 40 is inserted.

[0029] The battery 34 is a power source that drives a drive motor (not shown) and a suction motor, which will be described later. The battery 34 is housed in (attached to) the main body 31. When the battery 34 is housed in the main body 31, the shape formed by the main body 31 and the battery 34 is substantially cylindrical.

[0030] The exhaust port 35 exhausts air that has been sucked in by the suction motor and passed through the dust box 32 to the outside of the main body 31. The exhaust port 35 is an opening located on the outer periphery of the main body 31 and exhausts air inside the main body 31 to the outside. The opening is a gap located between the main body 31 and the battery 34 in the circumferential direction of the approximately cylindrical shape when the battery 34 is housed in the main body 31. In other words, the exhaust port 35 is formed by the main body 31 and the battery 34.

[0031] The handle attachment part is used when the user removes the handle 40 attached to the handle attachment / detachment part 33. The handle attachment part is, for example, a push-button. The handle attachment part is, for example, attached to the handle attachment / detachment part 33. With the handle 40 attached to the handle attachment / detachment part 33, the user presses the handle attachment part and pulls the handle 40 in a direction away from the vacuum cleaner main body 30, thereby removing the handle 40 from the handle attachment / detachment part 33 (vacuum cleaner main body 30).

[0032] The suction motor rotates a fan (not shown) when driven, causing air to be sucked into the cleaner head 10. The suction motor is housed in the main body 31.

[0033] The handle 40 is gripped by the user during use. That is, the user grips the handle 40 to operate the vacuum cleaner 1. The handle 40 is rod-shaped and approximately cylindrical. The handle 40 is detachably attached (mounted) to the handle detachment part 33. When attached (mounted) to the handle detachment part 33 (vacuum cleaner main body 30), the handle 40 extends upward from the handle detachment part 33 (vacuum cleaner main body 30). The axis (axial line) of the handle 40 when attached to the handle detachment part 33 coincides with the axis of the universal joint part 20. That is, when attached to the handle detachment part 33, the axis (axial line) of the handle 40 coincides with the axis of the suction port 110, the axis of the vacuum cleaner main body 30, and the axis of the universal joint part 20. The handle 40 includes a grip part 41, an operating part 42, and an insertion part (not shown).

[0034] The shape of the handle is not limited to a rod shape, and may be, for example, a shape with a ring-shaped grip.

[0035] The grip portion 41 is held by a user and is a portion between the operation portion 42 and the insertion portion.

[0036] The operation unit 42 switches the power of the vacuum cleaner 1 on and off. In other words, the operation unit 42 controls the operation of the drive motor and the suction motor. The operation unit 42 is, for example, a push-button. The operation unit 42 is located on the other end (upper end) of the handle 40. The operation unit 42 is operated by the user when starting cleaning (when resuming cleaning that has been temporarily suspended) and when ending cleaning (when temporarily suspending cleaning).

[0037] The insertion part is inserted into the handle attachment / detachment part 33. The insertion part is arranged on one end side of the handle 40 (the end side on the lower side of the paper in FIG. 1 ). By inserting the insertion part into the handle attachment / detachment part 33, the handle 40 is attached (mounted) to the handle attachment / detachment part 33 (vacuum cleaner main body 30).

[0038] With the handle 40 attached to the handle attachment / detachment part 33, the user can remove the handle 40 from the handle attachment / detachment part 33 (vacuum cleaner main body 30) by pressing the outside of the handle attachment and pulling the handle 40 in a direction away from the vacuum cleaner main body 30.

[0039] Configuration of the vacuum cleaner head Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head 10. This figure shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head 10 from the front, top, and left side. Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head 10. This figure shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head 10 from the back, bottom, and right side. The following description of the vacuum cleaner head 10 also refers to Fig. 1 as appropriate.

[0040] The head body 11 houses a pair of rotating brushes (first rotating brush 114, second rotating brush 115) that scrape off dust from the cleaning surface. The head body 11 holds a pair of caster units (first caster unit 13, second caster unit 14). The head body 11 is placed on the cleaning surface when the vacuum cleaner 1 is in use. The head body 11 includes a suction port 110, an attachment port 111, a suction unit 112, a cover body 113, a pair of rotating brushes (first rotating brush 114, second rotating brush 115), four protective members (first protective member 116, second protective member 117, third protective member 118, fourth protective member 119), and a drive motor (not shown).

[0041] The suction port 110 is a passage (flow path) through which dust passes after being scraped off by a pair of rotating brushes (first rotating brush 114 and second rotating brush 115) and collected in the suction section 112. The suction port 110 is disposed in approximately the center of the head main body 11, at a position overlapping with the attachment port 111. A flexible member 21 is attached to the suction port 110.

[0042] The attachment opening 111 is a hole to which the universal joint portion 20 is attached. The attachment opening 111 is disposed substantially in the center of the head body 11. The suction port 110 is disposed inside the attachment opening 111.

[0043] The suction unit 112 is a space where dust scraped by a pair of rotating brushes (first rotating brush 114 and second rotating brush 115) is collected. The suction unit 112 is connected to the suction port 110. The dust collected in the suction unit 112 is collected into the dust box 32 of the vacuum cleaner main body 30 through the suction port 110 by the suction force generated by the operation of an intake fan driven by a suction motor.

[0044] The cover body 113 accommodates a pair of rotating brushes (a first rotating brush 114 and a second rotating brush 115) therein. The cover body 113 includes an upper cover 113a, a lower cover 113b, a side cover 113c, and a side cover 113d.

[0045] The upper cover 113a has a suction port 110 at approximately the center in a plan view. The upper cover 113a covers a pair of rotating brushes (a first rotating brush 114 and a second rotating brush 115) from above.

[0046] The lower cover 113b forms an opening for the suction part 112 and covers the suction part 112 from below so as to allow the safety caster 12 to protrude. A pair of caster units (first caster unit 13 and second caster unit 14) are attached to the lower cover 113b.

[0047] The side cover 113c is attached to the left end of each of the upper cover 113a and the lower cover 113b. The side cover 113c cooperates with the lower cover 113b to form a first caster unit accommodating space SP1.

[0048] The side cover 113d is attached to the right end of each of the upper cover 113a and the lower cover 113b. The side cover 113d cooperates with the lower cover 113b to form a second caster unit accommodating space SP2.

[0049] The rotating brush is housed in a cover body 113. The rotating brush extends in the left-right direction. The rotating brush includes a first rotating brush 114 and a second rotating brush 115. The first rotating brush 114 and the second rotating brush 115 each partially abut (ground / contact) with the cleaning surface while rotating, scraping out dust (debris) such as cotton, human and animal hair, lint, and other fiber waste, and food scraps from the cleaning surface, and collecting the dust in the suction section 112. The function, shape, size, and mass of the first rotating brush 114 are the same as those of the second rotating brush 115.

[0050] The first rotating brush 114 is housed inside the cover body 113 (upper cover 113a). The first rotating brush 114 includes a first rotating body 1141 and a first rotating brush unit (not shown). The first rotating body 1141 is a rotation shaft that rotates the first rotating brush 114. The first rotating brush unit is attached to the outer periphery of the first rotating body 1141 and is a part that partially abuts (grounds or contacts) with the cleaning surface while rotating. The first rotating brush 114 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body 1141 driven by the rotational drive of a drive motor (not shown). The first rotating brush 114 is disposed on the front side of the head main body 11.

[0051] The second rotating brush 115 is housed inside the cover body 113 (upper cover 113a). The second rotating brush 115 includes a second rotating body 1151 and a second rotating brush unit (not shown). The second rotating body 1151 is a rotation shaft that rotates the second rotating brush 115. The second rotating brush unit is attached to the outer periphery of the second rotating body 1151 and is in partial contact with the cleaning surface while rotating. The second rotating brush 115 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating body 1151 driven by the rotational drive of a drive motor (not shown). The second rotating brush 115 is disposed on the rear side of the head main body 11. The second rotating brush 115 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first rotating brush 114.

[0052] The four protective members (first protective member 116, second protective member 117, third protective member 118, and fourth protective member 119) prevent the cleaner head 10 placed on the cleaning surface from coming into contact with objects around the cleaner head 10.

[0053] The first protective member 116 is disposed at a front corner of the side cover 113d. The first protective member 116 includes a first roller 1161 and a first rotation shaft (not shown) that rotates the first roller 1161. The first roller 1161 is disposed with a portion exposed from the side cover 113d. The first rotation shaft is housed in the side cover 113d. The first roller 1161 is rotatable while in contact with a surrounding object. The cleaner head 10 moves along the surrounding object by rotating the first roller 1161 while in contact with the surrounding object.

[0054] The function, shape, size, and mass of the first protective member 116 are the same as those of the second protective member 117, the third protective member 118, and the fourth protective member 119. That is, the second protective member 117 is disposed at a front corner of the side cover 113c. The second protective member 117 includes a second roller 1171 and a second rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates the second roller 1171. The third protective member 118 is disposed at a rear corner of the side cover 113d. The third protective member 118 includes a third roller 1181 and a third rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates the third roller 1181. The fourth protective member 119 is disposed at a rear corner of the side cover 113c. The fourth protective member 119 includes a fourth roller 1191 and a fourth rotation shaft (not shown) that rotates the fourth roller 1191 .

[0055] Of the four protective members, one protective member or two adjacent protective members (first protective member 116 and second protective member 117, first protective member 116 and third protective member 118, second protective member 117 and fourth protective member 119, third protective member 118 and fourth protective member 119) work together to prevent the cleaner head 10 placed on the cleaning surface from coming into contact with objects around the cleaner head 10.

[0056] The "surrounding objects" are objects that come into contact with each of the protective members 116-119 of the cleaner head 10. Examples of surrounding objects include walls of a room or hallway that is cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 1, and television stands and other furniture installed in such rooms. Surrounding objects are objects that are large enough to come into contact with two adjacent protective members 116-119 at the same time.

[0057] The drive motor rotates the first rotating brush 114 and the second rotating brush 115 by driving them.

[0058] The safety caster 12 is attached to the lower part of the head body 11. The safety caster 12 can move up and down. That is, the safety caster 12 can move in and out of the head body 11. The safety caster 12 is a wheel-type caster and can rotate in the front-to-rear direction.

[0059] The safety casters 12 retract (retract) upward (in the direction opposite to the cleaning surface) when the cleaner head 10 is placed on the cleaning surface (hereinafter referred to as the "placed state"). The drive motor (not shown) is in an energized state (hereinafter referred to as the "energized state") when the cleaner head 10 is placed on the cleaning surface. The energized drive motor drives the first rotating brush 114 and the second rotating brush 115. The driven first rotating brush 114 and second rotating brush 115 rotate.

[0060] On the other hand, the safety casters 12 move forward (toward the cleaning surface) downward when the cleaner head 10 is spaced apart from the cleaning surface (hereinafter referred to as the "spaced apart state"). The drive motor is de-energized (de-energized) when in the spaced apart state. In the de-energized state, the drive motor does not drive the first rotating brush 114 and the second rotating brush 115. The undriven first rotating brush 114 and the second rotating brush 115 do not rotate. In other words, the rotation of the first rotating brush 114 and the second rotating brush 115, which were driven and rotated in the energized state, stops in the de-energized state.

[0061] The pair of caster units (first caster unit 13, second caster unit 14) enable the vacuum cleaner head 10 to move on the cleaning surface. The pair of caster units (first caster unit 13, second caster unit 14) each rotates along the direction of travel of the head body 11. The pair of caster units (first caster unit 13, second caster unit 14) each can rotate freely in all directions on the cleaning surface. The pair of caster units (first caster unit 13, second caster unit 14) are arranged below the head body 11.

[0062] Caster unit configuration Figure 4 is a partial front cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the cleaner head 10 in Figure 3. The figure shows a partial cross-sectional view of the first caster unit 13 and its surrounding area, and the second caster unit 14 and its surrounding area.

[0063] The first caster unit 13 is attached to the left side (side cover 113c side) of the lower part of the lower cover 113b (head body 11). The first caster unit 13 is arranged in the first caster unit storage space SP1. In other words, the first caster unit 13 is held by the head body 11. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is in use, the first caster unit 13 is placed on the cleaning surface. The first caster unit 13 is an example of a caster unit according to the present invention.

[0064] The second caster unit 14 is attached to the right side (side cover 113d side) of the lower part of the lower cover 113b (head body 11). The second caster unit 14 is disposed in the second caster unit storage space SP2. In other words, the second caster unit 14 is held by the head body 11. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is in use, the second caster unit 14 is placed on the cleaning surface. The function, shape, size, and mass of the second caster unit 14 are the same as those of the first caster unit 13. The second caster unit 14 is an example of a caster unit according to the present invention. The following description of the caster unit will be given using the first caster unit 13 as an example.

[0065] Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the cleaner head 10 taken along line BB in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the first caster unit 13 and its surrounding area. Fig. 6 is a front view of the first caster unit 13. Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the first caster unit 13 in Fig. 6.

[0066] The first caster unit 13 includes a first caster portion 131 , a first caster holding portion 132 , and a first holding rotation shaft 133 .

[0067] The first caster parts 131 are placed on the cleaning surface when the vacuum cleaner 1 is in use. The first caster parts 131 rotate on the cleaning surface along the traveling direction of the cleaner head 10. That is, the first caster parts 131 rotate on the cleaning surface, thereby enabling the cleaner head 10 to move on the cleaning surface. The first caster parts 131 are held by the first caster holding parts 132. The first caster parts 131 are an example of a caster part defined in the present invention. The first caster parts 131 include a tire 131T, an axle 131S, and a tire connecting part 131C.

[0068] Fig. 8 is a front view of the first caster part 131. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first caster unit 13 taken along line CC in Fig. 7 .

[0069] The tire 131T rotates on the cleaning surface.

[0070] The tire connecting portion 131C is disposed around the axle 131S and connects the tire 131T to the axle 131S. The tire connecting portion 131C slides around the axle 131S. In other words, the tire 131T is attached to the axle 131S via the tire connecting portion 131C. The tire 131T rotates around the axle 131S as the tire connecting portion 131C slides around the axle 131S.

[0071] The axle 131S is the rotation axis of the tire 131T. The axle 131S is approximately cylindrical. The axle 131S is attached to the first caster holding portion 132 (see FIG. 6). When the tire 131T is attached to the axle 131S, the axle 131S protrudes from both sides in the width direction of the tire 131T (left-right direction on the paper in FIG. 8). The portions of the axle 131S protruding from both sides in the width direction of the tire 131T are a first protruding portion 131S1 and a second protruding portion 131S2. That is, the axle 131S has the first protruding portion 131S1 and the second protruding portion 131S2.

[0072] The first protrusion 131S1 is a portion that protrudes from one side surface of the tire 131T in the width direction. The first protrusion 131S1 is, for example, a substantially flat plate shape cut into two faces. The first protrusion 131S1 is held by the first caster holding portion 132 (a first bearing 1322 described later).

[0073] The second protrusion 131S2 is a portion that protrudes from the other side surface of the tire 131T in the width direction. The second protrusion 131S2 is, for example, a substantially flat plate shape cut into two faces. The second protrusion 131S2 is held by the first caster holding portion 132 (a second bearing 1323 described later). The shape of the second protrusion 131S2 is the same as the shape of the first protrusion 131S1.

[0074] Fig. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the first caster holding portion 132. Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the first caster holding portion 132 from a different angle.

[0075] The following description of the first caster unit 13 also refers to Figures 5-7. The first caster retaining portion 132 retains the first caster portion 131. The first caster retaining portion 132 is an example of a caster retaining portion according to the present invention. The first caster retaining portion 132 is substantially circular in bottom view. The first caster retaining portion 132 includes a housing portion 1321, a first bearing 1322, and a second bearing 1323.

[0076] The receiving portion 1321 defines a space for receiving the first caster portion 131. The receiving portion 1321 receives the tire 131T with a part of the tire 131T exposed.

[0077] The first bearing 1322 supports the first protrusion 131S1. When the first caster part 131 (cleaner head 10) is placed on the cleaning surface, the first bearing 1322 is a substantially rectangular recess with the long side extending in the vertical direction and the short side extending in the width direction. In other words, the first bearing 1322 is a fitting hole that fits with the first protrusion 131S1.

[0078] The second bearing 1323 supports the second protrusion 131S2. When the first caster part 131 (cleaner head 10) is placed on the cleaning surface, the second bearing 1323 is a groove that extends in the vertical direction and has an open lower end (toward the cleaning surface). In other words, the second bearing 1323 is a groove that receives the second protrusion 131S2.

[0079] The second bearing 1323 is disposed opposite the first bearing 1322 within the accommodation portion 1321. An imaginary line V (see FIG. 7 ) connecting the second bearing 1323 and the first bearing 1322 is eccentric from the center P (see FIG. 7 ) of the first caster holding portion 132 in a bottom view. Furthermore, the imaginary line V is eccentric from the center Q (see FIG. 7 ) of the accommodation portion 1321 in the radial direction (the vertical direction on the paper in FIG. 7 ) of the tire 131T (first caster portion 131) disposed in the accommodation portion 1321. In other words, the imaginary line V is set so as to have a gap G from the edge of the accommodation portion 1321. The axis of the axle 131S coincides with the imaginary line V. That is, when the first caster part 131 is held by the first caster holding part 132, the axis of the axle 131S is eccentric with respect to each of the centers P and Q of the first caster holding part 132 in a bottom view. As a result, a gap G (see FIG. 7 ) is formed between the first caster part 131 and the first caster holding part 132. The gap G is the gap between the first caster part 131 and the first caster holding part 132 inside the accommodation part 1321.

[0080] Returning to Figures 5 and 6, the first supporting rotation shaft 133 is attached to the lower cover 113b (head main body 11) and rotatably attaches the first caster holding part 132 to the lower cover 113b (head main body 11). The first supporting rotation shaft 133 is a rotation shaft that rotates the first caster holding part 132. In other words, the first caster holding part 132 is indirectly attached to the lower cover 113b (head main body 11) via the first supporting rotation shaft 133. Similarly, the first caster part 131 is indirectly attached to the lower cover 113b (head main body 11) via the first caster holding part 132 and the first supporting rotation shaft 133. In other words, the head main body 11 includes the first caster part 131, the first caster holding part 132, and the first supporting rotation shaft 133. In other words, the cleaner head 10 comprises a first caster portion 131 , a first caster holding portion 132 , and a first holding rotation shaft 133 .

[0081] The first support rotation shaft 133 is disposed approximately at the center of the substantially circular first caster support part 132. This allows the first caster support part 132 to rotate around the first support rotation shaft 133 as a rotation axis. As a result, the first caster part 131 becomes rotatable in all directions in the planar direction. The first support rotation shaft 133 is, for example, a screw.

[0082] As described above, the function, shape, size, and mass of the second caster unit 14 are the same as those of the first caster unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , the second caster unit 14 includes a second caster portion 141, a second caster retaining portion 142, and a second retaining rotation shaft 143. The second caster portion 141 includes a tire 141T, an axle 141S, and a tire connecting portion 141C. The axle 141S includes a first protruding portion 141S1 and a second protruding portion 141S2. The second caster retaining portion 142 includes a housing portion 1421, a first bearing (not shown), and a second bearing (not shown). The second caster unit 14 is an example of a caster unit defined in the present invention. The second caster portion 141 is an example of a caster portion defined in the present invention. The second caster holding portion 142 is an example of a caster holding portion defined in the present invention.

[0083] Similar to the configuration of the first caster unit, the head body may include the second caster portion, the second caster holder, and the second holding and rotating shaft. In other words, the vacuum cleaner head may include the second caster portion, the second caster holder, and the second holding and rotating shaft.

[0084] Method of Assembling the Vacuum Cleaner Head The following explanation will be given using as an example a method of assembling the first caster unit 13 from among the methods of assembling the vacuum cleaner head 10. The method of assembling the first caster unit 13 includes a caster part attachment step in which the first caster part 131 is attached to the first caster holding part 132. The caster part attachment step includes a first step and a second step. The first step is a step in which the first protrusion part 131S1 is fitted (attached) to the first bearing 1322. The second step is a step in which the second protrusion part 131S2 is press-fitted (attached) to the second bearing 1323 after the first step.

[0085] 12 is a diagram showing the assembly process for assembling the first caster unit 13. This diagram shows the first step of the caster part attachment process.

[0086] First, a case where the first caster portion 131 is attached to the first caster holding portion 132 will be described.

[0087] The user removes any dust tangled around the axle 131S. Next, while gripping the tire 131T with the user's fingers, the user supports the first protrusion 131S1 of the axle 131S in the first bearing 1322 (fits into the fitting hole). The first protrusion 131S1 is supported in the first bearing 1322 (fits into the fitting hole). This attaches the first protrusion 131S1 to the first bearing 1322.

[0088] 13 is a diagram showing another assembly process for assembling the first caster unit 13. This figure shows the second step of the caster part attachment process.

[0089] Next, with the first protrusion 131S1 journaled to the first bearing 1322 (fitted into the fitting hole), the user presses the tire 131T toward the first caster holding portion 132 (the accommodation portion 1321). At this time, the second protrusion 131S2 moves toward the second bearing 1323, with the first protrusion 131S1 journaled to the first bearing 1322 as a fulcrum. As the user presses the tire 131T, the second protrusion 131S2 is press-fitted into the second bearing 1323 (press-fitted into the groove) from the open end of the second bearing 1323. As a result, the second protrusion 131S2 is attached to the second bearing 1323.

[0090] In this way, the manner in which the first protrusion 131S1 is attached to the first bearing 1322 differs from the manner in which the second protrusion 131S2 is attached to the second bearing 1323.

[0091] The tire 131T is stored in the storage portion 1321 with a portion of the tire 131T exposed. The first caster portion 131 is held by the first caster holding portion 132.

[0092] Next, a case where the first caster part 131 is removed from the first caster holding part 132 will be described.

[0093] To remove the first caster part 131 from the first caster holding part 132, the user performs the reverse operation of the caster part attachment process. That is, for example, first, the user grips (pinches) the tire 131T with their fingers and pulls the tire 131T in a direction away from the first caster holding part 132. As a result, of the first protrusion 131S1 and the second protrusion 131S2, the second protrusion 131S2 is pulled out from the second bearing 1323. Alternatively, the user uses a jig (not shown) to pull the tire 131T in a direction away from the first caster holding part 132. At this time, for example, the user inserts the jig through the gap G (see FIG. 7 ) between the first caster part 131 and the first caster holding part 132. When the tip of the jig is hooked onto the tire and the user applies force, the second protrusion 131S2 is pulled out of the second bearing 1323. This releases the second protrusion 131S2 from the support provided by the second bearing 1323. The jig is, for example, a rod-shaped member such as a screwdriver used to tighten or loosen screws.

[0094] Next, after the second protrusion 131S2 is pulled out from the second bearing 1323, the user pulls the tire 131T, thereby pulling out the first protrusion 131S1 from the first bearing 1322. At this time, the support of the first protrusion 131S1 by the first bearing 1322 is released.

[0095] As a result, the first caster portion 131 is removed from the first caster holding portion 132 .

[0096] Summary According to the embodiment described above, the axle 131S includes a first protrusion 131S1 and a second protrusion 131S2. The first caster retaining portion 132 includes a first bearing 1322 and a second bearing 1323. The first bearing 1322 supports the first protrusion 131S1. The second bearing 1323 supports the second protrusion 131S2. The shape of the first bearing 1322 is different from the shape of the second bearing 1323. Therefore, the process (first process) of supporting (fitting) the first protrusion 131S1 to the first bearing 1322 is different from the process (second process) of supporting (press-fitting) the second protrusion 131S2 to the second bearing 1323. This allows the first caster portion 131 to be easily attached to the first caster retaining portion 132.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the first bearing 1322 is a fitting hole (recess), and the second bearing 1323 is a groove. The second step is performed after the first step. Therefore, in the second step, while the first protrusion 131S1 is fitted into the fitting hole in the first step, the second protrusion 131S2 is press-fit into the groove. This allows the first caster part 131 to be easily attached to the first caster holding part 132.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the first caster retaining portion 132 is substantially circular in bottom view. The imaginary line V connecting the first bearing 1322 and the second bearing 1323 is eccentric from the center P of the first caster retaining portion 132. Furthermore, in bottom view, the imaginary line V is eccentric from the center Q (see FIG. 7 ) of the storage portion 1321 in the radial direction (the vertical direction on the paper in FIG. 7 ) of the tire 131T (first caster portion 131) placed in the storage portion 1321. Therefore, a gap G (see FIG. 7 ) is formed between the first caster portion 131 and the first caster retaining portion 132 within the storage portion 1321. The gap G is larger than the gap between the first caster portion and the first caster retaining portion within the storage portion when the imaginary line connecting the first bearing and the second bearing coincides with the center of the first caster retaining portion or the center of the storage portion 1321. This makes it easier for the user to insert their own fingers or a tool into the gap. As a result, the first caster part 131 can be easily removed from the first caster holding part 132.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the shape of the first protrusion 131S1 is the same as the shape of the second protrusion 131S2. Therefore, the first bearing 1322 can pivotally support the second protrusion 131S2, and the second bearing 1323 can pivotally support the first protrusion 131S1. In other words, the orientation of the first caster portion 131 relative to the first caster holding portion 132 is arbitrary. Therefore, the first caster portion 131 can be easily attached to the first caster holding portion 132.

[0100] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the configuration of the caster unit has been described using the configuration of the first caster unit 13 as an example. As described above, the function, shape, size, and mass of the second caster unit 14 are the same as those of the first caster unit 13. Therefore, the second caster unit 14 also achieves the same effects as the configuration of the first caster unit 13 described above.

[0101] In the embodiment described above, the caster unit is configured as a pair of caster units (first caster unit 13 and second caster unit 14). However, in the present invention, the number of caster units is not limited to a pair of caster units (two).

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the caster unit is composed of a caster portion, a caster holder, and a holding and rotating shaft. This configuration is suitable for a vacuum cleaner head having multiple rotating brushes that rotate in opposite directions. However, the vacuum cleaner head may be configured, for example, using a single rotating brush, or using casters that can only move in a specific direction (e.g., the front-to-back direction of the vacuum cleaner head) or the left-to-right direction of the vacuum cleaner head). In other words, the vacuum cleaner head is applicable to vacuum cleaner heads of various configurations. Specifically, for example, the vacuum cleaner head may be configured without a holding and rotating shaft. In other words, for example, the caster holder may be configured to be directly attached to the lower cover (head main body). Furthermore, the lower cover (head main body) may be configured so that the lower cover (head main body) itself functions as a holder (caster holder) that holds the caster portion. In this way, the caster holder is fixed to the lower cover (head main body). Alternatively, the lower cover (head body) is configured as a caster holder. That is, the caster holder does not rotate along the direction of travel of the head body (vacuum cleaner head). That is, the caster holder does not rotate in all directions on the cleaning surface. In other words, the caster held by the caster holder can only rotate in a specific direction (front-back, left-right, etc.) on the cleaning surface. In such a case, it is not necessary to unitize the caster and the caster holder into a caster unit as described above. That is, the vacuum cleaner head according to the present invention is applicable to vacuum cleaner heads having casters of various configurations.

[0103] Furthermore, the cleaner head of the present invention may not be provided with four protective members.

[0104] Furthermore, the illustrated shape of the cleaner head is one example of the shape of the cleaner head in the present invention, that is, the shape of the cleaner head in the present invention is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings.

[0105] Similarly, the illustrated shape of the vacuum cleaner is one example of the shape of the vacuum cleaner in the present invention, that is, the shape of the vacuum cleaner in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated shape.

[0106] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vacuum cleaner 10 Vacuum cleaner head 11 Head body 110 Suction port 111 Mounting port 112 Suction section 113 Cover body 113a Upper cover 113b Lower cover 113c Side cover 113d Side cover 12 Safety caster 13 First caster unit (caster unit) 131 First caster section (caster section) 131T Tire 131S Axle 131S1 First protrusion 131S2 Second protrusion 131C Tire connecting section 132 First caster holding section (caster holding section) 1321 Storage section 1322 First bearing (fitting hole) 1323 Second bearing (groove) 133 First holding rotation axis 14 Second caster unit (caster unit) 141 Second caster section (caster section) 141T Tire 141S Axle 141S1 First protrusion 141S2 Second protrusion 141C Tire connecting portion 142 Second caster holding portion (caster holding portion) 1421 Storage portion 143 Second holding rotation shaft 20 Universal joint portion 30 Vacuum cleaner main body 40 Handle G Gap V Virtual line P Center Q Center

Claims

1. A method for assembling a vacuum cleaner head for collecting dust from a cleaning surface, comprising the steps of: The vacuum cleaner head comprises: a tire that rotates on the cleaning surface; An axle which is a rotation axis of the tire; a holding portion that holds the tire via the axle; Equipped with The axle is A first protruding portion protruding from one side surface in a width direction of the tire; a second protruding portion protruding toward the other side surface in the width direction of the tire; Equipped with The first protrusion has a plate shape cut into two faces, The shape of the second protrusion is the same as the shape of the first protrusion, The holding portion is a first bearing into which the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion is fitted; and a second bearing into which the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion is press-fitted; Equipped with The shape of the first bearing is different from the shape of the second bearing, a mounting step of mounting the tire to the holding portion; and The mounting step includes: a first step in which one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is fitted into the first bearing; a second step in which the other of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is press-fitted into the second bearing after the first step; Including, A method for assembling a vacuum cleaner head comprising:

2. the first bearing is a fitting hole that fits with the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion, The first step is a step of fitting the first protrusion or the second protrusion into the fitting hole. A method for assembling the cleaner head of claim 1.

3. When the tire is placed on the cleaning surface, The first bearing is a rectangular recess having a long side in the vertical direction. A method for assembling the cleaner head of claim 2.

4. The second bearing is a groove that receives the first protrusion or the second protrusion, When the tire is placed on the cleaning surface, the second bearing is a groove that extends in a vertical direction and has an open lower end, the second step is a step of press-fitting the other of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion into the groove from the end portion on the open side of the second bearing while one of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is fitted into the first bearing. A method for assembling the cleaner head of claim 2.

5. The vacuum cleaner head comprises: A head body, A caster unit rotatably attached to the head body; and The caster unit includes: casters for enabling movement of the cleaner head over the cleaning surface; A caster holding portion that holds the caster portion; Equipped with The caster part is The tire; The axle; Equipped with The caster holding portion is The holding portion, Equipped with A method for assembling the cleaner head of claim 1.

6. The caster holding portion is A housing portion for housing the caster portion; Equipped with A virtual line connecting the first bearing and the second bearing is eccentric from the center of the accommodating portion. A method for assembling the cleaner head of claim 5.

7. The caster holding portion is substantially circular in bottom view, A virtual line connecting the first bearing and the second bearing is eccentric from the center of the approximately circular shape. A method for assembling the cleaner head of claim 5.

8. A cleaning device comprising: a tire that rotates on a cleaning surface; An axle which is a rotation axis of the tire; a holding portion that holds the tire via the axle; and The axle is A first protruding portion protruding from one side surface in a width direction of the tire; a second protruding portion protruding toward the other side surface in the width direction of the tire; Equipped with The first protrusion has a plate shape cut into two faces, The shape of the second protrusion is the same as the shape of the first protrusion, The holding portion is a first bearing into which the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion is fitted; and a second bearing into which the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion is press-fitted; Equipped with The shape of the first bearing is different from the shape of the second bearing, the first bearing is a fitting hole that fits with the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion, the second bearing is a groove that receives the first protrusion or the second protrusion, With the tire placed on the cleaning surface, The first bearing is a rectangular recess having a long side in the vertical direction, The second bearing is a groove extending in the vertical direction and having an open lower end, One of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is capable of being fitted into the fitting hole, the other of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion can be press-fitted into the groove from the end portion on the open side of the second bearing in a state in which one of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is fitted into the fitting hole. A vacuum cleaner head comprising:

9. A vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaner head, The cleaner head is the cleaner head according to claim 8. A vacuum cleaner characterized by: