CLEANER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-189162 filed in Japan on Nov. 6, 2023.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The techniques disclosed in the present specification relate to a cleaner.

BACKGROUND ART

In a technical field related to a cleaner, a known vacuum cleaner is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H5-277048.

When noise is generated from a cleaner, a user of the cleaner and surrounding people feel discomfort.

SUMMARY

One non-limiting object of the present teachings is to disclose techniques for controlling the noise generated from the cleaner.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present teachings, a cleaner includes: a main body housing; a drive unit that includes a blower fan and a motor configured to rotate the blower fan, and generates suction force to suck in dust with air through a suction port leading to an inner side of the main body housing; and a first support member that is mounted on at least a part of the drive unit and includes a main body support portion supported by the main body housing. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the main body support portion includes an arc shape surface.

According to the teachings disclosed in the present specification, noise generated from a cleaner is controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner as viewed from a front left side according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the cleaner as viewed from a rear right side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the cleaner according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the cleaner according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cleaner according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cleaner according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cleaner according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a main body housing as viewed from the front left side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a battery mounting portion and a battery pack as viewed from the front left side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a main body portion according to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a motor chamber cover is detached from the main body housing according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a drive unit arranged in a motor chamber according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the drive unit is detached from the motor chamber according to the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating the drive unit arranged in the motor chamber according to the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main body portion according to the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the drive unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the drive unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view illustrating the drive unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the drive unit as viewed from a front right side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a first support member as viewed from the front right side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the first support member as viewed from a rear left side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first support member according to the embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a view of the first support member as viewed from a lower side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a second support member as viewed from the front right side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating the second support member as viewed from the rear left side according to the embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second support member according to the embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating a lower portion of the cleaner according to the embodiment; and

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the lower portion of the cleaner according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one or more embodiments, a cleaner may include: a main body housing; a drive unit that includes a blower fan and a motor configured to rotate the blower fan and generates suction force to suck in dust with air through a suction port leading to an inside of the main body housing; and a first support member that is mounted on at least a part of the drive unit and has a main body support portion supported by the main body housing. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the main body support portion may include an arc shape surface.

In the above configuration, since the main body support portion is shaped to be easily bent, transmission of vibration generated in the drive unit to the main body housing is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner is suppressed.

In the one or more embodiments, the main body support portion may have an opening.

In the above configuration, since the main body support portion is more easily bent due to the presence of the opening, the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit to the main body housing is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner is suppressed.

In the one or more embodiments, the main body support portion may have an oval cross section. The main body support portion may have a holding rib provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body support portion at a central portion of an outer circumferential surface in a major axis direction of the main body support portion. The holding rib may be held by the main body housing.

In the above configuration, since a contact area between the main body support portion and the main body housing is reduced, the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit to the main body housing is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner is suppressed.

In the one or more embodiments, the drive unit may be arranged in a motor chamber of the main body housing. The cleaner may include a motor chamber cover that covers the motor chamber. The holding rib may be sandwiched between the main body housing and the motor chamber cover.

In the above configuration, the main body support portion is fixed to the main body housing and the motor chamber cover. Since a contact area between the main body support portion and each of the main body housing and the motor chamber cover is reduced, transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit to the main body housing and the motor chamber cover is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner is suppressed.

In the one or more embodiments, the main body support portion may have an oval cross section. The main body support portion may have a reinforcement rib provided in the opening at a central portion in the major axis direction of the main body support portion.

In the above configuration, excessive bending of the main body support portion is suppressed.

In the one or more embodiments, the first support member may include a drive unit support portion that supports the drive unit.

In the above configuration, the drive unit is stably supported by the drive unit support portion of the first support member.

In the one or more embodiments, the main body support portion and the drive unit support portion may be provided on each of one side and the other side with respect to a rotation axis of the motor.

In the above configuration, the first support member is stably supported by the main body housing via the pair of main body support portions, and the drive unit can be stably supported by the pair of drive unit support portions.

In the one or more embodiments, the first support member may include a coupling portion that couples the drive unit support portion provided on the one side and the drive unit support portion provided on the other side.

In the above configuration, the pair of drive unit support portions and the pair of main body support portions are integrated by the coupling portion.

In the one or more embodiments, the drive unit may have a cooling fan that cools the motor. Air flowing out of the cooling fan may be discharged to the outside of the main body housing through the opening.

In the above configuration, the high-temperature air that flows out of the cooling fan and that comes into contact with the motor is discharged to the outside of the main body housing without being retained inside the main body housing after passing through the openings of the main body support portions.

In the one or more embodiments, the cleaner may include a second support member mounted on at least a part of the drive unit and supported by the main body housing.

In the above configuration, the drive unit is supported by the main body housing via the first support member and the second support member. By the first support member and the second support member, the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit to the main body housing is controlled. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner is suppressed.

In the one or more embodiments, the second support member may have at least one support rib provided on an outer circumferential surface of the second support member.

In the above configuration, since a contact area between the second support member and the main body housing is reduced, the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit to the main body housing is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner is suppressed.

In the one or more embodiments, the support rib may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the motor. The main body housing may have an arcuate rib that supports the support rib. The arcuate rib may extend in a direction orthogonal to the support rib.

In the above configuration, since the contact area between the second support member and the main body housing is further reduced, the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit to the main body housing is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner is suppressed.

Hereinafter, although an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. Components of the embodiment described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, a part of the components may not be used.

In the embodiment, a positional relationship of each portion will be described using terms of “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “up”, and “down”. These terms indicate relative positions or directions with respect to a center of a cleaner 1.

Cleaner

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the cleaner 1 as viewed from a front left side according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment, and corresponds to a cross-sectional arrow view taken along a line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment, and corresponds to a cross-sectional arrow view taken along a line B-B in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment, and corresponds to a cross-sectional arrow view taken along a line C-C in FIG. 4.

The cleaner 1 includes a main body portion 2, a head portion 3 coupled to a lower end portion of the main body portion 2, a connection pipe 4 that connects the main body portion 2 and the head portion 3, and a handle portion 5 provided at an upper portion of the main body portion 2.

In the embodiment, the cleaner 1 is an upright cleaner. The upright cleaner means a cleaner in which the main body portion 2 can stand upright with respect to the head portion 3. The lower end portion of the main body portion 2 is coupled to the head portion 3 in a turnable manner. A turning axis of the main body portion 2 extends in a left-right direction. The main body portion 2 can turn so as to change between an upright state and an inclined state with respect to the head portion 3. A foot lever 6 is provided between the main body portion 2 and the head portion 3. A user can perform switching between a state in which the main body portion 2 and the head portion 3 are fixed and a state in which the fixation is released by operating the foot lever 6.

The main body portion 2 includes a main body housing 20, a collection chamber cover 21, a motor chamber cover 22, a controller 14, a battery mounting portion 9, a drive unit 40, a first support member 60, and a second support member 80. The main body housing 20 is long in an up-down direction. Each of the collection chamber cover 21 and the motor chamber cover 22 is mounted on a front portion of the main body housing 20. The collection chamber cover 21 is arranged on an upper side of the motor chamber cover 22. The motor chamber cover 22 has first exhaust ports 12 and second exhaust ports 13. The main body housing 20 has the second exhaust ports 13.

The main body housing 20 includes a battery chamber 23 in which the battery mounting portion 9 is arranged, a collection chamber 24 in which a dust bag 11 is arranged, and a motor chamber 25 in which the drive unit 40 is arranged.

The battery chamber 23 is provided in a lower portion of the main body housing 20. An opening is provided in a left portion of the battery chamber 23. The battery pack 10 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 9. The battery pack 10 is a power source of the cleaner 1.

The collection chamber 24 is arranged upward of the motor chamber 25. The collection chamber cover 21 is arranged so as to cover an opening provided in a front portion of the collection chamber 24. The motor chamber cover 22 is arranged so as to cover an opening provided in a front portion of the motor chamber 25. The collection chamber 24 is defined by the main body housing 20 and the collection chamber cover 21. The motor chamber 25 is defined by the main body housing 20 and the motor chamber cover 22.

The collection chamber cover 21 opens and closes the opening in the front portion of the collection chamber 24. A claw portion is provided at a lower end portion of the collection chamber cover 21. In the main body housing 20, a recess portion is provided on a lower side of the opening of the collection chamber 24. The claw portion of the collection chamber cover 21 is inserted into the recess portion of the main body housing 20. In the main body housing 20, a latch mechanism 20A is provided on an upper side of the opening of the collection chamber 24. The latch mechanism 20A fixes an upper portion of the collection chamber cover 21 and the main body housing 20. The collection chamber cover 21 includes a latch lever 21A operated by the user. The latch lever 21A is provided at a front portion of the collection chamber cover 21. When the latch lever 21A is operated by the user to move forward, the fixation between the main body housing 20 and the collection chamber cover 21 by the latch mechanism 20A is released. As a result, the opening in the front portion of the collection chamber 24 is opened.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the main body housing 20 as viewed from the front left side according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the main body portion 2 includes a flow channel 26 connecting the collection chamber 24 and the motor chamber 25 inside the main body housing 20, a filter 27 arranged at a boundary between the flow channel 26 and the collection chamber 24, a sponge sheet 28 arranged in the flow channel 26, and a coupling pipe 29 arranged in an upper portion of the main body housing 20.

The flow channel 26 is provided on a right side of the collection chamber 24 and the motor chamber 25 inside the main body housing 20. The flow channel 26 is provided to extend in the up-down direction. An upper portion of the flow channel 26 is connected to the collection chamber 24. A lower portion of the flow channel 26 is connected to the motor chamber 25. The collection chamber 24 and the motor chamber 25 are connected via the flow channel 26.

The filter 27 collects dust. The filter 27 is arranged on a right portion of the collection chamber 24. Examples of the filter 27 include a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA filter). The filter 27 can be attached to/detached from the main body housing 20.

The sponge sheet 28 is arranged in an intermediate portion of the flow channel 26. In the up-down direction, the sponge sheet 28 is arranged below the filter 27. The sponge sheet 28 prevents foreign matter from entering the motor chamber 25 from the collection chamber 24, for example, when the filter 27 unexpectedly comes off.

The coupling pipe 29 is arranged so as to penetrate the upper portion of the main body housing 20. A lower end portion of the coupling pipe 29 is disposed in the collection chamber 24. The dust bag 11 is connected to the lower end portion of the coupling pipe 29. Dust is housed in the dust bag 11.

The head portion 3 faces a surface to be cleaned. The head portion 3 is movable on the surface to be cleaned. The head portion 3 includes a head housing 30, a bumper 31, a rotary brush 32, side brushes 33, a coupling pipe 34, traveling wheels 35, auxiliary wheels 36, and a suction port 37.

The head housing 30 is coupled to the main body housing 20. The suction port 37 is arranged at a front portion of a bottom portion of the head housing 30. The suction port 37 sucks in dust on the surface to be cleaned.

The bumper 31 is arranged so as to cover a front portion of the head housing 30. The bumper 31 protects the head portion 3.

The rotary brush 32 is arranged in the suction port 37. The rotary brush 32 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The rotary brush 32 rotates so as to scrape off the dust present on the surface to be cleaned. A height adjustment dial 7 is arranged in an upper portion of the head housing 30. The height adjustment dial 7 is operated by the user. A height of the rotary brush 32 is adjusted by the operation of the height adjustment dial 7.

The side brushes 33 are arranged at a front portion of a left end portion and a front portion of a right end portion of the head housing 30, respectively. The dust on the surface to be cleaned is collected to the suction port 37 by the side brushes 33.

The coupling pipe 34 is coupled to the connection pipe 4. The coupling pipe 34 sends the dust sucked through the suction port 37 to the connection pipe 4. A front end portion of the coupling pipe 34 is connected to the suction port 37. A rear end portion of the coupling pipe 34 is connected to the connection pipe 4.

Each of the traveling wheels 35 and the auxiliary wheels 36 is provided at the bottom portion of the head housing 30. The two traveling wheels 35 are provided. The traveling wheels 35 rotate about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. As the traveling wheels 35 rotate, the head portion 3 moves. The two auxiliary wheels 36 are provided. The auxiliary wheels 36 are arranged more forward than the traveling wheels 35. The auxiliary wheels 36 rotate about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

The head portion 3 includes lights 8 that illuminate an area in front of the head portion 3. The two lights 8 are provided at the front portion of the head portion 3.

The connection pipe 4 connects the main body portion 2 and the head portion 3. The connection pipe 4 connects the coupling pipe 29 of the main body portion 2 and the coupling pipe 34 of the head portion 3. The connection pipe 4 is arranged in the up-down direction on the rear right side of the main body portion 2.

The drive unit 40 includes a blower fan 42, and a motor 41 that rotates the blower fan 42. The motor 41 is a power source of the cleaner 1. The motor 41 is an electric motor. The motor 41 is an inner rotor-type DC brushless motor. The drive unit 40 generates suction force to suck in dust with air through the suction port 37 leading to the inside of the main body housing 20.

A sound absorbing member 16 is arranged on at least a part of a periphery of the drive unit 40. Examples of the sound absorbing member 16 include a porous member made of a synthetic resin.

The controller 14 controls electric members mounted on the cleaner 1. The controller 14 controls at least the motor 41. The controller 14 controls a drive current supplied from the battery pack 10 to the motor 41. The controller 14 includes a substrate on which a plurality of electronic components is mounted. Examples of the electronic components mounted on the substrate include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM) or a storage, a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM), and a resistor.

The handle portion 5 is coupled to the upper portion of the main body housing 20. The handle portion 5 is gripped by the user. The user can move the cleaner 1 while gripping the handle portion 5. An operation switch 15 is provided in the handle portion 5. The user can operate the operation switch 15 while gripping the handle portion 5. The operation switch 15 is operated by the user to perform switching between driving and stopping of the motor 41. The operation switch 15 includes a drive switch 15A operated to drive the motor 41 and a stop switch 15B operated to stop the motor 41. When the drive switch 15A is operated in a state in which the motor 41 is stopped, the motor 41 is started. Drive modes of the motor 41 are switched by operation of the drive switch 15A in a state in which the motor 41 is driven.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the battery mounting portion 9 and the battery pack 10 as viewed from the front left side according to the embodiment.

The battery chamber 23 is provided in the lower portion of the main body housing 20. The battery chamber 23 is arranged on the lower side of the collection chamber 24. The battery chamber 23 is arranged below the motor chamber 25. The battery chamber 23 is arranged immediately above the drive unit 40. The opening is provided in the left portion of the battery chamber 23. The battery mounting portion 9 is arranged on a bottom surface of the battery chamber 23. The battery pack 10 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 9. In a state in which the battery pack 10 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 9, the entire battery pack 10 is housed in the battery chamber 23. The battery pack 10 does not protrude outside the battery chamber 23.

In the embodiment, the one battery mounting portion 9 is provided. The battery pack 10 supplies power to the cleaner 1 in a state of being mounted on the battery mounting portion 9. The battery pack 10 supplies a drive current to the motor 41. The motor 41 is driven by the power supplied from the battery pack 10. The controller 14 is operated by the power supplied from the battery pack 10. The battery pack 10 is a general-purpose battery that can be used as a power supply unit of various electric devices. The battery pack 10 can be used as a power supply unit of an electric tool. The battery pack 10 can be used as a power supply unit of an electric device other than the electric tool. The battery pack 10 can be used as a power supply unit of a cleaner different from the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. The battery pack 10 includes a lithium ion battery. The battery pack 10 includes a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery mounting portion 9 has a structure equivalent to that of a battery mounting portion of the electric tool.

The user of the cleaner 1 can mount the battery pack 10 on the battery mounting portion 9 and detach the battery pack 10 from the battery mounting portion 9. The battery mounting portion 9 includes a guide member and a main body terminal. The battery pack 10 has a battery terminal. The guide member of the battery mounting portion 9 guides the battery pack 10. The main body terminal of the battery mounting portion 9 is connected to the battery terminal of the battery pack 10. The user can mount the battery pack 10 on the battery mounting portion 9 by inserting the battery pack 10 into the battery mounting portion 9 from a left side through the opening in the left portion of the battery chamber 23. The battery pack 10 is inserted into the battery mounting portion 9 while being guided by the guide member. When the battery pack 10 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 9, the battery terminal of the battery pack 10 and the main body terminal of the battery mounting portion 9 are electrically connected. The battery pack 10 has a fixation release button. The user of the cleaner 1 can detach the battery pack 10 from the battery mounting portion 9 by operating (pressing) the fixation release button of the battery pack 10 and moving the battery pack 10 rightward.

Drive Unit

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the main body portion 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the motor chamber cover 22 according to the embodiment is detached from the main body housing 20. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the drive unit 40 arranged in the motor chamber 25 according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the drive unit 40 is detached from the motor chamber 25 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating the drive unit 40 arranged in the motor chamber 25 according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main body portion 2 according to the embodiment, and corresponds to a cross-sectional arrow view taken along a line D-D in FIG. 10. FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the drive unit 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the drive unit 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is an exploded view illustrating the drive unit 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the drive unit 40 as viewed from the front right side according to the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the first support member 60 as viewed from the front right side according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the first support member 60 as viewed from the rear left side according to the embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first support member 60 according to the embodiment. FIG. 23 is a view of the first support member 60 as viewed from the lower side according to the embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the second support member 80 as viewed from the front right side according to the embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating the second support member 80 as viewed from the rear left side according to the embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second support member 80 according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first exhaust ports 12 are provided in the left portion of the motor chamber cover 22. The second exhaust ports 13 are provided in the left portion of the lower portion of the main body housing 20 and the left portion of the lower portion of the motor chamber cover 22.

The drive unit 40 is arranged in the motor chamber 25. The motor chamber 25 is covered with a motor chamber cover 22. The drive unit 40 includes the motor 41, the blower fan 42, a motor housing 43, a base 44, a fan cover 45, a sensor substrate 46, and a cooling fan 47.

The drive unit 40 is an inner rotor-type DC brushless motor. As illustrated in FIG. 17, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19, the drive unit 40 includes a stator 48, a rotor 49, and a rotor shaft 50. The stator 48 includes a stator core having a plurality of teeth, an insulator fixed to the stator core, and coils wound around the teeth of the stator core via the insulator. The rotor 49 is arranged radially inside the stator 48. The rotor 49 includes a rotor core and a plurality of permanent magnets embedded in the rotor core. The rotor shaft 50 is fixed to the rotor 49. The rotor 49 is arranged around the rotor shaft 50. The rotor shaft 50 is long in the left-right direction. The rotor 49 and the rotor shaft 50 rotate together about a rotation axis AX of the drive unit 40. The rotation axis AX extends in the left-right direction. A right end portion of the rotor shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a bearing 51. A left end portion of the rotor shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a bearing 52.

The sensor substrate 46 detects a position of the rotor 49 in a rotation direction. The sensor substrate 46 is fixed to a left portion of the insulator of the stator 48. The sensor substrate 46 includes a rotation detection element supported by an annular circuit board. The rotation detection element detects the position of the rotor 49 in the rotation direction by detecting positions of the permanent magnets of the rotor 49. The controller 14 supplies a drive current to the coils of the stator 48 based on detection data of the rotation detection element.

The blower fan 42 generates the suction force to suck in dust with air through the suction port 37. The blower fan 42 is fixed to a right end portion of the rotor shaft 50. When the rotor shaft 50 rotates, the blower fan 42 rotates together with the rotor shaft 50. The rotation of the blower fan 42 generates the suction force to suck in dust through the suction port 37.

The motor housing 43 houses the motor 41. The motor housing 43 includes: a stator holding portion 43A that holds the stator 48; a bearing holding portion 43B that holds the bearing 51; a bearing holding portion 43C that holds the bearing 52; a fan housing portion 43D that houses the cooling fan 47; an air-intake port 43E provided in a left portion of the stator holding portion 43A; and an exhaust port 43F provided in a lower portion of the fan housing portion 43D.

The base 44 is arranged around a right portion of the motor housing 43. The base 44 is fixed to the motor housing 43. The base 44 supports the fan cover 45.

The fan cover 45 is arranged so as to cover at least a part of the blower fan 42. The fan cover 45 is connected to the base 44. At least a part of the fan cover 45 is arranged around the blower fan 42. At least a part of the fan cover 45 is arranged on the right side of the blower fan 42. A peripheral edge portion of the fan cover 45 is fixed to the base 44. The fan cover 45 has a fan intake port. The fan intake port is provided in a right end portion of the fan cover 45. When the blower fan 42 rotates, air flows into the blower fan 42 through the fan intake port. The air passing through the blower fan 42 flows out to the left side of the base 44 through an opening provided in the base 44.

The cooling fan 47 cools the motor 41. The cooling fan 47 is fixed to the rotor shaft 50 between the bearing 51 and the stator 48. An outer diameter of the cooling fan 47 is smaller than an outer diameter of the blower fan 42. When the rotor shaft 50 rotates, the cooling fan 47 rotates together with the rotor shaft 50. When the cooling fan 47 rotates, air around the motor housing 43 flows into an inner side of the motor housing 43 through the air-intake port 43E. The air flowing into the inner side of the motor housing 43 comes into contact with the motor 41 and cools the motor 41. The air on the inner side of the motor housing 43 is discharged to the outside of the motor housing 43 through the exhaust port 43F.

The first support member 60 is mounted on at least a part of the drive unit 40. The first support member 60 is made of rubber. The first support member 60 is supported by the main body housing 20. At least a part of the first support member 60 is sandwiched between the main body housing 20 and the motor chamber cover 22.

The first support member 60 includes drive unit support portions 61, main body support portions 62, coupling portions 63, openings 64, reinforcement ribs 65, holding ribs 66, and positioning ribs 67.

The drive unit support portions 61 support the drive unit 40. The drive unit support portions 61 are connected to the motor housing 43. The drive unit support portions 61 are in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the motor housing 43. A pair of the drive unit support portions 61 is provided. The drive unit support portions 61 are respectively arranged on the upper side and the lower side with respect to a rotation axis AX of the motor 41.

The main body support portions 62 are supported by the main body housing 20. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of each of the main body support portions 62 includes an arc shape surface. A pair of the main body support portions 62 is provided. The main body support portions 62 are respectively arranged on the upper side and the lower side with respect to the rotation axis AX of the motor 41. In the radial direction of the rotation axis AX, the main body support portions 62 are arranged outside the drive unit support portions 61. The drive unit support portions 61 and the main body support portions 62 are integrated.

Each of the main body support portions 62 includes a pair of arc portions 62A. One of the arc portions 62A is arranged at a front end portion of the main body support portion 62. The other arc portion 62A is arranged at a rear end portion of the main body support portion 62. Each of the main body support portions 62 has a long side portion 62B and a long side portion 62C connecting the pair of arc portions 62A. The long side portion 62B connects a right end portion of the one arc portion 62A and a right end portion of the other arc portion 62A. The long side portion 62C connects a left end portion of the one arc portion 62A and a left end portion of the other arc portion 62A. Each of the main body support portions 62 has an oval cross section elongated in a front-rear direction. A major axis direction of the main body support portion 62 having an oval cross section is the front-rear direction. No corner portion is present in a cross section of the main body support portion 62. The arc portions 62A and the long side portions 62B are smoothly connected. The arc portions 62A and the long side portions 62C are smoothly connected. As such, each of the main body support portion 62 is shaped to be easily bent. The shape of each of the main body support portions 62 exhibits flexibility. The main body support portion 62 can be bent at least in the left-right direction.

The coupling portion 63 couples the drive unit support portion 61 provided on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis AX (hereinafter, referred to as “upper drive unit support portion 61”) and the drive unit support portion 61 provided on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis AX (hereinafter, referred to as “lower drive unit support portion 61”). The coupling portions 63 are connected to the outer circumferential surface of the motor housing 43. A pair of the coupling portions 63 is provided. One of the coupling portions 63 couples a front end portion of the upper drive unit support portions 61 and a front end portion of the lower drive unit support portion 61. The other coupling portion 63 couples a rear end portion of the upper drive unit support portion 61 and a rear end portion of the lower drive unit support portion 61. The drive unit support portions 61 and the coupling portions 63 are integrated.

The opening 64 is provided in each of the main body support portions 62. Each of the main body support portions 62 has a substantially annular shape as viewed in the front-rear direction. Each of the main body support portion 62 has the opening 64. The opening 64 penetrates the main body support portion 62 in the front-rear direction. The opening 64 may be provided so as to penetrate the main body support portion 62 and to be opened to the interior of the drive unit support portion 61. The main body support portion 62 can be bent such that the opening 64 becomes smaller. The main body support portion 62 can be bent so as to fall in the left-right direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the opening 64 of the main body support portion 62 provided on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis AX is connected to the exhaust port 43F of the motor housing 43. The air flowing out from the cooling fan 47 by the rotation of the cooling fan 47 is discharged to the outside of the main body housing 20 through the exhaust port 43F and the opening 64. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the opening 64 of the lower main body support portion 62 is connected to a flow channel 25B provided in a lower portion of the motor chamber 25. The main body housing 20 has a partition wall 25A protruding from an inner surface of the main body housing 20 toward the motor chamber 25. Although not illustrated, the motor chamber cover 22 has a partition wall protruding from an inner surface of the motor chamber cover 22 toward the motor chamber 25. By attachment of the motor chamber cover 22 to the main body housing 20, the partition wall 25A protruding from the inner surface of the main body housing 20 and the partition wall protruding from the inner surface of the motor chamber cover 22 are connected. The flow channel 25B is defined by the partition wall 25A protruding from the inner surface of the main body housing 20 and the partition wall protruding from the inner surface of the motor chamber cover 22.

The flow channel 25B is connected to the second exhaust ports 13. The air flowing out of the cooling fan 47 by the rotation of the cooling fan 47 flows through the flow channel 25B through the exhaust ports 43F and the opening 64. The air flowing through the flow channel 25B is discharged to the outside of the main body portion 2 through the second exhaust ports 13. The air flowing out from the cooling fan 47 is high-temperature air that has been in contact with the motor 41. The high-temperature air having been in contact with the motor 41 is discharged from the motor chamber 25 through the second exhaust ports 13 without being retained in the motor chamber 25.

The reinforcement ribs 65 are provided in the opening 64. Each of the reinforcement ribs 65 is connected to the long side portion 62B and the long side portion 62C. Each of the reinforcement ribs 65 is provided so as to connect the long side portion 62B and the long side portion 62C. The reinforcement ribs 65 are provided at a central portion in the front-rear direction that is the major axis direction (i.e., longitudinal direction) of the main body support portion 62 having an oval cross section. The two reinforcement ribs 65 are provided in one opening 64 in the front-rear direction inside the opening 64. Alternatively, only one reinforcement rib 65 may be provided in one opening 64. The reinforcement ribs 65 control excessive bending or falling of the main body support portion 62.

The holding ribs 66 are configured to be held by the main body housing 20. Each of the holding ribs 66 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body support portion 62 at a central portion of the outer circumferential surface in the front-rear direction that is the major axis direction (longitudinal direction) of the main body support portion 62 having an oval cross section. The two holding ribs 66 are provided in each of the main body support portions 62. One of the holding ribs 66 protrudes rightward from an outer circumferential surface of the long side portion 62B. The one holding rib 66 is provided at a central portion of the long side portion 62B in the front-rear direction. The other holding rib 66 protrudes leftward from an outer circumferential surface of the long side portion 62C. The other holding rib 66 is provided at a central portion of the long side portion 62C in the front-rear direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15, the main body housing 20 includes support members 20C each protruding forward from the inner surface of the main body housing 20 toward the motor chamber 25. A pair of the support members 20C is provided. The pair of support members 20C is arranged in the up-down direction. The support members 20C are respectively arranged on the upper side and the lower side with respect to the rotation axis AX. Each of the support members 20C has a recess portion 20D. The motor chamber cover 22 includes support members 22C each protruding rearward from the inner surface of the motor chamber cover 22 toward the motor chamber 25. A pair of the support members 22C is provided. The pair of support members 22C is arranged in the up-down direction. The support members 22C are respectively arranged on the upper side and the lower side with respect to the rotation axis AX. Each of the support members 22C has a recess portion 22D.

When the motor chamber cover 22 is attached to the main body housing 20, the support member 20C provided on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis AX (hereinafter, referred to as “upper support member 20C”) and the support member 22C provided on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis AX face each other (hereinafter, referred to as “upper support member 22C”). When the motor chamber cover 22 is attached to the main body housing 20, the support member 20C provided on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis AX (hereinafter, referred to as “lower support member 20C”) and the support member 22C provided on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis AX (hereinafter, referred to as “lower support member 22C”) face each other. The main body support portion 62 provided on the upper side (hereinafter, referred to as “upper main body support portion 62”) is arranged between the recess portion 20D of the upper support member 20C and the recess portion 22D of the upper support member 22C. The main body support portion 62 provided on the lower side (hereinafter, referred to as “lower main body support portion 62”) is arranged between the recess portion 20D of the lower support member 20C and the recess portion 22D of the lower support member 22C. The main body support portions 62 may or may not be in contact with the support members 20C and the support members 22C.

When the motor chamber cover 22 is attached to the main body housing 20, the holding ribs 66 are sandwiched between the main body housing 20 and the motor chamber cover 22. The holding ribs 66 are sandwiched between the support members 20C and the support members 22C. The holding rib 66 provided on the upper side is sandwiched between the upper support member 20C and the upper support member 22C. The holding rib 66 provided on the lower side is sandwiched between the lower support member 20C and the lower support member 22C.

The positioning ribs 67 protrude leftward from left surfaces of the drive unit support portions 61. The positioning ribs 67 are supported by the support members 20C and the support members 22C.

In the embodiment, the first support members 60 are formed symmetrically in the up-down direction.

The second support member 80 is mounted on at least a part of the drive unit 40. The second support member 80 is made of rubber. The second support member 80 is supported by the main body housing 20. The second support member 80 is in contact with a right wall 20B of the main body housing 20 which faces the motor chamber 25.

The second support member 80 includes a cylindrical portion 81, a tapered portion 82, an opening 83, an inner ring portion 84, an outer ring portion 85, and support ribs 86.

The cylindrical portion 81 is arranged around the rotation axis AX. The cylindrical portion 81 is arranged so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the fan cover 45.

The tapered portion 82 is connected to a right end portion of the cylindrical portion 81. An outer diameter of the tapered portion 82 gradually decreases toward the right. The tapered portion 82 is arranged so as to cover a right surface of the fan cover 45.

The opening 83 is provided in a central portion of the tapered portion 82. In a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis AX, the opening 83 coincides with at least a part of the fan intake port of the fan cover 45.

The inner ring portion 84 is arranged around the opening 83. The inner ring portion 84 has an annular shape surrounding the rotation axis AX. The inner ring portion 84 protrudes rightward from the right surface of the tapered portion 82.

The outer ring portion 85 is arranged around the inner ring portion 84. The outer ring portion 85 has an annular shape surrounding the rotation axis AX. The outer ring portion 85 protrudes rightward from a right surface of the tapered portion 82.

The inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 form a double ring. In the left-right direction, a position of a right end portion of the inner ring portion 84 and a position of a right end portion of the outer ring portion 85 are the same. That is, a protrusion height of the inner ring portion 84 from the tapered portion 82 and a protrusion height of the outer ring portion 85 are the same. Each of the inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 is easily bent. Each of the inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 is in contact with a left surface of the right wall 20B which faces leftward. Each of the inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 is in close contact with the left surface of the right wall 20B. Each of the inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 functions as a seal portion that seals a boundary between the right wall 20B and the second support member 80.

The support ribs 86 are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the second support member 80. The support rib 86s are provided so as to protrude outward in the radial direction of the rotation axis AX from an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 81. It is sufficient to provide at least one support rib 86. In the embodiment, the support ribs 86 are provided at equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotation axis AX. The support ribs 86 are provided so as to extend in the left-right direction parallel to the rotation axis AX.

The main body housing 20 has arcuate ribs 20E that support the second support member 80. The motor chamber cover 22 includes arcuate ribs 22E that support the second support member 80. The arcuate ribs 20E and the arcuate ribs 22E support the support ribs 86. The arcuate ribs 20E and the arcuate ribs 22E are provided so as to extend in the up-down direction orthogonal to the support ribs 86. When the motor chamber cover 22 is attached to the main body housing 20, the cylindrical portion 81 is sandwiched between the arcuate ribs 20E and the arcuate ribs 22E via the support ribs 86.

A connection port 26A is provided in the right wall 20B with which the inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 are in contact. The connection port 26A is connected to the flow channel 26. The connection port 26A is an opening provided at the lower end portion of the flow channel 26. In a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis AX, the connection port 26A, at least a part of the opening 83 of the second support member 80, and at least a part of the fan intake port of the fan cover 45 coincide with each other.

Claw Member

FIG. 27 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating a lower portion of the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the lower portion of the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, the foot lever 6 is supported by a support shaft 17 in a turnable manner. A claw member 90 is arranged at a part of a periphery of the support shaft 17. A claw portion 6A provided on the foot lever 6 is hooked on the claw member 90. When the foot lever 6 is operated and the claw member 90 turns around the support shaft 17, the main body portion 2 and the head portion 3 are switched from a fixed state to a fixation released state.

The claw member 90 can be attached to/detached from the main body housing 20. That is, the claw member 90 is replaceable. Hardness of the claw member 90 is higher than hardness of the main body housing 20. The main body housing 20 is, for example, an ABS resin. The claw member 90 is, for example, glass fiber reinforced plastic. Since the hardness of the claw member 90 is higher than the hardness of the main body housing 20, a life of the claw member 90 becomes longer. In a case where the claw member 90 is deteriorated or damaged, the claw member 90 is replaced with a new claw member 90.

Operation of Cleaner

When the drive switch 15A is operated by the user and driving of the motor 41 is started, the blower fan 42 rotates. The suction force is generated in the motor chamber 25 by the rotation of the blower fan 42. The suction force generated in the motor chamber 25 generates suction force to suck in dust with air through the suction port 37 of the head portion 3. When the suction force is generated at the suction port 37, dust present on the surface to be cleaned is sucked into the suction port 37 together with the air.

The user can move the cleaner 1 while gripping the handle portion 5 with his/her hand. When the surface to be cleaned includes a carpet, dust present on the carpet is scraped off by a rotary brush 32 by rotation of the rotary brush 32. The dust present on the surface to be cleaned is collected in the suction port 37 by the side brushes 33.

The dust sucked through the suction port 37 is sent to the collection chamber 24 through the coupling pipe 34, the connection pipe 4, and the coupling pipe 29. The dust bag 11 is arranged in the collection chamber 24. The dust bag 11 is connected to the coupling pipe 29 in the collection chamber 24. The dust sent to the collection chamber 24 is collected in the dust bag 11. The air passing through the dust bag 11 flows into the flow channel 26 via the filter 27. The dust that cannot be collected by the dust bag 11 is collected by the filter 27. The air flowing into the flow channel 26 passes through the sponge sheet 28 and then flows into the motor chamber 25 through the connection port 26A. The air passing through the connection port 26A flows into the blower fan 42 through the opening 83 of the second support member 80 and the fan intake port of the fan cover 45. The air passing through the blower fan 42 flows out to the left side of the base 44 through the opening provided in the base 44. The air flowing out to the left side of the base 44 passes through a passage 25C illustrated in FIG. 15 and then is discharged through the first exhaust ports 12 to the outside of the main body portion 2. The passage 25C is provided in a partition wall arranged between the motor chamber 25 and the battery chamber 23.

Since the flow channel 26 has a negative pressure due to the rotation of the blower fan 42, the second support member 80 slightly moves rightward such that each of the inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 comes into close contact with the right wall 20B. Since each of the inner ring portion 84 and the outer ring portion 85 is in close contact with the right wall 20B, leakage of the air from the boundary between the right wall 20B and the second support member 80 is suppressed.

Effects

As described above, in the embodiment, the cleaner 1 includes: the main body housing 20; the drive unit 40 that includes the blower fan 42 and the motor 41 configured to rotate the blower fan 42 and generates suction force to suck in dust with air through the suction port 37 leading to the inside of the main body housing 20; and the first support member 60 that is mounted on at least a part of the drive unit 40 and includes the main body support portion 62 supported by the main body housing 20. At least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the main body support portion 62 includes an arc shape surface.

In the above configuration, since the main body support portion 62 is shaped to be easily bent, transmission of vibration generated in the drive unit 40 to the main body housing 20 is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner 1 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the main body support portion 62 may have the opening 64.

In the above configuration, since the main body support portion 62 is more easily bent due to the presence of the opening 64, transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit 40 to the main body housing 20 is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner 1 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the main body support portion 62 has an oval cross section shape. The main body support portion 62 includes the holding ribs 66 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body support portion 62 at the central portion of the outer circumferential surface in the major axis direction of the main body support portion 62. The holding ribs 66 are held by the main body housing 20.

In the above configuration, since the contact area between the main body support portion 62 and the main body housing 20 is reduced, transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit 40 to the main body housing 20 is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner 1 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the drive unit 40 is arranged in the motor chamber 25 of the main body housing 20. The cleaner 1 includes the motor chamber cover 22 that covers the motor chamber 25. The holding ribs 66 are sandwiched between the main body housing 20 and the motor chamber cover 22.

In the above configuration, the main body support portion 62 is fixed to the main body housing 20 and the motor chamber cover 22. Since the contact area between the main body support portion 62 and each of the main body housing 20 and the motor chamber cover 22 is reduced, transmission of vibration generated in the drive unit 40 to the main body housing 20 and the motor chamber cover 22 is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner 1 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the main body support portion 62 has an oval cross section. The main body support portion 62 includes the reinforcement ribs 65 provided in the opening 64 at the central portion in the major axis direction of the main body support portion 62.

In the above configuration, excessive bending of the main body support portion 62 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the first support member 60 includes the drive unit support portions 61 that support the drive unit 40.

In the above configuration, the drive unit 40 is stably supported by the drive unit support portions 61 of the first support member 60.

In the embodiment, the main body support portion 62 and the drive unit support portion 61 are provided on each of the upper side (one side) and the lower side (the other side) with respect to the rotation axis AX of the motor 41.

In the above configuration, the first support member 60 is stably supported by the main body housing 20 via the pair of main body support portions 62, and the drive unit 40 can be stably supported by the pair of drive unit support portions 61.

In the embodiment, the first support member 60 includes the coupling portions 63 that couple the drive unit support portion 61 provided on the upper side (one side) and the drive unit support portion 61 provided on the lower side (the other side).

In the above configuration, the pair of the drive unit support portions 61 and the pair of main body support portions 62 are integrated by the coupling portions 63.

In the embodiment, the drive unit 40 includes the cooling fan 47 that cools the motor 41. The air flowing out of the cooling fan 47 is discharged to the outside of the main body housing 20 through the opening 64.

In the above configuration, the high-temperature air that flows out of the cooling fan 47 and that comes into contact with the motor 41 is discharged to the outside of the main body housing 20 without being retained inside the main body housing 20 after passing through the opening 64 of the main body support portion 62.

In the embodiment, the cleaner 1 includes the second support member 80 that is mounted on at least a part of the drive unit 40 and supported by the main body housing 20.

In the above configuration, the drive unit 40 is supported by the main body housing 20 via the first support member 60 and the second support member 80. The first support member 60 and the second support member 80 suppress the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit 40 to the main body housing 20. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner 1 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the second support member 80 includes the at least one support rib 86 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second support member 80.

In the above configuration, since the contact area between the second support member 80 and the main body housing 20 is reduced, the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit 40 to the main body housing 20 is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner 1 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the support rib 86 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis AX of the motor 41. The main body housing 20 has the arcuate rib 20E that supports the support rib 86. The arcuate rib 20E extends in a direction orthogonal to the support rib 86.

In the above configuration, since the contact area between the second support member 80 and the main body housing 20 is further reduced, the transmission of the vibration generated in the drive unit 40 to the main body housing 20 is suppressed. Thus, noise generated from the cleaner 1 is suppressed.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In the above-described embodiment, the main body support portions 62 have an oval cross section. The main body support portions 62 may have a perfect circular cross section or an elliptical cross section.

In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the cleaner 1 is the upright cleaner. The cleaner 1 may be a stick-type cleaner, a canister-type cleaner, or a knapsack-type cleaner.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.

Information

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (1)