JP4649732B2

JP4649732B2 - Cleaning tool

Info

Publication number: JP4649732B2
Application number: JP2000364208A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 直行尾原; 公軌加藤
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2000-11-30
Filing date: 2000-11-30
Publication date: 2011-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-30
Also published as: JP2002165739A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、清掃具の操作部に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の清掃具は図８〜図１０に示すように構成していた。図８にはモップ等の清掃具を、図９、１０には電気掃除機のそれぞれ１例をあげたものであり、以下その構成について説明する。
【０００３】
図８に示すように、従来の清掃具は着脱可能なペーパタオル等からなる清掃体１を平面長方形を成す板状の本体２に固定して、本体２の上面にはその短手方向（前後方向）に回動する、すなわち傾動自在な回動体３を設け、さらに回動体３の回動軸心と平行な方向、すなわち本体２の長手方向（左右方向）に回動するように、前記回動体３には継ぎ手部４の一端部を取り付けている。この継ぎ手部４の他端部には、互いにねじることによって締め付けられるロック体（図示せず）を内蔵して長さを自在に調節できる２本のアルミパイプからなる筒状体５の一端が取り付けられ、また筒状体５の他端には合成樹脂からなるハンドル部６が取り付けられている。
【０００４】
また、図９、図１０に示すように、従来の小型スティック型の電気掃除機では、電動送風機７、集塵部８を内蔵し吸込口９を有するノズル部１０を備えた本体１１に上下方向に回動自在な回動体１２を取り付け、この回動体１２の一端部には、互いにネジ結合される複数のアルミパイプからなる筒状体１３の一端部を接続し、筒状体１３の他端部にはハンドル部１４が取り付けられていた。また、本体１１には図示しない充電電池が電源として収めてあり、また、本体１１内には、回動体１２の一端部が直立状態で本体１１に保持できるロック機構と、ハンドル部１４を倒すと電源を入りにする電源スイッチを設けている。
【０００５】
上記構成に於いて、清掃具、電気掃除機ともにハンドル部６、１４を手で握り、筒状体５、１４を介して押引力を本体２、１１作用させ、取付板２または本体１１を前後方向に移動させるようになっていた。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら上記従来の構成では、筒状体５、１３の結合構造のため、筒状体５、１３が太くなったり、組立時のネジ締め作業が煩わしいものであった。また、ハンドル部６、１４は全てストレート形状になっていたため、清掃時の押し引き動作の時に力が入りにくく疲れやすかった。さらに、本体２、１１の進行方向を変更するとき、ハンドル部６、１４を大きく変位させねばならず、ハンドル部６、１４の変位に対する追随性が悪いため使い勝手を悪くするとともに、本体２、１１に対してハンドル部６、１４が固定できないので、掃除途中に直立状態に置けない、あるいはハンドル部６、１４を持って本体２、１１を移動させる時に不安定である等の課題を有していた。
【０００７】
本発明は上記従来の課題を解決するもので、使い勝手の良い清掃具、特に電気掃除機を提供することを目的とするものである。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために本発明は、清掃機能を有する本体と、前記本体に対して上下方向に回動自在に取り付けた回動体と、一端にハンドル部を有する延長管体と、前記延長管体の他端を前記回動体に接続する継ぎ手部と、前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部とを回動自在に軸支する係止体と、前記係止体の端部から下方に延設された固定部と、前記本体に設けられており、２本のリブ体からなる溝を有する係合部と、を備え、前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部との回動面は前記継ぎ手部の長手方向中心軸に対し傾斜させて設けられており、前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部とは回動自在に連結されるとともに、前記延長管体を被掃除面に対して略直立状態にしたときのみ、前記固定部が前記溝で挟み込まれることで、前記本体に対する前記継ぎ手部の前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部との回動面での回動が規制される構成としたもので、ハンドル部を回転させるだけで本体の方向を変更できる使用性の高い清掃具を提供できる。また、ハンドル部を持って本体を移動させるときに安定しているので持ち運びしやすいものである。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、清掃機能を有する本体と、前記本体に対して上下方向に回動自在に取り付けた回動体と、一端にハンドル部を有する延長管体と、前記延長管体の他端を前記回動体に接続する継ぎ手部と、前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部とを回動自在に軸支する係止体と、前記係止体の端部から下方に延設された固定部と、前記本体に設けられており、２本のリブ体からなる溝を有する係合部と、を備え、前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部との回動面は前記継ぎ手部の長手方向中心軸に対し傾斜させて設けられており、前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部とは回動自在に連結されるとともに、前記延長管体を被掃除面に対して略直立状態にしたときのみ、前記固定部が前記溝で挟み込まれることで、前記本体に対する前記継ぎ手部の前記回動体と前記継ぎ手部との回動面での回動が規制される構成としたもので、ハンドル部を回転させるだけで本体の方向を変更できる使用性の高い清掃具を提供できる。さらに、述べると、継ぎ手部の長手方向中心軸（継ぎ手部に対し延長管体を直線上に取り付けた場合には延長管体の軸方向）を中心として継ぎ手部が回動体に対して回動するように取り付け、そして、継ぎ手部の端面と回動体の端面とが接触しながら回動する回動面を継ぎ手部の長手方向中心軸に対して傾斜させることで、延長管体のハンドル部を手で握り延長管体を軸方向を中心として回動させると、継ぎ手部も長手方向中心軸を中心として回動する。例えば継ぎ手部を右方向に回動すれば、傾斜した回動面も上下方向の傾斜から水平方向の傾斜に変化し、したがって、本体を右方向に向けることができる。ここで本体とは、清掃機能を有するもので、電気掃除機であっては本体とは、塵埃を吸い込む吸口体を有し、必要に応じて塵埃を吸引する電動送風機または／および塵埃を集塵する集塵部を有するようにすればよい。
【００１０】
本発明の請求項２に記載の発明は、継ぎ手部と回動体の回動面を、前記継ぎ手部の長手方向中心軸に対し、１０゜〜８０゜の範囲で前記回動体の後方下がりに傾斜させたもので、手元でハンドル部を回転させるだけで本体の方向を変更できるとともに、操作上最適な本体の方向転換をできるものである。
【００１１】
本発明の請求項３に記載の発明は、継ぎ手部と係止体は弾性体を介して回動自在に軸支され、前記継ぎ手部に一定値以上の外力が作用すると、係止体と継ぎ手部の係合状態を解除するもので、筒状体を直立した状態で継ぎ手部に大きな外力がかかっても、係止部には大きな応力が生じないため破損することがなく、信頼性の高めることができる。
【００１２】
本発明の請求項４に記載の発明は、継ぎ手部が係合状態を解除して回動した時、初期の位置に復帰しようとする復帰力が弾性体に生じるもので、筒状体が直立状態で継ぎ手部に大きな外力が作用して、ハンドル部が正規の位置から移動しても、外力がなくなれば常に正規の位置に復帰し、その都度戻してやらなくても良いので使い勝手が良いものである。
【００１３】
本発明の請求項５に記載の発明は、弾性体を係止体の外周と継ぎ手部間に設け、前記係止体の外周の前記弾性体との接圧面に凹部を設けるとともに、前記係止体の外周形状の少なくとも一部は前記継ぎ手部の回転中心とは異なる部分を中心とした円弧部を有するもので、小型化がはかれると同時に大きな復帰力を確実に得られる。
【００１４】
本発明の請求項６に記載の発明は、弾性体を板バネとしたもので、小型化がはかれると同時に大きな復帰力を確実に精度良く確保でき又耐久性も得られるものである。
【００１５】
本発明の請求項７に記載の発明は、一方の端部に内筒からなる受け部を有する筒状体と、前記受け部と嵌合する嵌合部と、前記嵌合部の前方に形成した係合爪部からなる挿入部を有する筒状体を結合して延長間体を形成するもので、尾錠による結合方式を採用したので、小型で組み立て性の良い延長管体を有する清掃具を提供することができる。
【００１６】
本発明の請求項８に記載の発明は、係合爪部に相対する筒状体の側壁に孔を形成したもので、前記孔部から係合爪部を押すことにより簡単にはずせ収納性、再梱包性を確保できる。
【００１７】
本発明の請求項９に記載の発明は、本体と筒状体を着脱自在に構成し、筒状体とハンドル部と本体の最大長を略同一長さにしたもので、製品全体の梱包才数を最小にすることができる。
【００１８】
本発明の請求項１０に記載の発明は、筒状体の孔を本体の後方部に形成したもので、本体正面から孔が見えず外観性を向上できる。
【００１９】
本発明の請求項１１に記載の発明は、筒状体を金属パイプとしたもので、小型で組み立てやすい筒状体を得ることができる。
【００２０】
本発明の請求項１２に記載の発明は、ハンドル部を本体と逆方向にくの字型としたもので、操作力の軽い清掃具を得ることができる。
【００２１】
本発明の請求項１３に記載の発明は、本体に電動送風機及び集塵部と吸込口を有するノズル部を備えたもので、使用性の高い電気掃除機が得られるものである。
【００２２】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の一実施例について、図１〜７を用いて説明する。
【００２３】
図５、図７に示すように、掃除機本体２０（以下本体と称す）は、後方に吸引力を発生する電動送風機２１を収容し、前記電動送風機２１の吸引側、すなわち本体２０の後方側方に集塵室２２を設けている。また、本体２０の前方には吸口部２５を設け、吸口部の下面には吸込口２３を設けて電動送風機２１の吸引力が作用するようにしている。また、吸口部２５内には吸込口２３を介して被掃除面に接する回転ブラシ２４を回転自在に配している。２６は回転ブラシの駆動モータで、回転ベルト２７を介して回転ブラシ２４を回転駆動する。本体２０内の中央部には電動送風機２１および駆動モータ２６に電力を供給する電源、本実施例では充電電池２８を収納している。２９は本体２０内で電動送風機２１を固定する筒状のモータケースであり、電動送風機の回転軸が本体２０の左右方向に向くように取り付けられている。３０は前記モータケース２９の外周に回動自在に保持されているリング状の回動体で、この回転体３０は本体２０の後方部中央に位置し、本体２０の左右方向が回動軸方向として回転するものである。そして吸込口２３で回転ブラシ２４によって掻き上げた塵埃は、電動送風機２１の吸引力で吸引通路３１を通して集塵室２２に集塵される。また、使用者が握って本体２０を移動させるハンドル部４４は、前記回動体３０の外周の一部に取り付けた継ぎ手部４６に筒状の延長管体３２を介して取り付けられている。
【００２４】
次に、延長管体３２およびハンドル部４４について図１に基づいて説明する。延長管体３２は、両端部に合成樹脂からなる本体継ぎ部３４と合成樹脂からなるハンドル継ぎ部３５を圧入後カシメて固定した２本のアルミパイプである筒状体３３から形成されている。そして、この筒状体３３の相対する端部、つまり本体継ぎ部３４およびハンドル継ぎ部３５が設けられていない端部の一方に、内周面に軸方向に延びるガイド溝３７を設けた内筒３６からなる受け部３８が圧入後カシメられて固定され、他方の端部には受け部３８内に挿入嵌合する挿入部４２が圧入後カシメられて固定されている。この挿入部４２は、内筒３６内に挿入されて嵌合する嵌合部３９と、嵌合部３９の端部側に形成された係合爪４０と、嵌合部３９の外周面に軸方向に延びるように形成され、内筒３６のガイド溝３７に挿入するガイドリブ４１とから構成している。なお、係合爪４０の段部と挿入部４２の端面からの距離Ｌは受け部３８の全長Ｌ１より大きくしてある。また、受け部３８に挿入部４２を完全挿入したときの係合爪４０に相対する筒状体３３の側壁に孔４３を形成し、この孔４３を介して係合爪４０の係合を解除するようにしている。
【００２５】
そして、図５及び図６に示すように、延長管体３２の両端部には各々弾性凸部３４ａ、３５ａを設けた本体継ぎ部３４およびハンドル継ぎ部３５が設けられており、前記本体継ぎ部３４を回動体３０の継ぎ手部４６内に挿入して弾性凸部３４ａにより本体継ぎ手部３４と継ぎ手部４６とを係合させ、両者を着脱自在に取り付けるようにしている。同様に、ハンドル継ぎ部３５をくの字型に折れ曲がった合成樹脂材料からなるハンドル部４４内に挿入して弾性凸部３５ａによりハンドル継ぎ部３５とハンドル部４４とを係合させ、両者を着脱自在に取り付けるようにしている。そして上記構成において、図５に示すように、本体２０の最大長Ｌｍと筒状体３３の全長Ｌａ及びハンドル部４４の全長Ｌｈは略同一にしてある。
【００２６】
以上の構成において作用を説明する。筒状体３３の挿入部４２は、受け部３８にまっすぐに差し込むだけで合成樹脂材からなる係合爪４０がたわんで受け部３８の先端面に引っかかって係合するので、螺合結合する場合のようにねじる必要がない。また、係合状態で係合爪４０の外周は筒状体３３の厚みを加えた受け部３８の外周より内側にあるため、筒状体３３の内周におさまっており、筒状体３３を径大化する必要がなく小型になる。
【００２７】
そして、ガイド溝３７にガイドリブ４１が挿入されることにより、回転方向の位置決めができ、くの字型ハンドル部４４と本体２０との位置あわせが可能になる。また、係合爪４０の係合を解除するための孔４３を、本体２０に対して後ろ側面に形成することにより、係合爪４０の解除が可能になるとともに、外観性を損なうことはない。
【００２８】
また、ハンドル部４４は、くの字型なので操作時の把手位置が床面とほぼ水平になるので、ストレートに比較して押し引きの力が本体２０に伝わり易く軽く操作できるものである。さらに本体２０の最大長Ｌｍと筒状体３３の全長Ｌａ及びハンドル部４４の全長Ｌｈは略同一にしてあるので、梱包才数を最小にできる。
【００２９】
次に、本体２０と延長管体３２の継ぎ部である継ぎ手部４６および回動体３０の構造について図２〜４に基づいて説明する。
【００３０】
回動体３０は前述したとおりモータケース２９外周に回動自在に取り付けてあり、本体２０に対して上下方向、すなわち傾動自在であり、図に２に示すように延長管体３２が直立状態になるように回動体３０を回動させた時にのみ、バネ体とカム部（図示せず）からなるロック機構により回動体３０はその位置を保持する、すなわち延長管体３２が直立状態になる時にのみ回動を規制されている。継ぎ手部４６は、回動体３０の外周の一部に突出形成した略筒状の取付部３０ａに回動自在に軸嵌合する回動筒部４７と、この回動筒部４７に一端を連結し他端側に延長管体３２の本体継ぎ部３４を挿入する結合部４８からなり、回動筒部４７と結合部４８とはくの字状に曲げられた形で連結されており、この曲げ角度Φを、１００゜〜１７０゜の範囲としている。前記角度Φの範囲については、ハンドル部４４を回動させることで本体２０の方向を変更できるとともに、操作上本体２０の方向転換を使用性が良くできる角度の範囲である。また、前記回動体３０の後方下がりに傾斜させたことで、回動体３０および本体２０をコンパクトに形成できる。
【００３１】
図４に示すように、回動筒部４７内には、半径方向に変位可能に略コの字状をした板バネ４９が配され、回動筒部４７の筒体形状より径小でかつその筒体形状と同心となるように、回動筒部４７内に筒状の保持部５１を一体形成している。また、回動筒部４７内に設けられた保持部５１を回動自在に挿入する筒状の係止体５２が回動筒部４７内に位置し、係止体５２の端部にはフランジ部５４を設け、回動体３０の取付部３０ａから係止体が抜け出すことのないようにしている。
【００３２】
また、保持部５１はトラスネジ５３で係止体５２に取り付けられ、継ぎ手部４６が回動体３０の取付部３０ａから抜けないように保持されている。筒状の係止体５２の外周面は軸中心からはずれるように形状設定したカム面５７を板バネ４９と対向する側面に形成してある。また、フランジ部５４の外周端には、下方に延設した凸形状である固定部５５が形成されており、モータケース２９の外周面には前記固定部５５を回動体３０の回動方向（図３参照）に挟んで保持する２本のリブ体からなる溝を形成した係合部５６を設けている。そして図５、図６に示すようにハンドル部４４を取付けた筒状体３３を継ぎ手部４６の結合部４８に挿入固定している。
【００３３】
以上の構成において作用を説明する。継ぎ手部４６の結合部４８に挿入固定された筒状体３３に取付けられたハンドル部４４は、図５に矢印Ａで示すように本体２０の上下方向に回動体３０とともに回動自在でかつ継ぎ手部４６とともに矢印Ｂ方向に回転させることができる。この時、回動体３０の継ぎ手部４６挿入部の長手方向中心軸と継ぎ手部４６の結合部４８の長手方向中心軸に角度Φを設けているので、ハンドル部４４をＢ方向に回動させるだけで本体２０の方向を変更でき、本体２０の方向変換が楽にできる。言い換えれば、継ぎ手部４６の結合部４８と回動体３０の取付部３０ａとの接触し回動する回動面が、継ぎ手部４６の結合部４８の長手方向中心軸に対して傾斜している。
【００３４】
そして、筒状体３３が略直立状態でのみ、回動体３０は回動を規制され、かつ回動体３０と継ぎ手部４６の回動も、係止体５２に設けた固定部５５がモータケース２９の外周面に設けた２本のリブ体からなる溝を形成した係合部５６にて回動を規制されるので、ハンドル部４４は本体２０に対して位置規制して固定できる。
【００３５】
この時の保持力は、板バネ４９と係止体５２に設けた凹部であるカム面５７との圧接力を、板バネ４９の板厚と初期変位量を設定することにより選択できる。本実施例では回動筒部４７の全長にわたって板バネ４９を配しているので、厚さが薄くても大きなバネ常数を得られ、小さな初期変位量で保持力が確保できるので、小型にでき、又薄くすることで板バネ４９表面の発生応力を小さくでき耐久性が向上する。
【００３６】
そして保持力以上の回転方向の外力がハンドル部４４に作用すると、板バネ４９が回動筒部４７とともに回転し、係止体５２に設けたカム面５７を乗り越えて変形するので、固定部５５に過大な応力を生じて破損させることがない。また、板バネ４９が係止体５２に設けたカム面５７を乗り越えて、前記カム面５７以外の係止体５２に圧接すると、前記係止体５２の外周部の円弧は、前記保持部５１の回転中心とは異なる点（本実施例においては、回動筒部４７の回転中心よりＬｏ／２だけずれている）に位置しているので、法線方向に発生する圧接力Ｐも、回動筒部４７の中心からＬｏ／２だけずれおり、回動筒部４７を元の位置に戻す回転力はＰ×Ｌｏとなり自動的に初期の位置までハンドル部４４を復帰させることができる。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明によれば、本体、延長管体及びハンドル部からなる清掃具において、小型で組み立てやすい延長管体と、本体の方向変換及び操作性の良い清掃具を提供できるものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】（ａ）本発明の一実施例による筒状体の全体構成を示す一部破断側面図
（ｂ）同要部側面図
【図２】同本体と筒状体の継ぎ手部構造を示す一部破断側面図
【図３】同係止体を示す図２のａ−ａ断面図
【図４】同板バネと係止体の関係を示す図２のｂ−ｂ断面図
【図５】同電気掃除機の全体構成を示す斜視図
【図６】同延長管体とハンドル部の全体構成を示す斜視図
【図７】同電気掃除機の本体の断面図
【図８】従来の清掃具の全体構成を示す斜視図
【図９】同電気掃除機の全体構成を示す斜視図
【図１０】同筒状体およびハンドル部の斜視図
【符号の説明】
２０本体
３０回動体
３２延長管体
３３筒状体
３６内筒
３８受け部
３９嵌合部
４０係合爪
４２挿入部
４３孔
４４ハンドル部
４９板バネ
５２係止体
５５固定部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation unit of a cleaning tool.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of cleaning tool is configured as shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 shows a cleaning tool such as a mop, and FIGS. 9 and 10 each show an example of a vacuum cleaner. The configuration will be described below.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 8, the conventional cleaning tool fixes the cleaning body 1 which consists of a removable paper towel etc. to the plate-shaped main body 2 which comprises a planar rectangle, and the upper surface of the main body 2 is the short direction (front-back). Direction), that is, a rotatable rotating body 3 is provided, and is further rotated in a direction parallel to the rotating axis of the rotating body 3, that is, in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the main body 2. One end of the joint portion 4 is attached to the moving body 3. At the other end of the joint portion 4, a lock body (not shown) that is tightened by twisting each other is housed, and one end of a cylindrical body 5 composed of two aluminum pipes whose length can be freely adjusted is attached. A handle portion 6 made of synthetic resin is attached to the other end of the cylindrical body 5.
[0004]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in a conventional small stick type vacuum cleaner, an electric blower 7 and a main body 11 including a dust collecting portion 8 and having a nozzle portion 10 having a suction port 9 are arranged in a vertical direction. A rotatable rotating body 12 is attached to one end of the cylindrical body 13 formed of a plurality of aluminum pipes that are screwed to each other. The handle part 14 was attached to the part. In addition, a rechargeable battery (not shown) is housed in the main body 11 as a power source. In addition, when the end of the rotating body 12 is held upright in the main body 11 and the handle portion 14 is tilted down. A power switch to turn on the power is provided.
[0005]
In the above configuration, both the cleaning tool and the vacuum cleaner hold the handle portions 6 and 14 by hand, and the push-pull force acts on the main bodies 2 and 11 via the cylindrical bodies 5 and 14 to move the mounting plate 2 or the main body 11 back and forth. It was supposed to move in the direction.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional configuration, the cylindrical bodies 5 and 13 are thick due to the coupling structure of the cylindrical bodies 5 and 13, and the screw tightening operation during assembly is troublesome. Further, since the handle portions 6 and 14 were all straight, it was difficult to apply force during the push-pull operation during cleaning, and it was easy to get tired. Furthermore, when changing the advancing direction of the main bodies 2 and 11, the handle portions 6 and 14 must be greatly displaced, and the followability to the displacement of the handle portions 6 and 14 is poor. On the other hand, since the handle portions 6 and 14 cannot be fixed, they cannot be placed in an upright state during cleaning, or are unstable when the main bodies 2 and 11 are moved while holding the handle portions 6 and 14. It was.
[0007]
The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use cleaning tool, particularly a vacuum cleaner.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a main body having a cleaning function, a rotating body attached to the main body so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, an extension tube having a handle at one end, and the extension tube A joint for connecting the other end of the body to the rotating body, a locking body for pivotally supporting the rotating body and the joint, and extending downward from an end of the locking body A fixing portion, and an engaging portion provided in the main body and having a groove formed of two rib bodies, and a rotating surface of the rotating body and the joint portion is a longitudinal center of the joint portion The rotating body and the joint portion are rotatably connected to each other, and the fixed body is fixed only when the extension tube body is substantially upright with respect to the surface to be cleaned. by parts are sandwiched by the groove, the rotation of the joint portion relative to the body The intended rotation in rotating surface of the joint portion is configured to be regulated, it can provide a high cleaning implement of use of being able to change the direction of the body only by rotating the handle portion and. Moreover, since it is stable when the main body is moved with the handle portion, it is easy to carry.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a main body having a cleaning function, a rotating body attached to the main body so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, an extension tube having a handle portion at one end, and the extension. A joint portion for connecting the other end of the tubular body to the rotating body; a locking body for pivotally supporting the rotating body and the joint portion; and a downward extension from the end of the locking body. A fixing portion and an engaging portion provided in the main body and having a groove formed of two rib bodies, and a rotating surface of the rotating body and the joint portion is in a longitudinal direction of the joint portion. center is provided with an inclination relative to axis, with said rotating body and said joint portion is rotatably connected to, only when a substantially upright the extension pipe body with respect to the surface to be cleaned, the by fixing portion is sandwiched in the groove, the rotating body of the joint portion relative to the body The intended rotation in rotating surface of the joint portion is configured to be regulated, it can provide a high cleaning implement of use of being able to change the direction of the body only by rotating the handle portion. More specifically, the joint portion rotates with respect to the rotating body around the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the joint portion (when the extension tube body is attached to the joint portion in a straight line, the axial direction of the extension tube body). And attaching the handle portion of the extension pipe body by tilting the turning surface that rotates while the end surface of the joint portion and the end surface of the rotating body are in contact with each other with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the joint portion. When the grip extension tube is rotated about the axial direction, the joint portion also rotates about the central axis in the longitudinal direction. For example, if the joint portion is rotated in the right direction, the inclined rotation surface also changes from the vertical inclination to the horizontal inclination, so that the main body can be directed to the right. Here, the main body has a cleaning function, and in the case of a vacuum cleaner, the main body has a suction body for sucking dust, and if necessary, an electric blower for sucking dust or / and collecting dust. What is necessary is just to make it have a dust collection part to do.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is such that the rotation surface of the joint portion and the rotating body is inclined downwardly rearwardly within a range of 10 ° to 80 ° with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the joint portion. In this way, the direction of the main body can be changed simply by rotating the handle portion at hand, and the direction of the main body can be changed optimally for operation .
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the joint portion and the locking body are pivotally supported via an elastic body so that the locking body and the joint can be rotated when an external force of a certain value or more acts on the joint portion. Even if a large external force is applied to the joint portion in a state where the cylindrical body is upright, a large stress is not generated in the locking portion, so that the locking portion is not damaged and the reliability is improved. be able to.
[0012]
In the invention according to claim 4 of the present invention, when the joint portion is released from the engaged state and rotated, a restoring force for returning to the initial position is generated in the elastic body. Even if a large external force acts on the joint part in the state and the handle part moves from the normal position, if the external force disappears, it will always return to the normal position, and it is not necessary to return it each time, so it is easy to use It is.
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the elastic body is provided between the outer periphery of the locking body and the joint portion, the concave surface is provided on the pressure contact surface of the outer periphery of the locking body with the elastic body, and the locking At least a part of the outer peripheral shape of the body has an arc portion centered on a portion different from the center of rotation of the joint portion, and a large restoring force can be reliably obtained at the same time as miniaturization is achieved.
[0014]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the elastic body is made of a leaf spring, so that a reduction in size can be achieved and at the same time a large restoring force can be ensured with high accuracy and durability can be obtained.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 7 of the present invention is formed in a cylindrical body having a receiving portion made of an inner cylinder at one end, a fitting portion that fits the receiving portion, and a front portion of the fitting portion. Since the extension body is formed by joining the cylindrical body having the insertion portion composed of the engaging claws, a cleaning tool having a small and easy-to-assemble extension tube is adopted. Can be provided.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention is such that a hole is formed in the side wall of the cylindrical body facing the engaging claw portion, and it can be easily detached and stored by pressing the engaging claw portion from the hole portion. Repackability can be secured.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 9 of the present invention is configured such that the main body and the cylindrical body are detachable, and the maximum length of the cylindrical body, the handle portion, and the main body is substantially the same length. The number can be minimized.
[0018]
In the invention according to claim 10 of the present invention, the hole of the cylindrical body is formed in the rear part of the main body, so that the hole can not be seen from the front of the main body and the appearance can be improved.
[0019]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the cylindrical body is a metal pipe, and a small and easy-to-assemble cylindrical body can be obtained.
[0020]
In the invention according to claim 12 of the present invention, the handle portion is formed in a dogleg shape in the direction opposite to the main body, and a cleaning tool with a light operating force can be obtained.
[0021]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the main body includes an electric blower and a nozzle portion having a dust collecting portion and a suction port, and a highly usable vacuum cleaner is obtained.
[0022]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the cleaner main body 20 (hereinafter referred to as a main body) accommodates an electric blower 21 that generates a suction force in the rear, and the suction side of the electric blower 21, that is, the rear side of the main body 20. A dust collection chamber 22 is provided on the side. Further, a suction port 25 is provided in front of the main body 20, and a suction port 23 is provided on the lower surface of the suction port so that the suction force of the electric blower 21 acts. In addition, a rotary brush 24 that is in contact with the surface to be cleaned is rotatably disposed in the suction port 25 via the suction port 23. Reference numeral 26 denotes a rotary brush drive motor, which rotates the rotary brush 24 via a rotary belt 27. A power source for supplying electric power to the electric blower 21 and the drive motor 26, which is the rechargeable battery 28 in this embodiment, is housed in the central portion of the main body 20. Reference numeral 29 denotes a cylindrical motor case that fixes the electric blower 21 in the main body 20, and is attached so that the rotating shaft of the electric blower faces the left-right direction of the main body 20. Reference numeral 30 denotes a ring-shaped rotating body that is rotatably held on the outer periphery of the motor case 29. The rotating body 30 is located in the center of the rear portion of the main body 20, and the left-right direction of the main body 20 is the rotation axis direction. It will rotate. Then, the dust picked up by the rotary brush 24 at the suction port 23 is collected in the dust collection chamber 22 through the suction passage 31 by the suction force of the electric blower 21. In addition, the handle portion 44 that is moved by the user to move the main body 20 is attached to a joint portion 46 attached to a part of the outer periphery of the rotating body 30 via a cylindrical extension tube body 32.
[0024]
Next, the extension tube body 32 and the handle portion 44 will be described with reference to FIG. The extension pipe body 32 is formed of a cylindrical body 33 which is two aluminum pipes which are fixed by caulking and fixing a body joint portion 34 made of synthetic resin and a handle joint portion 35 made of synthetic resin at both ends. And the inner cylinder which provided the guide groove 37 extended in the axial direction in the inner peripheral surface in one of the edge part which this cylindrical body 33 opposes, ie, the main body joint part 34, and the handle joint part 35 is not provided. A receiving portion 38 consisting of 36 is crimped and fixed after press-fitting, and an insertion portion 42 inserted and fitted into the receiving portion 38 is crimped and fixed after press-fitting to the other end. The insertion portion 42 includes a fitting portion 39 that is inserted and fitted into the inner cylinder 36, an engagement claw 40 formed on the end portion side of the fitting portion 39, and a shaft on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 39. The guide rib 41 is formed to extend in the direction and is inserted into the guide groove 37 of the inner cylinder 36. The distance L from the stepped portion of the engaging claw 40 and the end surface of the insertion portion 42 is larger than the total length L1 of the receiving portion 38. Further, a hole 43 is formed in the side wall of the cylindrical body 33 opposite to the engagement claw 40 when the insertion portion 42 is completely inserted into the receiving portion 38, and the engagement of the engagement claw 40 is released through this hole 43. Like to do.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a main body joint portion 34 and a handle joint portion 35 provided with elastic convex portions 34a and 35a are provided at both ends of the extension tube 32, respectively. 34 is inserted into the joint portion 46 of the rotating body 30, and the main body joint portion 34 and the joint portion 46 are engaged with each other by the elastic convex portion 34a, so that both are detachably attached. Similarly, the handle joint portion 35 is inserted into the handle portion 44 made of a synthetic resin material bent in a dogleg shape, and the handle joint portion 35 and the handle portion 44 are engaged with each other by the elastic convex portion 35a. I am trying to attach it freely. In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the maximum length Lm of the main body 20, the total length La of the cylindrical body 33, and the total length Lh of the handle portion 44 are substantially the same.
[0026]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the insertion portion 42 of the cylindrical body 33 is simply inserted into the receiving portion 38 and the engaging claw 40 made of a synthetic resin material is bent and hooked onto the distal end surface of the receiving portion 38 to be engaged, There is no need to twist. Further, in the engaged state, the outer periphery of the engaging claw 40 is located on the inner side of the outer periphery of the receiving portion 38 to which the thickness of the cylindrical body 33 is added. There is no need to increase the diameter and the size is reduced.
[0027]
Then, by inserting the guide rib 41 into the guide groove 37, positioning in the rotational direction can be performed, and alignment of the dog-shaped handle portion 44 and the main body 20 becomes possible. Further, by forming the hole 43 for releasing the engagement of the engagement claw 40 on the rear side surface with respect to the main body 20, the engagement claw 40 can be released and the appearance is not impaired. .
[0028]
Further, since the handle portion 44 has a dogleg shape, the handle position at the time of operation is substantially horizontal with the floor surface, and therefore, the push-pull force can be easily transmitted to the main body 20 and can be operated lightly as compared with the straight. Furthermore, since the maximum length Lm of the main body 20, the total length La of the cylindrical body 33, and the total length Lh of the handle portion 44 are substantially the same, the packing ability can be minimized.
[0029]
Next, the structure of the joint part 46 and the rotating body 30 which are joint parts of the main body 20 and the extension pipe body 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0030]
As described above, the rotating body 30 is rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the motor case 29, and is vertically movable, that is, tiltable with respect to the main body 20, and the extension tube body 32 is in an upright state as shown in FIG. Thus, only when the rotating body 30 is rotated, the position of the rotating body 30 is maintained by the lock mechanism including the spring body and the cam portion (not shown), that is, only when the extension tube body 32 is in the upright state. Rotation is restricted. The joint portion 46 is connected to a rotating cylinder portion 47 that is pivotally fitted to a substantially cylindrical mounting portion 30 a that protrudes from a part of the outer periphery of the rotating body 30, and one end connected to the rotating cylinder portion 47. The other end side is composed of a coupling portion 48 for inserting the main body joint portion 34 of the extension tube body 32, and the rotating cylinder portion 47 and the coupling portion 48 are connected in a bent shape in a square shape. The bending angle Φ is in the range of 100 ° to 170 °. The range of the angle Φ is an angle range in which the direction of the main body 20 can be changed by rotating the handle portion 44 and the direction change of the main body 20 can be improved in terms of operation. In addition, the rotating body 30 and the main body 20 can be compactly formed by inclining the rotating body 30 downward and backward.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 4, a substantially U-shaped leaf spring 49 is disposed in the rotating cylinder portion 47 so as to be displaceable in the radial direction, and is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical shape of the rotating cylinder portion 47. A cylindrical holding portion 51 is integrally formed in the rotating cylindrical portion 47 so as to be concentric with the cylindrical shape. Further, a cylindrical locking body 52 for rotatably inserting the holding portion 51 provided in the rotating cylinder portion 47 is located in the rotating cylinder portion 47, and a flange is provided at the end of the locking body 52. A portion 54 is provided so that the locking body does not come out of the mounting portion 30 a of the rotating body 30.
[0032]
The holding portion 51 is attached to the locking body 52 with a truss screw 53, and the joint portion 46 is held so as not to come off from the attaching portion 30 a of the rotating body 30. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical locking body 52 is formed with a cam surface 57 whose shape is set so as to deviate from the axial center on the side surface facing the leaf spring 49. Further, a fixed portion 55 having a convex shape extending downward is formed at the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 54, and the fixed portion 55 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the motor case 29 in the rotational direction ( An engaging portion 56 having a groove formed of two rib bodies that are held between and held between them is provided (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cylindrical body 33 to which the handle portion 44 is attached is inserted and fixed to the coupling portion 48 of the joint portion 46.
[0033]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. The handle portion 44 attached to the cylindrical body 33 inserted and fixed to the coupling portion 48 of the joint portion 46 is rotatable together with the rotating body 30 in the vertical direction of the main body 20 as shown by an arrow A in FIG. It can be rotated in the direction of arrow B together with the portion 46. At this time, since the angle Φ is provided between the longitudinal central axis of the joint portion 46 insertion portion of the rotating body 30 and the longitudinal central axis of the coupling portion 48 of the joint portion 46, the handle portion 44 is merely rotated in the B direction. Thus, the direction of the main body 20 can be changed and the direction of the main body 20 can be easily changed. In other words, the rotating surface that contacts and rotates between the coupling portion 48 of the joint portion 46 and the mounting portion 30a of the rotating body 30 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the coupling portion 48 of the joint portion 46.
[0034]
The rotating body 30 is restricted from rotating only when the cylindrical body 33 is substantially upright, and the rotating body 30 and the joint portion 46 are also rotated by the fixing portion 55 provided on the locking body 52 by the motor case 29. Since the rotation is restricted by the engaging part 56 formed with a groove formed of two rib bodies provided on the outer peripheral surface of the handle part 44, the position of the handle part 44 can be fixed with respect to the main body 20.
[0035]
The holding force at this time can be selected by setting the pressure contact force between the plate spring 49 and the cam surface 57 which is a recess provided in the locking body 52 by setting the plate thickness of the plate spring 49 and the initial displacement amount. In this embodiment, since the leaf spring 49 is arranged over the entire length of the rotating cylinder portion 47, a large spring constant can be obtained even if the thickness is small, and a holding force can be ensured with a small initial displacement amount. Further, by reducing the thickness, the stress generated on the surface of the leaf spring 49 can be reduced, and the durability is improved.
[0036]
When an external force in the rotational direction that is greater than the holding force acts on the handle portion 44, the leaf spring 49 rotates with the rotating cylinder portion 47 and gets over the cam surface 57 provided on the locking body 52 and deforms. It will not be damaged due to excessive stress. Further, when the leaf spring 49 gets over the cam surface 57 provided on the locking body 52 and presses against the locking body 52 other than the cam surface 57, the arc of the outer peripheral portion of the locking body 52 becomes the holding portion 51. Is different from the center of rotation (in the present embodiment, it is shifted by Lo / 2 from the center of rotation of the rotating cylinder portion 47). The rotational force that deviates by Lo / 2 from the center of the moving cylinder portion 47 and returns the rotating cylinder portion 47 to the original position becomes P × Lo, and the handle portion 44 can be automatically returned to the initial position.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in the cleaning tool including the main body, the extension tube body, and the handle portion, the extension tube body that is small and easy to assemble, and the cleaning tool with good direction change and operability of the main body can be provided. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A is a partially broken side view showing the overall configuration of a cylindrical body according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a side view of the main part of the same. FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side view of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line aa of FIG. 2 showing the locking body. ] Perspective view showing the overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner [FIG. 6] Perspective view showing the overall configuration of the extension tube and handle portion [FIG. 7] Cross-sectional view of the main body of the vacuum cleaner [FIG. 8] Conventional cleaning FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cylindrical body and the handle portion.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Main body 30 Rotating body 32 Extension pipe body 33 Cylindrical body 36 Inner cylinder 38 Receiving part 39 Fitting part 40 Engaging claw 42 Insertion part 43 Hole 44 Handle part 49 Leaf spring 52 Locking body 55 Fixing part

Claims

A main body having a cleaning function, a rotating body attached to the main body so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, an extension tube having a handle at one end, and the other end of the extension tube connected to the rotating body. A coupling portion ; a locking body that pivotally supports the rotating body and the coupling portion; a fixing portion that extends downward from an end of the locking body; and a main body. An engagement portion having a groove formed of two rib bodies, and a rotation surface of the rotation body and the joint portion is provided to be inclined with respect to a central axis in a longitudinal direction of the joint portion, The rotating body and the joint portion are rotatably connected, and only when the extension tube body is substantially upright with respect to the surface to be cleaned, the fixing portion is sandwiched between the grooves, turning on the rotation surface of said rotating body and said joint portion of the joint portion relative to the body Configuration and the cleaning tool is restricted.

The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the joint portion and the turning surface of the turning body are inclined downward and rearward in the range of 10 ° to 80 ° with respect to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the joint portion.

Joint portion and the engaging member is rotatably supported via an elastic member, an external force exceeding a predetermined value to the joint portion acts, claim 1 or to release the engagement of the engaging body and the joint portion 2. The cleaning tool according to 2 .

The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a return force is generated in the elastic body to return to the initial position when the joint portion is rotated after releasing the engaged state.

An elastic body is provided between the outer periphery of the locking body and the joint portion, a recess is provided on the pressure contact surface of the outer periphery of the locking body with the elastic body, and at least a part of the outer peripheral shape of the locking body is the joint portion The cleaning tool of Claim 3 or 4 which has a circular arc part centering on the part different from the rotation center.

The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein the elastic body is a leaf spring.

A cylinder having a cylindrical body having a receiving part made of an inner cylinder at one end, a fitting part fitted to the receiving part, and an insertion part made of an engaging claw part formed in front of the fitting part The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the elongated tubes are formed by joining the shaped members.

The cleaning tool according to claim 7 , wherein a hole is formed in a side wall of the cylindrical body facing the engaging claw portion.

The cleaning tool according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the main body and the cylindrical body are configured to be detachable, and the cylindrical body, the handle portion, and the main body have the same maximum length.

The cleaning tool of Claim 8 or 9 which formed the hole of the cylindrical body in the back part of the main body.

The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 7 to 10 , wherein the cylindrical body is a metal pipe.

Cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 Symbol of the handle portion has a shaped body and reverse meat.

The cleaning tool of any one of Claims 1-12 provided with the nozzle part which has an electric blower, a dust collection part, and a suction inlet in the main body.