JP7117111B2 - vacuum cleaner extension pipe - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner.

As a conventional electric vacuum cleaner, the connecting pipe part of the suction port is inserted into one end of the extension pipe (upstream end of the air flow), and the other end of the extension pipe (downstream end of the air flow) is cleaned. There is known a device that is connected by inserting it into a flexible hose that is connected to the main body of the machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, as another conventional electric vacuum cleaner, a first locking mechanism section for connecting a connection pipe section of a suction port and one end section of an extension pipe so as to be unlockable, and a second end section of the extension pipe and a vacuum cleaner main body. a second locking mechanism that unlockably connects the connection pipe and the suction port body and the vacuum cleaner main body from the extension pipe when the unlocking buttons of the first and first locking mechanisms are pressed; What was done is known (for example, patent document 2).

JP-A-5-42064 JP 2017-192436 A

With these conventional vacuum cleaners, the user bent down to remove the suction port body from the extension pipe. In addition, since the connection pipe of the suction port removed from the extension pipe is laid horizontally, the user has to bend down to connect the suction port to the extension pipe.
Thus, these conventional vacuum cleaners put a strain on the user's lower back when attaching and detaching the suction port to and from the extension pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner that can reduce the burden on the user's lower back.

Thus, according to the present invention, the cleaner comprises a main body of the cleaner, a suction port, and an extension pipe capable of connecting the main body of the cleaner and the suction port,
The extension pipe has one end connected to the suction port, the other end connected to the cleaner main body, a locking mechanism that locks the connection with the suction port at the one end, and the other end. An extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner is provided, which has an unlocking operation mechanism portion for unlocking the lock mechanism portion in the portion.

In the extension pipe of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, a lock mechanism for locking the connection between the extension pipe and the suction port is provided at one end of the extension pipe (upstream end of the air flow), and the lock mechanism An unlocking operation mechanism capable of unlocking is provided at the other end of the extension pipe (the downstream end of the air flow). As a result, the user can step on the suction port body with his foot to press it against the floor surface, unlock the lock mechanism portion at hand, and pull out the extension pipe from the suction port body in a substantially vertical direction. The extension pipe can be removed from the connecting pipe part of the suction port body in a comfortable standing posture without bending over.
Further, by removing the extension pipe from the connecting pipe portion of the suction port body in a substantially vertical direction, the connecting pipe portion of the suction port body maintains a state in which it stands substantially vertically. When reconnecting, the user can connect the extension pipe to the connecting pipe portion of the suction port in a comfortable standing posture without bending down.
Thus, according to the extension pipe of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user's lower back when attaching and detaching the extension pipe and the suction port body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows Embodiment 1 of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a suction port body in the electric vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the inlet body of FIG. 2; It is a standing state of the connection pipe part in the suction port body of FIG. 2, (A) is a right side view, (B) is a right side sectional view. Fig. 3(A) is a right side view and Fig. 3(B) is a right side cross-sectional view showing a collapsed state of the connecting pipe portion in the suction port body of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a pipe body of an extension pipe in the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is removed from the pipe body of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the pipe body of FIG. 6; 7 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing one end of the pipe body of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the other end of the pipe body of FIG. 6; FIG. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism on the one end side of the pipe body of FIG. 6, in which FIG. 4 is a left side view showing one end of the extension pipe in Embodiment 1. FIG. Fig. 13 shows a standing state of the terminal portion cover of the extension pipe of Fig. 12, where (A) is a perspective view and (B) is a left sectional view. 13A is a perspective view, and FIG. 13B is a left cross-sectional view showing a collapsed state of the terminal portion cover of the extension pipe of FIG. 12. FIG. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism in the pipe body of the extension pipe of the second embodiment, in which (A) is in the locked state and (B) is in the unlocked state;

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing Embodiment 1 of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
The electric vacuum cleaner 1 includes a cleaner main body 10 , a suction port body 30 , and an extension pipe 20 that can directly connect the cleaner main body 10 and the suction port body 30 .
In this specification, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction refer to directions viewed from the user who uses the vacuum cleaner 1 .

<Vacuum cleaner body>
As shown in FIG. 1 , the cleaner body 10 includes a drive device 11 and a cyclone dust collection unit 12 detachably attached to the drive device 11 .
The driving device 11 includes a housing 11a that houses an electric blower (not shown) and has an exhaust port (not shown) formed on the right side, and a battery 11b that is detachably attached to the rear of the housing 11a. , a handle 11c connected to the housing 11a; an operation switch 11d provided on the handle 11c for operating and stopping the electric blower; and a connecting pipe portion 11e provided.

The dust collection unit 12 has a dust collection container 12a and a filter portion 12b detachably attached to the dust collection container 12a.
The dust collection container 12 a has an inlet (not shown) connectable to the outlet 11 e ₁ provided in the connecting pipe portion 11 e of the driving device 11 .
The filter portion 12b is connected to an inlet (not shown) of the housing 11a when the dust collection unit 12 is attached to the driving device 11. As shown in FIG.

According to the vacuum cleaner main body 10 configured in this manner, when the electric blower is driven, air containing dust sucked from the connection pipe portion 11e is discharged from the outlet 11e ₁ of the connection pipe portion 11e into the dust collection container 12a. flow into The dust is collected in the dust collection container 12a, and the dust-removed air passes through the filter portion 12b, flows into the housing 11a of the cleaner body 10, passes through the electric blower, and exits from the exhaust port. Ejected.

<Inlet body>
2 is a perspective view showing the suction port body in the electric vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1, and FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the suction port body of FIG. 4 is a right side view and FIG. 4(B) is a right sectional view showing a standing state of the connection pipe part in the suction port body of FIG. 5 is a right side view and FIG. 5(B) is a right cross-sectional view showing a collapsed state of the connecting pipe portion in the suction port body of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the suction port body 30 includes a suction port main body 31 having a suction port 31a ₁₁ and a horizontal axis centered on the suction port main body 31 placed on the floor surface F. A connection pipe portion 32 that is vertically swingable (in the direction of arrow A) and connectable to the extension pipe 20, and the connection pipe portion 32 is swingable in the lateral direction about the longitudinal axis center with respect to the suction port main body 31. and a connection pipe portion biasing member 34 capable of biasing the connection pipe portion 32 upward with respect to the inlet main body 31 .

The inlet main body 31 has a lower case 31a, an upper front case 31b, and an upper rear case 31c.
The lower case 31a has the suction port 31a ₁₁ formed at its bottom, and has a front space 31a ₁ above the suction port 31a ₁₁ for rotatably accommodating the rotating brush 31x, and a rear space 31a for accommodating a rotating brush driving motor 31y. ₂ , and a rearward projecting support plate portion 31a3 that rotatably holds the roller _31z and supports the joint portion 33 so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
A pulley (not shown) is provided at the left end of the rotating brush 31x and the output shaft of the rotating brush driving motor 31y, and these pulleys are connected by a timing belt (not shown) to drive the rotating brush driving motor 31y. is transmitted to the rotating brush 31x.

The connecting pipe portion 32 includes a base end cylindrical portion 32a having a shaft portion 32a ₁ centered on the left-right direction axis on both left and right end faces, a large diameter portion 32b connected to the base end cylindrical portion 32a, and a large diameter portion. A tip small diameter portion 32c connected to the tip small diameter portion 32b, and a pair of rod-shaped terminal portions 32d projecting toward the tip small diameter portion 32c from a step on the back side between the large diameter portion 32b and the tip small diameter portion 32c. have Here, the "rear side" means the opposite side when the vacuum cleaner in use is viewed from the front, and the opposite side to the "rear side" is called the "front side".

A base end opening 32a ₂ is formed in the base end cylindrical portion 32a to open inside the joint portion 33, and a pair of lead wires (not shown) extending from a pair of terminal portions (not shown) of the rotating brush driving motor 31y are formed. ) are electrically connected to a pair of terminal portions 32d through an inflow port 33c of the joint portion 33, which will be described later, and a base end opening portion 32a ₂ and a large diameter portion 32b of the connecting tube portion 32. As shown in FIG.
Further, on the rear surface of the tip small diameter portion 32c, there is provided a locking recess 32c ₁ for detachably locking a locking claw 21d ₁₁ (see FIG. 9) of a locking mechanism portion 21d (described later) provided on the extension pipe 20. It is

The joint portion 33 includes a lower case 33a that rotatably supports the left and right shaft portions 32a ₁ of the connection pipe portion 32, and an upper case 33a that is joined to the lower case 33a so as to cover the base end cylindrical portion 32a of the connection pipe portion 32. The inflow port 33c is formed at the front end of the joint portion 33 so as to communicate with the suction port _31a11 of the suction port main body 31. As shown in FIG.

Inside the lower case 33a and the upper case 33b, ribs are provided to rotatably hold the shaft portion 32a ₁ of the proximal cylindrical portion 32a of the connection pipe portion 32, and the inner surfaces of these ribs are provided with the proximal cylindrical portion 32a as the axis. It has a concave curved surface so that it can swing vertically around the portion 32a ₁ .
Further, arc _- shaped outer flanges 33a ₁ and inner flanges 33b ₁ are provided around the inlet 33c of the lower case 33a and the _upper case 33b. They are fitted into arc-shaped grooves provided in the lower case 31a and the upper rear case 31 of the inlet main body 31 so as to rotatably hold them.

The connection tube portion biasing member 34 is composed of a torsion coil spring (torsion spring) attached so as to insert at least one of the left and right shaft portions 32a ₁ of the connection tube portion 32, and both ends of the torsion coil spring are connected. It is fixed to the proximal cylindrical portion 32 a of the pipe portion 32 and the upper case 33 b of the joint portion 33 .
The connection pipe portion urging member 34 biases the connection pipe portion 32 in a direction (arrow A direction) in which the distal end small diameter portion 32c of the connection pipe portion 32 stands up substantially vertically. Therefore, even if the connecting pipe portion 32 is pushed rearward by hand and rocked in the collapsed state as shown in FIGS. When released, the connecting tube portion 32 automatically rises to a substantially vertical state.
Further, the suction port body 30 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention is arranged such that the connecting pipe portion 32 (FIG. 2) of the suction port body 30 is in a substantially vertical state in order to keep the vacuum cleaner main body 10 in a self-supporting state as shown in FIG. It is a structure that can be positioned in a state of being slightly tilted forward, and can play a role of assisting this independent state.

It should be noted that the connecting tube portion biasing member 34 may be of any kind as long as it biases the connecting tube portion 32 so as to automatically rise up to a substantially vertical state, and is not limited to a torsion coil spring (torsion spring). A torsion coil spring is preferable because it can be installed in a narrow storage space and a strong biasing force can be easily obtained.
In addition, the connecting pipe portion urging member 34 urges the connecting pipe portion 32 to rise, but the connecting pipe portion 32 is not limited to being raised to a substantially vertical position, and may be positioned at an arbitrary angle. may In this case, the connecting tube portion 32 can be held at an arbitrary position by adjusting the biasing force of the torsion coil spring. For example, in the case of a short user, when inserting the extension pipe 20 into the connecting pipe portion 32 of the suction port body 30, it is better to have the connecting pipe portion 32 inclined than to insert it from a substantially vertical position. Easier to insert.

<Extension pipe>
6 is a perspective view showing the pipe body of the extension pipe in the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover is removed from the pipe body in FIG. 6, and FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a pipe body; FIG. 9 is an enlarged side sectional view showing one end of the pipe body of FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the other end of the pipe body of FIG. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the locking mechanism on the one end side of the pipe body of FIG. 12 is a left side view showing one end of the extension pipe in Embodiment 1. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 12, the extension pipe 20 includes a pipe body 21 and an annular brush portion 22 provided at one end of the pipe body 21 connected to the suction port body 30 .

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the pipe body 21 includes an intermediate cylindrical portion 21a, a first connecting portion 21b inserted into and connected to one end (upstream end) of the intermediate cylindrical portion 21a, and an intermediate cylindrical portion. The second connection portion 21c inserted and connected to the other end (downstream end) of 21a, the lock mechanism portion 21d provided in the first connection portion 21b, and the second connection portion 21b from the outer surface of the first connection portion 21b. A pair of conductors 21e and an unlocking operation mechanism portion 21f provided over the outer surface of the connection portion 21c, and a pair of conductors provided over the outer surface of the first connection portion 21b to the outer surface of the second connection portion 21c. 21e and part of the unlocking operation mechanism 21f; 1 connection portion cover 21h, and second connection portion cover 21i provided on the outer surface of second connection portion 21c to cover a portion of unlocking operation mechanism portion 21f and a portion of a pair of conductors 21e.

The first connection portion 21b includes an insertion pipe portion 21b ₁ inserted and fixed to one end (upstream end) of the intermediate cylindrical portion 21a, and a connection pipe portion 21b ₂ connected to the insertion pipe portion 21b ₁ . have.
The connecting pipe portion 21b2 has, on its outer surface, a pair of end closing ribs having a _pair of hole portions _21b21 into which the pair of terminal portions 32d (see FIG. 2) of the suction port body 30 are inserted, and one of the pair of conductors 21e. A housing rib is provided for housing the portion and the lock mechanism portion 21d.
Further, the connection pipe portion 21b ₂ is formed with a through hole 21b ₂₂ that penetrates from the outer surface to the inner surface of the portion surrounded by the storage ribs, and through which the later-described locking claw 21d ₁₁ of the lock mechanism portion 21d is inserted. ing.

The _second connection portion 21c includes an insertion pipe portion _21c1 inserted and fixed to the other end (downstream end) of the intermediate cylindrical portion 21a, an intermediate portion 21c2 connected to the insertion pipe portion _21c1 , It has a connection pipe portion _21c3 connected to the intermediate portion _21c2 .
The intermediate portion _21c2 has, on its outer surface, holding ribs for holding rod-shaped terminals _21e3 , which will be described later, of the pair of conductors 21e so as to protrude toward the connecting tube portion _21c3 .
The connecting pipe portion _21c3 has an outer surface facing the pair of rod-shaped terminals 21e3 _, and has an engaging claw (not shown) of a locking mechanism provided on the connecting pipe portion 11e of the drive device 11 of the cleaner body 10. has a locking recess _21c31 for detachably locking the . The locking mechanism of the driving device 11 is configured in the same manner as the later-described locking mechanism portion 21d of the extension pipe 20. As shown in FIG.

The conductor 21e has a lead wire 21e ₁ and a clip-shaped terminal 21e ₂ and a rod-shaped terminal 21e ₃ electrically connected to both ends of the lead wire _{21e 1} . The clip type terminal _21e2 is stored in the space surrounded by the storage ribs.

[Lock mechanism]
The lock mechanism portion 21d has a locking claw 21d ₁₁ that can be inserted through the through hole 21b ₂₂ at one end of the extension pipe 20, and is swingable in the direction in which the locking claw 21d ₁₁ is inserted into the through hole 21b ₂₂ . a lock member 21d ₁ provided _on the outer surface of the portion _{( first} connection portion 21b); Prepare.

More specifically, the lock mechanism portion 21d includes a lock member 21d ₁ having the locking claw 21d ₁₁ that can be engaged with and disengaged from the locking recess 32c ₁ (see FIG. 2) in the connecting pipe portion 32 of the inlet body 30, It has a compression spring 21d ₂ as a locking member biasing member that biases the locking claw 21d ₁₁ of the locking member 21d ₁ in a direction to lock it in the locking recess 32c ₁ .

In the locking member 21d ₁ , the locking claw 21d ₁₁ is provided at one end, and the push button 21d ₁₂ is provided at the opposite end so as to protrude in the direction opposite to the locking claw 21d ₁₁ . Between 21d ₁₁ and push button 21d ₁₂ , a pair of left and right shafts 21d ₁₃ projecting in a direction orthogonal to their projecting direction is provided.

Further, the lock member 21d ₁ has a sliding contact piece 21d ₁₄ that is inclined in a direction approaching the outer surface of the extension pipe 20 toward the other end (second connecting portion 21c) of the extension pipe 20 .
More specifically, in the vicinity of the engaging claw 21d ₁₁ of the locking member 21d ₁ , a pair of left and right sliding contact pieces that incline toward the engaging claw 21d ₁₁ from the push button 21d ₁₂ side toward the shaft portion 21d ₁₃ side. 21d ₁₄ are provided (see FIG. 11).

When the lock member 21d ₁ is incorporated in the first connection portion 21b, the compression spring 21d ₂ is arranged between the first connection portion 21b and the push button 21d ₁₂ , thereby locking the shaft portion d ₁₃ as a fulcrum. The claw 21d ₁₁ is urged in the direction to pass through the through hole 21b ₂₂ .

[First connection cover]
The _first connection section cover 21h has a hole 21h ₁ for exposing the push button 21d ₁₂ of the lock member 21d ₁ to the outside, and a hole 21h ₂ for inserting the tapping screw 21j. The tapping screw 21j is fixed to the first connection portion 21b by screwing it into a boss provided on the first connection portion 21b.

[Intermediate cylinder cover]
The intermediate cylindrical portion cover 21g has two longitudinal ribs (not shown) so as to form three elongated spaces extending longitudinally on the inner surface side, and has an unlocking operation at the other end (downstream end). A hole portion 21g ₁ through which the bent other end of a wire 21f ₁ (described later) of the mechanism portion 21f is slidably inserted in the longitudinal direction, and a recessed portion 21g ₂ that accommodates an urging member 21f ₄ (described later) of the unlocking operation mechanism portion 21f. and a hole portion _21g3 through which the tapping screw 21k is inserted.
A pair of lead wires 21e ₁ are passed through the spaces on both sides of the three elongated spaces inside the intermediate cylindrical portion cover 21g, and a wire 21f ₁ of an unlocking operation mechanism 21f, which will be described later, is passed through the central space. be done.

[Unlock operation mechanism]
The unlocking operation mechanism 21f is slidably contactable with an operation lever 21f3 provided at the other end (second connecting portion 21c) of the extension pipe 20 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the extension pipe 20 _, and a lock member _21d1 . A slide piece 21f2 provided slidably in the longitudinal direction on the outer surface of one end portion (first connecting portion 21b) of the extension pipe ₂₀ and an operation lever provided along the outer surface of the extension pipe 20 along the longitudinal direction. 21f ₃ and the slide piece 21f ₂ are connected to each other. By sliding the slide piece 21f ₂ in the longitudinal direction of the extension pipe 20 via the connection member with the operation lever 21f ₃ , the compression spring 21d ₂ is compressed. It is configured to swing the locking claw 21d ₁₁ in a direction to separate it from the locking recess 32c ₁ against the urging force.

More specifically, the unlocking operation mechanism 21f includes a wire 21f1 as the connecting member extending from the _first connecting portion 21b to the second connecting portion 21c, and _a pair of right and left sliding contact pieces 21d of the lock member 21d1. A slide piece 21f ₂ connected to one end of a wire 21f ₁ so as to be slidably contactable with ₁₄ , an operation lever 21f ₃ connected to the other end of the wire 21f ₁ , and an operation lever 21f ₃ are connected to the first connection portion 21b. and a biasing member _21f4 that biases it to slide in the direction. The wire 21f ₁ used is one that does not bend in the direction of compression.

The slide piece 21f ₂ is in sliding contact with the sliding piece 21d ₁₄ of the lock member 21d ₁ when sliding toward the other end of the extension pipe 20 (toward the second connecting portion 21c ), and the locking claw 21d ₁₁ engages the suction port body 30 . has a sliding claw 21f ₂₁ for swinging the locking member 21d ₁ in a direction away from the engaging recess 32c ₁ .

More specifically, the slide piece 21f ₂ is formed in a substantially U shape, and has a pair of sliding contact claws 21f ₂₁ bent in directions facing each other at both ends thereof, and provided at an intermediate portion between the ends. One bent end of the wire 21f ₁ is laterally inserted into and connected to the inserted hole (see FIG. 8).

The operating lever 21f ₃ is formed in a trigger shape, and is constructed so that a user's finger can be hooked on the protruding portion of the operating lever 21f 3 to pull it. _The other L-shaped bent end of 1 is inserted and connected (see FIG. 10).

The biasing member 21f ₄ is a compression spring housed in the recess 21g ₂ c of the intermediate cylindrical cover 21g, and biases the operating lever 21f ₃ to slide toward the first connecting portion 21b. The slide piece 21f ₂ is urged toward the shaft portion 21d ₁₃ of the lock member 21d ₁ through the wire 21f ₁ .
The biasing member 21f ₄ is not limited to a compression spring as long as it slides the slide piece 21f ₂ toward the shaft portion 21d ₁₃ of the lock member 21d ₁ via the wire 21f ₁ . A spring may be used.

[Second connection cover]
The second connection portion cover 21i has a hole portion 21i ₁ through which the projection of the operating lever 21f ₃ in the lock release mechanism portion 21f is slidably inserted in the longitudinal direction, and a hole portion 21i ₂ through which the tapping screw 21k is inserted. , and the tapping screw 21k inserted through the hole 21i2 is screwed into a boss portion provided on the _second connection portion 21c to fix it to the second connection portion 21c. As a result, both ends of the operating lever _21f3 in the sliding direction are covered by the second connection portion cover 21i, and movement in the sliding direction is restricted within a predetermined range.

[Annular brush part]
12 is a left side view showing one end of the extension pipe in Embodiment 1. FIG. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a left side cross-sectional view, respectively, showing an upright state of the terminal portion cover of the extension pipe of FIG. 12. FIG. FIG. 14 shows a collapsed state of the terminal cover of the extension pipe of FIG. 12, where (A) is a perspective view and (B) is a left sectional view. 13 and 14, illustration of the brush bristle bundles of the annular brush portion 22 is omitted.

The annular brush portion 22 includes a connection pipe portion 22a connected to a first connection portion 21b at one end of the pipe body 21, a nozzle-shaped brush base portion 22b attached to the outer surface of the open end of the connection pipe portion 22a, A plurality of brush bristle bundles 22c planted in a plurality of planting holes 22b ₁ formed in the open end face of the brush base 22b, and a terminal portion rotatably attached to the inner surface of the open end of the connecting tube portion 22a. It includes a cover 22d and a terminal cover biasing member (not shown) that biases the terminal cover 22d in a direction to raise it.

The connection pipe portion 22a has a slit 22a ₁ formed at the end into which the first connection portion 21b of the pipe body 21 is inserted to expose the push button 21d ₁₂ of the first connection portion 21b to the outside. A pair of left and right hemispherical shaft portions 22a ₂ are provided coaxially on the left and right side surfaces of the connecting pipe portion 22a, and the outer surface of the open end portion is a convex curved surface.

The brush base 22b has a pair of left and right holes 22b ₁₁ into which the pair of left and right hemispherical shafts 22a ₂ of the connection tube 22a are fitted, and has a concave curved surface on the inner surface that fits with the convex curved surface of the outer surface of the connection tube 22a. have. Therefore, the brush base portion 22b is attached to the connection tube portion 22a so as to be swingable about the _pair of left and right hemispherical shaft portions 22a2.

The terminal section cover 22d is for switching between a state in which the clip-type terminal _21e2 of the extension pipe ₂₀ is exposed to the outside or a state in which it is covered from the outside. It is attached to the inner surface of the slit 22a ₁ side at the opening end of the connecting tube portion 22a so as to be able to swing by a horizontal axis 22e. In addition, the terminal section cover 22d has a rocking piece 22d ₂ that slides on the concave curved surface of the connecting tube section 22a around the shaft 22e.

A biasing member (not shown) is a torsion coil spring attached to one of the left and right ends of the shaft 22e. is fixed to

<Removing and removing the suction port body from the extension pipe>
When the annular brush portion 22 configured as described above is connected to the _first connection portion 21b of the pipe body 21a, the pair of hole portions 21b ₂₁ (see FIG. 7) is covered from the outside by a raised terminal cover 22d as shown in FIGS. 13(A) and (B).
Therefore, when the suction port body 30 is removed from the extension pipe 30 and the corners of the floor surface are cleaned with the annular brush 22, the air containing dust flows along the concave curved surface portion 22d ₁ of the terminal cover 22d, thereby cleaning the pipe. Since the dust flows into the main body 21a, the dust is prevented from adhering to the _pair of clip-shaped terminals 21e2 of the first connecting portion 21b.

Furthermore, since the swinging piece 22d ₂ of the terminal cover 22d closes the gap between the concave curved surface of the connecting tube portion 22a, air containing dust flows into this gap, and the dust enters the first connecting portion 21b. It also does not adhere to the _pair of clip-type terminals 21e2.
As a result, when the suction port body 30 is connected to the extension pipe 20, failure such as contact failure between the clip type terminal 21e2 on the extension pipe ₂₀ side and the terminal portion 32d on the suction port body 30 side can be prevented. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the connection tube portion 22a from contacting the terminal portion 32d and the terminal portion 32d from being touched by a hand.

Further, when connecting the suction port body 30 to the extension pipe 20, if the tip small diameter portion 32c (see FIG. 2) of the connecting pipe portion 32 of the suction port body 30 is inserted into the annular brush portion 22, the tip small diameter portion 32c is guided to the opening of the _first connecting portion 21b of the pipe body 21 by the concave curved surface portion 22d1 of the terminal cover 22d. Then, when the tip small-diameter portion 32c is inserted into the first connection portion 21b, the pair of terminal portion 32d and large-diameter portion 32b of the suction port body 30 pushes the concave surface portion 22d ₁ of the terminal portion cover 22d. As shown in 14(A) and 14(B), the terminal cover 22d swings around the shaft 22e and falls down to a state parallel to the pipe body 21. As shown in FIG.

As a result, the pair of clip-shaped terminals 21e2 on the pipe body 21 side are exposed to the outside, and the _pair of terminal portions 32d on the suction port body 30 side are inserted into the _pair of clip-shaped terminals 21e2 on the pipe body 21 side. At the same time, the locking claw 21d11 of the lock mechanism portion 21d _on the side of the extension pipe 20 is locked in the locking recess _32c1 on the side of the suction port body 30, and the suction port body 30 is connected to the extension pipe 20. Connection is completed.

More specifically, in the free state of the lock mechanism portion 21d of the extension pipe 20, the push button _21d12 of the lock member _21d1 is pushed outward by the compression spring _21d2 as shown in FIG. The locking claw 21d ₁₁ protrudes into the first connecting portion 21b. When the tip small-diameter portion 32c of the connection pipe portion 32 of the suction port body 30 is inserted into the first connection portion 21b of the extension pipe 20 in this state, the locking mechanism portion 21d is locked in the locking recess 32c ₁ of the tip small-diameter portion 32c. The claws _21d11 are engaged, the suction port body 30 is connected to the extension pipe 20 so as not to come off, and the pair of terminal portions 32d of the suction port body 30 are inserted into the _pair of clip-shaped terminals 21e2 of the extension pipe 20. electrical connection.

At this time, since the pair of terminal portions 32d of the suction port body 30 are arranged on the back side of the connection pipe portion 32c, the locking mechanism portion 21d and the unlocking operation mechanism portion 21f of the extension pipe 20 connected to the suction port body 30 are locked. The operating lever 21f ₃ is also arranged on the back side (see FIG. 1).
The connecting pipe portion _21c3 of the other end of the extension pipe 20 is inserted into and connected to the connecting pipe portion 11e of the drive device 11 of the cleaner body 10, whereby the connecting pipe portion _21c3 of the extension pipe 20 is connected. A locking pawl of a locking mechanism (not shown) provided on the connecting pipe portion 11e of the driving device 11 is locked to the locking recess _21c31 , and the pair of rod-shaped terminals _21e3 of the extension pipe 20 are connected to the driving device. 11 are inserted into a pair of clip-shaped terminals (not shown) provided in the connecting tube portion 11e of the connector 11 to establish an electrical connection. The lock mechanism portion on the drive device 11 side is configured in the same manner as the lock mechanism portion 21d on the extension pipe 20 side.

On the other hand, by pressing the push button 21d ₁₂ of the lock member 21d ₁ of the lock mechanism portion 21d, the lock member 21d ₁ swings around the shaft portion 21d ₁₃ as shown in FIG. ₁₁ is retracted outward (in the direction of arrow C) from inside the first connecting portion 21b, and the locking claw 21d ₁₁ is released from the locking recess 32c ₁ to release the lock. Therefore, the suction port body 30 can be removed from the extension pipe 20 by pulling the extension pipe 20 and the suction port body 30 apart from each other while pressing the push button _21d12 .

Furthermore, according to the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the lock of the lock mechanism portion 21d can also be released by pulling the operation lever _21f3 of the lock release operation mechanism portion 21f in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 10). .
In this case, when the operating lever 21f ₃ is pulled in the direction of arrow B with a finger, the slide piece 21f ₂ is pulled in the direction of arrow B via the wire 21f ₁ as shown in _FIG . The pair of sliding contact claws _21f21 moves in the direction of arrow B while slidingly contacting the inclined surfaces of the pair of left and right sliding contact pieces _21d14 of the lock member _21d1 . As a result, the _engaging claw 21d ₁₁ swings about the shaft portion 21d ₁₃ in the direction of arrow C together with the pair of left and right sliding contact pieces 21d ₁₄ to retract outward from the first connecting portion 21b. is released from the locking recess 32c ₁ to release the lock.

Therefore, the user steps on the suction port main body 31 of the suction port body 30 in a standing posture to press it against the floor F, and pulls the extension pipe 20 while pulling the operating lever 21f ₃ in the direction of the arrow B. The suction port body 30 can be removed from the extension pipe 20 in a comfortable standing posture without bending down.
When the finger is released from the operating lever 21f ₃ , the operating lever 21f ₃ , the wire 21f ₁ and the slide piece 21f ₂ urged toward the first connection portion 21b by the urging member 21f ₄ move toward the shaft of the lock member 21d ₁ . The locking member 21d ₁ , which slides toward the portion 21d ₁₃ and is biased by the compression spring 21d ₂ , swings about the shaft portion 21d ₁₃ to the free state shown in FIG. 11(A).

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B, the suction port body 30 on the floor surface F removed from the extension pipe 20 maintains a state in which the connecting pipe portion 32 is erected by the biasing member 34. do. Therefore, even when connecting the extension pipe 20 to the suction port body 30 again, the user stands up and steps on the suction port main body 31 of the suction port body 30 to press it against the floor surface F, so that one end of the extension pipe 20 is pushed down. By inserting the connecting pipe part 32 of the suction port body 30 into the first connecting part 21b, the user can attach the suction port body 30 to the extension pipe 20 in a comfortable standing posture without bending over. can.

Since the annular brush portion 22 can be removed from the first connection portion 21b of the pipe body 21a of the extension pipe 20, the suction port can be connected to the first connection portion 21b of the pipe body 21 without the annular brush portion 22 attached. It is also possible to insert the connecting tube portion 32c of the body 30. FIG. Therefore, the extension pipe 20 according to the present invention can be connected to the suction port body 30 for cleaning regardless of the presence or absence of the annular brush portion 22 .

(Embodiment 2)
15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism in the pipe body of the extension pipe of Embodiment 2, in which (A) is in the locked state and (B) is in the unlocked state. In addition, in FIGS. 15A and 15B, elements similar to those in FIGS. 11A and 11B are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the first embodiment, the unlock operation mechanism portion 21f is configured so that the lock mechanism portion 21d can be unlocked by the user pulling the operation lever 21f ₃ with a finger (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). ), but as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the lock mechanism portion 121d and the lock mechanism portion 21d can be unlocked by pressing the operation lever _21f3 with a finger of the user. The unlocking operation mechanism portion 121f may be configured.

In this case, the lock member 121d ₁ of the lock mechanism portion 121d has a first sliding contact surface 121d ₁₄₁ that is inclined in a direction away from the outer surface of the extension pipe 20 toward the other end (second connection portion 21c) of the extension pipe 20. and a second sliding contact surface _{121d142 bent} at an obtuse angle with respect to the first sliding contact surface _121d141 .

On the other hand, the slide piece 121f2 of the unlocking operation mechanism 121f has a pair of sliding contact claws _121f21 at _both ends of its substantially U-shape, and each sliding contact claw _121f21 corresponds to the sliding contact piece _121d14 of the lock member _121d1 . It has an inclined surface which enters under and makes sliding contact with the first sliding contact surface _121d141 .
In the case of this unlocking operation mechanism portion 121f, instead of the compression spring 21f ₄ (see FIG. 10) of the lock mechanism portion 21f of the first embodiment, the other end portion (second connection portion 21c) of the extension pipe 20 is A tension spring (not shown) is further provided as an operating lever biasing member for biasing the operating lever 21f ₃ to slide.

According to the locking mechanism portion 121d and the unlocking operation mechanism portion 121f of Embodiment ₂ configured in this manner, as shown in FIGS. When the slide piece 121f2 is pushed and slid in the direction of arrow D, the _pair of sliding contact claws _121f21 of the sliding piece 121f2 swing in the direction of arrow C while sliding against the _pair of sliding contact pieces _121d14 of the lock member _121d1 . to release the locking claw 21d ₁₁ from the locking concave portion 32c ₁ of the suction port body 30 to release the lock.

In the case of the second embodiment, the operating lever _21f3 is preferably arranged on the surface side of the extension pipe 20 so that the user's thumb can easily push the operating lever _21f3 in the sliding direction. It is preferable that the locking recess _32c1 and the pair of terminal portions 32d of the suction port body 30 are also arranged on the surface side of the connection tube portion 32 (see FIG. 2).

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, the suction port body 30 (FIG. 4) having the joint portion 33 is exemplified. The present invention can also be applied to the suction port body.
In this case, both ends of the biasing member 34 attached to at least one of the left and right shaft portions 32 a ₁ of the connection pipe portion 32 are fixed to the connection pipe portion 32 and the suction port main body 31 .

(Embodiment 4)
In the first embodiment, the annular brush portion 22 is provided at one end of the extension pipe 20 (FIG. 12), but the plurality of brush bristle bundles 22c in the annular brush portion 22 may be omitted.
That is, at one end of the extension pipe 20, a nozzle portion having no brush bristle bundle and having a terminal portion cover 22d swingably provided therein may be provided (see FIG. 13B). .

(Embodiment 5)
In Embodiment 1, the case of the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1 (FIG. 1) in which the cleaner main body 10 and the suction port 30 are connected by the extension pipe 20 was exemplified, but the cleaner main body and the suction port can be connected. It is also possible to apply the present invention to a canister-type vacuum cleaner indirectly connected by an extension pipe via a flexible hose.
That is, by configuring the extension pipe and the suction port body in the canister-type vacuum cleaner in the same manner as the extension pipe 20 and the suction port body 30 of the first embodiment, the user can comfortably stand while using the canister-type vacuum cleaner. The suction port body can be easily attached to and detached from the extension pipe in a positive posture.

(Embodiment 6)
In the first embodiment, a rotating brush 31x rotated by a motor 31y is provided in the suction port body 30, and a pair of conductors 21e for supplying power from the cleaner main body 10 to the motor 31y are provided in the extension pipe 20. Although the electric vacuum cleaner 1 shown in FIG.
In this case, the pair of conductors 21e and the terminal cover 22d of the extension pipe 20 in the first embodiment are omitted.

(summary)
An extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner of the present invention includes a cleaner body, a suction port body, and an extension pipe connectable between the cleaner body and the suction port body,
The extension pipe has one end connected to the suction port, the other end connected to the cleaner main body, a locking mechanism that locks the connection with the suction port at the one end, and the other end. The portion has an unlocking operation mechanism portion for releasing the lock by the lock mechanism portion.

The extension pipe of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention may be configured as follows, and these may be combined as appropriate.
(1) The unlocking operation mechanism section may have an operation lever at the other end of the extension pipe that can be operated to unlock by the locking mechanism section.
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily release the lock by the lock mechanism portion with the operation lever at hand.

(2) The locking mechanism includes a locking pawl that can be inserted through a through hole penetrating from the outer surface to the inner surface of the one end, a locking member provided on the outer surface of the one end, and the locking pawl. a lock member biasing member that biases the lock member in a direction for inserting the lock member into the through hole;
The unlocking operation mechanism includes the operation lever slidable in the longitudinal direction of the extension pipe, a slide piece provided on the outer surface of the one end of the extension pipe so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, and the operation lever. A connecting member that connects the slide piece,
By sliding the slide piece in the longitudinal direction of the extension pipe via the connecting member with the operation lever, the locking claw is swung in the direction of disengagement against the biasing force of the biasing member. It may be configured as
According to this configuration, the existing lock mechanism does not need to be redesigned, and the unlock operation mechanism can be compactly incorporated into the existing extension pipe.

(3) the locking member has a sliding contact piece that is inclined in a direction approaching the outer surface of the extension pipe toward the other end of the extension pipe;
the slide piece has a sliding contact claw that makes sliding contact with the sliding contact piece when the extension pipe is slid toward the other end to swing the lock member in a direction in which the locking claw is disengaged;
The unlocking operation mechanism may further include an operating lever biasing member that biases the operating lever to slide toward the one end of the extension pipe.
According to this configuration, the user can release the lock by pulling the operating lever forward with a finger (for example, the index finger). Further, when the finger is released from the operating lever after operating the operating lever, the slide piece slides to its original position due to the biasing force of the biasing member for the operating lever, and accordingly the lock claw of the lock member can be locked to its original position. Since it returns to the position, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to return the operation lever.

(4) the locking member has a sliding contact piece that is inclined in a direction away from the outer surface of the extension pipe toward the other end of the extension pipe;
the slide piece has a sliding contact claw that makes sliding contact with the sliding contact piece when the extension pipe is slid toward the one end to swing the lock member in a direction in which the locking claw is disengaged;
The unlocking operation mechanism may further include an operating lever biasing member that biases the operating lever to slide toward the other end of the extension pipe.
According to this configuration, the user can release the lock by pushing the operation lever toward the suction port body with a finger (for example, thumb). Further, when the finger is released from the operating lever after operating the operating lever, the slide piece slides to its original position due to the biasing force of the biasing member for the operating lever, and accordingly the lock claw of the lock member can be locked to its original position. Since it returns to the position, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to return the operation lever.

It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments should be considered as examples and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

1 vacuum cleaner main body 20 extension pipe 21b first connection portion (one end portion)
21b ₂₂ through hole 21c Second connection portion (other end)
21d, 121d lock mechanism portion 21d ₁ lock member 21d ₁₁ locking claw 21d ₁₄ , 121d ₁₄ sliding contact piece 21d ₂ compression spring (biasing member for lock member)
21f, 121f Lock release operation mechanism 21f ₁ wire (connecting member)
21f ₂ , 121f ₂ Slide piece 21f ₂₁ , 121f ₂₁ Slide contact claw 21f ₃ Operation lever 21f ₄ Compression spring (biasing member for operation lever)
30 suction port body 32 connecting pipe portion 32c ₁ locking recess

Claims (4)

a cleaner body, a suction port body, and an extension pipe capable of directly connecting the cleaner body and the suction port body,
The extension pipe has one end directly connected to the suction port, the other end directly connected to the cleaner body, and the one end provided to lock the connection with the suction port. and a pipe main body having a lock mechanism portion for releasing the lock by the lock mechanism portion provided at the other end portion,
The unlocking operation mechanism has an operation lever at the other end of the pipe body that can be operated to unlock by the lock mechanism,
The operation lever is provided on the back surface opposite to the front-facing surface of the pipe body in a cleaning state viewed from the front ,
A vacuum cleaner , wherein the extension pipe is formed in a straight shape without a handle . The locking mechanism includes a locking pawl that can be inserted through a through hole penetrating from the outer surface to the inner surface of the one end, a locking member provided on the outer surface of the one end, and a locking pawl that extends through the through hole. a lock member biasing member that biases the lock member in a direction to insert it into the
The unlocking operation mechanism includes the operation lever slidable in the longitudinal direction of the pipe body, a slide piece provided on the outer surface of the one end portion of the pipe body so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, and the operation lever. and one wire as a connecting member that directly connects the slide piece,
By sliding the slide piece in the longitudinal direction of the pipe body through the wire by the operation lever, the locking claw is swung in the direction of disengagement against the biasing force of the biasing member. 2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein: the lock member has a sliding contact piece that is inclined in a direction approaching the outer surface of the pipe body toward the other end of the pipe body,
the slide piece has a sliding contact claw that makes sliding contact with the sliding contact piece when the pipe main body slides toward the other end portion side and causes the lock member to swing in a direction in which the locking claw is disengaged;
3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein said unlocking operation mechanism further comprises an operation lever biasing member for biasing said operation lever to slide toward said one end of said pipe body. The locking member has a sliding contact piece that is inclined in a direction away from the outer surface of the pipe body toward the other end of the pipe body,
the slide piece has a sliding contact claw that makes sliding contact with the sliding contact piece when the pipe body slides toward the one end portion side, and swings the locking member in a direction in which the locking claw is disengaged;
3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein said unlocking operation mechanism further comprises an operation lever biasing member for biasing said operation lever to slide toward said other end of said pipe body.

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