CLEANING APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese patent application no. 2021-105062 filed on Jun. 24, 2021, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Techniques disclosed in the present specification relate to a cleaning apparatus, such as a power sweeper or floor sweeper.

BACKGROUND ART

The cleaning apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication H10-317339 comprises a main-body unit and a first dust unit, which is detachable from the main-body unit. The main-body unit comprises: a cleaning tool (brush), which brushes up waste on a work surface; a main body, which supports the cleaning tool in a rotatable manner; and wheels, which are supported by the main body in a rotatable manner and are configured such that they are capable of moving the cleaning apparatus along the work surface. The first dust unit comprises a first container, which is detachable from the main body and is capable of collecting the waste that is brushed up by the cleaning tool.

SUMMARY

A cleaning apparatus may be used in a variety of zones, for example, indoors and outdoors. Because the type of waste brushed up by the cleaning tool (brush) differs in accordance with the zone, it is desirable to select a dust unit (dust collection vessel) in accordance with the type of waste. With regard to the above-described known cleaning apparatus, the first dust unit alone is detachable from the main-body unit. Consequently, the dust unit cannot be selected in accordance with the type of waste that is brushed up by the cleaning tool. The present specification discloses techniques for selectively mounting a plurality of dust units (dust collection vessels) on a main-body unit.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present teachings, a cleaning apparatus (power sweeper, floor sweeper) may comprise: a main-body unit; a first dust unit (first dust collection vessel), which is detachable from the main-body unit; and a second dust unit (second dust collection vessel), which is detachable from the main-body unit. The main-body unit comprises: one or more cleaning tools (e.g., one or more brushes) adapted/configured to brush up waste on a work surface; a main body, which rotatably supports the one or more cleaning tools; and one or more wheels, which is (are) rotatably supported by the main body and is (are) configured such that the cleaning apparatus is movable along the work surface via the wheel(s). The first dust unit comprises: a first container, which is detachable from the main body and is capable of collecting the waste brushed up by the cleaning tool(s). The second dust unit comprises: an adapter, which is detachable from the main body; and a second container, which is detachable from the adapter and is capable of collecting the waste brushed up by the cleaning tool(s).

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the first container is mountable directly on the main body. In addition, the second container is mountable on the main body via the adapter. Thereby, a plurality of dust units can be mounted on the main-body unit in a selective manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an oblique view, viewed from the forward-right side, of a cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 1 of the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is an oblique view, viewed from the rearward-left side, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 3 is an oblique view, viewed from the rearward-left side, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 4 is a left view of the cleaning apparatus 2, in the state in which it is placed upright on a work surface P, according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 5 is an oblique view, viewed from the rearward-lower side, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the center of the cleaning apparatus 2 in the left-right direction according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 7 is an oblique view, viewed from the rearward-left side, of the cleaning apparatus 2, in the state in which a soft dust unit 16 and a hard dust unit 18 have been removed, according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 8 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a filter unit 44 and a fan unit 68 of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 9 is an exploded, oblique view of the filter unit 44 of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 10 is an oblique view of the hard dust unit 18 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 11 is an oblique view of the soft dust unit 16 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 12 is an oblique view of an adapter 90 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 13 is an oblique view of a soft container 94 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 14 is an exploded, oblique view of the soft container 94 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the soft dust unit 16 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the filter unit 44 of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 1.

FIG. 17 is an oblique view, viewed from the forward-right side, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 2 of the present teachings.

FIG. 18 is an oblique view of a soft dust unit 200 according to Working Example 2.

FIG. 19 is an exploded, oblique view of an adapter 202 and a frame member 220 according to Working Example 2.

FIG. 20 is an oblique view of the soft dust unit 200, in the state in which a cover member 210 is located at a housed position, according to Working Example 2.

FIG. 21 is a left view of the cleaning apparatus 2, in the state in which it is placed upright on the work surface P, according to Working Example 2.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the soft dust unit 200, in the state in which the cover member 210 is located at an open position, according to Working Example 2.

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the soft dust unit 200, in the state in which the cover member 210 is located at the housed position, according to Working Example 2.

FIG. 24 is an oblique view, viewed from the forward-right side, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 3 of the present teachings.

FIG. 25 is an oblique view, viewed from the forward-left side, of a holder 302 according to Working Example 3.

FIG. 26 is an oblique view, viewed from the forward-right side, of the holder 302 according to Working Example 3.

FIG. 27 is an oblique view, viewed from the forward-right side, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 4 of the present teachings.

FIG. 28 is an oblique view of the vicinity of a rack 402, in the state in which a toolbox 400 has been removed, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 29 is an oblique view of the rack 402 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 30 is an oblique view of the toolbox 400 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 31 is an oblique view of the toolbox 400 and the rack 402 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 32 is an oblique view of the rack 402 and a first battery 430 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 33 is an oblique view of the first battery 430 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 34 is an oblique view of the rack 402 and a second battery 450 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 35 is an oblique view of the second battery 450 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 36 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the second battery 450 according to Working Example 4.

FIG. 37 is an oblique view, viewed from the forward-right side, of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 5 of the present teachings.

FIG. 38 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a magnet unit 500 of the cleaning apparatus 2 according to Working Example 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative, nonlimiting concrete examples of the present teachings are explained in detail below, with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to describe to a person skilled in the art the details for implementing preferred embodiments of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, the additional features and inventions disclosed can be used separately and/or together with other features and inventions in order to provide a further improved cleaning apparatus.

In addition, combinations of the features and processes disclosed in the detailed description below are, in the broadest meaning, not essential for implementing the present invention and are recited merely to particularly explain representative concrete examples of the present invention. Furthermore, in the provision of additional and useful embodiments of the present invention, the various features of the representative concrete examples below and the various features recited in the claims do not have to be combined as in the concrete examples disclosed herein or in the order enumerated herein.

All features recited in the present specification and/or the claims are intended, separately from the configuration of features recited in the working examples and/or the claims, to be disclosed individually and mutually independently as limitations relative to the disclosure and the specific matters claimed in the original patent application. Furthermore, description related to numerical ranges, groups, and collections are intended to disclose intermediate configurations thereof as limitations relative to the disclosure and the specific matters claimed in the original patent application.

In one or more embodiments, the second container may comprise: a frame, which is mounted on the adapter in a detachable manner; and a bag body, which is mounted on the frame and collects the waste brushed up by the one or more cleaning tools.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to prevent the second container from becoming complicated more than in an embodiment in which the second container is composed of a single member.

In one or more embodiments, the bag body may be mounted on the frame in a detachable manner.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, even in an embodiment in which the second dust unit is mounted on the main-body unit, the waste collected by the bag body can be easily discarded by removing the bag body from the frame.

In one or more embodiments, the second container may further comprise one or more fixing members mounted on the frame in a detachable manner and configured to fix the bag body to the frame.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the fixing member(s) can reduce the likelihood that the bag body will come off of the frame while work is being performed by the cleaning apparatus.

In one or more embodiments, the adapter may have an insertion opening. The frame may further comprise a hook, which is insertable into the insertion opening of the adapter.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the second container can be mounted on the adapter owing to the simple configuration.

In one or more embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may be configured such that the user performs work while standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus. The second dust unit may be disposed on the rear side of the main-body unit. The bag body may comprise a non-contact part, which is disposed in a region on the work-surface side of the bag body when the cleaning apparatus is placed on the work surface and in a region of a rear portion of the bag body. The non-contact part does not have to be in contact with the frame.

When work is being performed with the user standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus, the second container is disposed at the feet of the user. Consequently, the user's feet may bump into the second container. In addition, if the work surface is partially uneven, when the cleaning apparatus is moving along the uneven work surface, the uneven portion of the work surface may bump into the second container. According to the above-mentioned configuration, when work is being performed with the user standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus, the non-contact part of the bag body is disposed at the feet of the user. Consequently, even if the user's foot or the uneven portion of the work surface bumps into the non-contact part, it is possible to reduce or prevent shaking of the entire second container.

In one or more embodiments, the bag body may comprise: a collection part, which collects the waste that is brushed up by the cleaning tool(s) and that has passed through the interior of the adapter; and a tongue part, which protrudes from the collection part. The adapter may comprise, in a lower-portion region on the work-surface side, a receiving part in which, when the cleaning apparatus is placed on the work surface, the tongue part is received in the interior of the adapter.

In an embodiment in which the bag body does not comprise the tongue part, when the second container is removed from the adapter, waste may remain in the lower-portion region of the adapter. According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the second container is mounted on the adapter, because the tongue part is received by the receiving part of the adapter, the waste inside the adapter is disposed on the tongue part. Thereby, even if the second container is removed from the adapter, the likelihood that waste will remain in the lower-portion region of the adapter can be reduced.

In one or more embodiments, the main body may comprise an engaged part. The adapter may further comprise a latch, which is engageable with the engaged part. When the latch engages with the engaged part, the adapter may be mounted on the main body.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the adapter can be mounted on the main body by utilizing a simple configuration.

In one or more embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may further comprise: a handle unit, which is mounted on the main body in a pivotable manner and is gripped by the user when performing work using the cleaning apparatus. The handle unit may be pivotable between a first handle position, at which the handle unit is open relative to the main body, and a second handle position, at which the handle unit is folded relative to the main body. The cleaning apparatus may be configured such that the user, who has gripped the handle unit at the first handle position, performs work while standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus may be configured such that it is vertically placeable in the state in which the handle unit is at the second handle position and the second container is not mounted on the adapter and in the state in which a rear end of the cleaning apparatus opposes the work surface.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning apparatus can be placed upright and stored in the state in which the handle unit is at the second handle position and the second container is not mounted on the adapter. Thereby, the space needed to store the cleaning apparatus can be made small.

In one or more embodiments, the second container may be mountable on the handle unit when the cleaning apparatus is placed upright in the state in which the rear end of the cleaning apparatus opposes the work surface.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the cleaning apparatus is placed upright and stored, the second container is mounted on the handle unit. Thereby, there is no need to separately store the cleaning apparatus, from which the second container has been removed, and the second container.

In one or more embodiments, the adapter may comprise: an adapter main body, which is detachable from the main body; a cover member, which is mounted on the adapter main body so as to be pivotable between a housed position and an open position; and one or more casters, which is (are) mounted on the cover member in a rotatable manner. The second container may comprise a bag body, which collects the waste brushed up by the cleaning tool(s). The bag body may be housed in the interior of the adapter when the cover member is at the housed position, is capable of being disposed such that it extends over the interior and the exterior of the adapter when the cover member is in the open position, and, in the exterior of the adapter, is disposed on the upper side of the cover member. The castor(s) may be in contact with the work surface when the cover member is in the open position.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, in the state in which the cover member is in the open position, when the cleaning apparatus moves, the castor(s) rotate(s) along the work surface. Thereby, the cover member is not likely to contact the work surface. In addition, the bag body, which is disposed on the cover member, is not likely to contact the work surface.

In one or more embodiments, the second container may further comprise a frame member, into which an open end of the bag body is inserted between the adapter main body and the second container.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the bag body can be mounted on the adapter by utilizing a simple configuration.

In one or more embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may further comprise: a handle unit, which is mounted on the main body in a pivotable manner and is gripped by the user when performing work using the cleaning apparatus. The handle unit may be pivotable between a first handle position, at which the handle unit is open relative to the main body; and a second handle position, at which the handle unit is folded relative to the main body. The cleaning apparatus may be configured such that the user, who has gripped the handle unit at the first handle position, performs work while standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus may be configured such that it is vertically placeable in the state in which the handle unit is at the second handle position and the cover member is at the housed position and in the state in which a rear end of the cleaning apparatus opposes the work surface.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning apparatus, in which the handle unit is in the second handle position and the cover member is in the housed position, can be placed upright and stored. Thereby, the space needed to store the cleaning apparatus can be made small.

In one or more embodiments, the main-body unit may further comprise: a fan, which generates an airflow toward the second dust unit; and a filter unit, which traps foreign matter contained in the airflow. The second dust unit may further comprise a partition body. When the fan operates, some of the air may flow from the filter unit toward the fan. The partition body may be disposed rearward of the filter unit and is spaced apart from the filter unit.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the second container or the like is less likely to contact the filter unit from the rear side. Thereby, the filtering efficiency of the filter unit for trapping foreign matter can be maintained for a longer period of time.

In one or more embodiments, the main body may comprise a first grip, which is configured to be gripped by a first user. The first dust unit and the second dust unit may each comprise a second grip, which is configured to be gripped by a second user, who differs from the first user.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning apparatus can be carried by the first user gripping the first grip and the second user gripping the second grip.

Working Example 1

A cleaning apparatus (power sweeper, floor sweeper) 2 of Working Example 1 will now be explained, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 16. The cleaning apparatus 2 comprises a main-body unit 4 and a handle unit 6. The main-body unit 4 comprises: a main body 8; a front wheel 10, which contacts a work surface P (refer to FIG. 6) on the center-front side in a left-right direction; a right-rear wheel 12, which contacts the work surface P on the rearward-right side; and a rear-left wheel 14 (refer to FIG. 2), which contacts the work surface P on the rearward-left side. The front wheel 10, the right-rear wheel 12, and the rear-left wheel 14 are supported in a rotatable manner by the main body 8. As shown in FIG. 2, a soft dust unit 16 is mounted in a detachable manner on the rear side of the main body 8. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, on the rear side of the main body 8, a hard dust unit 18, instead of the soft dust unit 16, is mounted in a detachable manner. The handle unit 6 is mounted in a pivotable manner on a rear-side, upper portion of the main body 8. The handle unit 6 is pivotable between the first handle position (refer to FIG. 3), at which the handle unit 6 is open relative to the main body 8, and a second handle position (refer to FIG. 4), at which the handle unit 6 is folded relative to the main body 8. When the handle unit 6 is at the first handle position, the user stands on the rear side of the cleaning apparatus 2, grips an upper portion of the handle unit 6 with both hands, and pushes the upper portion outward forward, and thereby the front wheel 10, the right-rear wheel 12, and the rear-left wheel 14 rotate, and the cleaning apparatus 2 moves forward along the work surface P.

As shown in FIG. 5, the main-body unit 4 comprises a front-side, main brush 20, a rear-side, main brush 22, and a side brush 24. The front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22 are disposed on a lower portion of the main body 8. The front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22 are disposed side-by-side in the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the front-side, main brush 20 comprises a brush shaft 30 and brush bristles 32. The brush shaft 30 extends in the left-right direction and is supported in a rotatable manner by the main body 8. In response to energization of the motor, which is not shown, the brush shaft 30 rotates about its rotational axis, which extends along the left-right direction. The motor is driven by electric power supplied from battery packs BP, which are mounted in the interior of the main body 8. The brush bristles 32 are attached (bristled) to the surface of the brush shaft 30.

The rear-side, main brush 22 comprises a brush shaft 34 and brush bristles 36. The brush shaft 34 extends in the left-right direction and is supported in a rotatable manner by the main body 8. In response to energization of the motor, which is not shown, the brush shaft 34 rotates about its rotational axis, which extends along the left-right direction. The brush bristles 36 are attached (bristled) to the surface of the brush shaft 34.

With regard to the cleaning apparatus 2, the front-side, main brush 20 rotates in the direction in which its lower end goes rearward, and the rear-side, main brush 22 rotates in the direction in which its lower end goes forward; thereby, the brush bristles 32, 36 brush up the waste on the work surface P. The brushed-up waste passes through a duct 26, which is formed in the interior of the main body 8, and is sent to the soft dust unit 16 (or the hard dust unit 18).

As shown in FIG. 5, the side brush 24 is disposed on the forward-right side of the main body 8. The side brush 24 is a bevel-type brush. The side brush 24 comprises a brush cap 40 and brush bristles 42. The brush cap 40 is supported in a rotatable manner by the main body 8. In response to energization of the motor, which is not shown, the brush cap 40 rotates about its rotational axis, which extends in an up-down direction. The brush cap 40 has a tilted surface 40a. The tilted surface 40a is tilted toward the diagonal, lower side relative to the rotational axis of the brush cap 40. The brush bristles 42 are attached (bristled) to the tilted surface 40a of the brush cap 40. With regard to the cleaning apparatus 2, by rotating the side brush 24 along the work surface P, waste in the vicinity of a wall can be moved (sent) toward the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main-body unit 4 comprises a filter unit 44. The filter unit 44 traps foreign matter contained in the air that passes through the filter unit 44. The filter unit 44 is disposed in the duct 26. The filter unit 44 comprises a filter holder 46, a main filter 48 (refer to FIG. 9), a sponge filter 50 (refer to FIG. 9), and a prefilter 52.

The filter holder 46 is mounted on the duct 26. Specifically, an inflow port 26a, which opens toward the rear side, is formed in the duct 26. As shown in FIG. 8, a filter-holder, mounting part 26b is formed on the edges of the inflow port 26a of the duct 26. The filter holder 46 is mounted on the filter-holder, mounting part 26b via a sealing member 54.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main filter 48 is, for example, a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. The main filter 48 comprises a filter main body 56 and a filter frame 58, which holds the filter main body 56. The filter frame 58 is mounted on the filter holder 46 in a detachable manner. In the state in which the main filter 48 is mounted on the filter holder 46, the filter main body 56 covers, from the rear side, a plurality of vents 46a, which are formed in the filter holder 46.

The prefilter 52 houses, in its interior, the sponge filter 50. The prefilter 52 comprises a cloth filter 60 and a filter frame 62, which holds the cloth filter 60. The filter frame 62 is mounted on the filter holder 46 in a detachable manner. In the state in which the sponge filter 50 and the prefilter 52 are mounted on the filter holder 46, the sponge filter 50 covers, from the rear side, the filter main body 56, and the cloth filter 60 covers, from the rear side, the sponge filter 50.

As shown in FIG. 8, the duct 26 comprises an air passageway 63, through which the air that passed through the filter unit 44 flows from the right side toward the left side. An outflow port 64, from which air from the duct 26 flows out, is formed in the vicinity of a left end of the air passageway 63. The outflow port 64 is open toward the front side.

The main-body unit 4 further comprises a fan unit 68. The fan unit 68 is disposed opposing the outflow port 64 of the duct 26. The fan unit 68 comprises a fan-housing box 70, a fan motor 72, and a fan 74. The fan-housing box 70 communicates with the air passageway 63 via the outflow port 64. In addition, the fan-housing box 70 is open in the interior of the main-body unit 4.

The fan motor 72 is, for example, an inner-rotor-type, direct-current, brushless motor. It is noted that, in a modified example, the fan motor 72 may be an outer-rotor-type motor, may be a brushed motor, or may be an AC motor. A motor shaft 76 of the fan motor 72 extends in the front-rear direction.

The fan 74 is, for example, a centrifugal fan. It is noted that, in a modified example, the fan 74 may be an axial-flow fan. The fan 74 is fixed to the motor shaft 76. When the fan motor 72 operates, the fan 74 rotates. Thereby, air flows from the lower side of the main-body unit 4 into the duct 26, passes through, in order, the filter unit 44 and the air passageway 63, and flows into the fan-housing box 70 via the outflow port 64. The air that has flowed in is propelled out by the fan 74, flows out to the interior of the main-body unit 4, and flows out from the seams of the component parts of the main-body unit 4 to the exterior of the main-body unit 4. In addition, when the fan 74 rotates, some of the air that flowed from the lower side of the main-body unit 4 into the duct 26 flows toward the soft dust unit 16 (or the hard dust unit 18). Thereby, the movement of waste, which has been brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22 to the soft dust unit 16 (or the hard dust unit 18), is facilitated.

Next, the hard dust unit 18 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 10. The hard dust unit 18 comprises a hard container 80 and two grips 82. The hard container 80 is composed of a resin (polymer) material, preferably a rigid or inflexible polymer, such as a polyamide or polycarbonate. The hard container 80 has an opening 80a, which faces the forward-upper side. The hard container 80 is capable of collecting, via the opening 80a, the waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 (refer to FIG. 6) and the rear-side, main brush 22 (refer to FIG. 6). An engaging groove 80b, which extends in the left-right direction, is formed on a lower wall of the hard container 80 in the vicinity of a front end thereof. In addition, a latch 80c is mounted on an upper wall of the hard container 80 in the vicinity of a front end thereof.

The two grips 82 are formed integrally with the hard container 80. The two grips 82 are disposed in the vicinity of the front end of the upper wall of the hard container 80. The latch 80c is disposed between the two grips 82 in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, an engaging shaft 84 is mounted on a rear-side, lower portion of the main body 8. The engaging shaft 84 is disposed on the rearward-lower side of the duct 26. The engaging shaft 84 extends in the left-right direction. An engaged part 86 is formed on the upper wall of the main body 8 in the vicinity of a rear end thereof.

A procedure that mounts the hard dust unit 18 on the main body 8 will now be explained, with reference to FIG. 10. First, the user grips the grips 82 with their hands. Next, the user engages the engaging shaft 84 (refer to FIG. 7) of the main body 8 in the engaging groove 80b of the hard container 80. Next, the user rotates an upper end of the hard container 80 toward the main body 8, using the engaging shaft 84 as an axis. Lastly, the user uses their hand to manipulate the latch 80c of the hard container 80 to engage the latch 80c with the engaged part 86 (refer to FIG. 7) of the main body 8.

Next, the soft dust unit 16 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 11. The soft dust unit 16 comprises an adapter 90, a partition body 92, and a soft container 94. The adapter 90 is composed of a resin (polymer) material, preferably a rigid or inflexible polymer, such as a polyamide or a polycarbonate. The adapter 90 has a frame shape. The waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 (refer to FIG. 6) and the rear-side, main brush 22 (refer to FIG. 6) passes through the interior of the adapter 90 from the front side to the rear side. In the vicinity of a rear end of an inner surface of the adapter 90, the partition body 92 is in contact with an upper-side inner surface of the adapter 90, an upper portion of a right-side inner surface, and an upper portion of a left-side inner surface. The partition body 92 is formed integrally with the adapter 90 in the interior of the adapter 90. An engaging groove 90a, which extends in the left-right direction, is formed on a lower wall of the adapter 90. In addition, a latch 90b is mounted on an upper wall of the adapter 90.

As shown in FIG. 12, the adapter 90 has insertion openings 90c, 90d. The insertion openings 90c, 90d extend from the vicinity of a rear end of the upper wall of the adapter 90 to substantially the lower side. The insertion opening 90c is disposed leftward of the latch 90b, and the insertion opening 90d is disposed rightward of the latch 90b.

The adapter 90 further comprises a receiving part 96. The receiving part 96 is disposed on the lower wall of the adapter 90. The lower wall of the adapter 90 is disposed on the work surface P side when the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed on the work surface P (refer to FIG. 6). The receiving part 96 is recessed from a lower-side inner surface of the adapter 90 (i.e., of the inner surface of the adapter 90, the inner surface disposed on the lower wall) toward substantially the lower side. The receiving part 96 extends from a rear end of the adapter 90 to the vicinity of a front end, and a step part 98 is formed in the vicinity of a front end of the lower-side inner surface of the adapter 90.

The adapter 90 further comprises two grips 100. The grips 100 are open toward the rear side. The grips 100 are disposed on a rear-end, upper portion of the adapter 90. In the left-right direction, one of the grips 100 is disposed between the latch 90b and the insertion opening 90c, and the other of the grips 100 is disposed between the latch 90b and the insertion opening 90d.

The grips 100 are gripped by the user using their hands when the adapter 90 is mounted on the main body 8. Specifically, the user grips the grips 100 with their hands and engages the engaging shaft 84 (refer to FIG. 7) of the main body 8 in the engaging groove 90a of the adapter 90. Next, the user rotates the upper end of the adapter 90 toward the main body 8, using the engaging shaft 84 as an axis. Lastly, the user manipulates the latch 90b of the adapter 90 with their hand to engage the latch 90b with the engaged part 86 (refer to FIG. 7) of the main body 8.

The soft container 94 shown in FIG. 13 is mounted on the adapter 90 in a detachable manner. The soft container 94 comprises a frame 104, a bag body 106, and fixing members 108. The frame 104 is composed of a metal material. It is noted that, in a modified example, the frame 104 may be composed of a resin (polymer) material, preferably a rigid or inflexible polymer, such as a polyamide or a polycarbonate. As shown in FIG. 14, the frame 104 comprises a main-body frame 110, a left-side hook 112, a right-side hook 114, and a grip frame 116. The main-body frame 110 comprises a first main-body frame 118, a second main-body frame 120, a third main-body frame 122, a fourth main-body frame 124, and a fifth main-body frame 126. The first main-body frame 118 comprises: a first left-side, main-body frame 118a, which extends toward the forward-lower side and then bends slightly to the front side and extends toward the forward-lower side; a first right-side, main-body frame 118b, which extends toward the forward-lower side and then bends slightly to the front side and extends toward the forward-lower side; and a first lower-side, main-body frame 118c, which connects a lower end of the first left-side, main-body frame 118a and a lower end of the first right-side, main-body frame 118b. The second main-body frame 120 comprises: a second left-side, main-body frame 120a, which extends from the vicinity of an upper end of the first left-side, main-body frame 118a toward the rearward-lower side; a second right-side, main-body frame 120b, which extends from the vicinity of an upper end of the first right-side, main-body frame 118b toward the rearward-lower side; and a second rear-side, main-body frame 120c, which connects a rear end of the second left-side, main-body frame 120a and a rear end of the second right-side, main-body frame 120b. The third main-body frame 122 extends in the left-right direction between an upper end of the first left-side, main-body frame 118a and an upper end of the first right-side, main-body frame 118b. The fourth main-body frame 124 extends from a bent portion of the first left-side, main-body frame 118a toward a rear end of the second left-side, main-body frame 120a. The fifth main-body frame 126 extends from a bent portion of the first right-side, main-body frame 118b toward a rear end of the second right-side, main-body frame 120b.

The left-side hook 112 comprises: a first left-side hook 112a, which extends from an upper end of the first left-side, main-body frame 118a toward the rearward-lower side; a second left-side hook 112b, which extends from a rear end of the first left-side hook 112a toward the rearward-upper side; a third left-side hook 112c, which extends from an upper end of the second left-side hook 112b toward the forward-upper side; and a fourth left-side hook 112d, which extends from a front end of the third left-side hook 112c toward the forward-lower side.

The right-side hook 114 comprises: a first right-side hook 114a, which extends from an upper end of the first right-side, main-body frame 118b toward the rearward-lower side; a second right-side hook 114b, which extends from a rear end of the first right-side hook 114a toward the rearward-upper side; a third right-side hook 114c, which extends from an upper end of the second right-side hook 114b toward the forward-upper side; and a fourth right-side hook 114d, which extends from a front end of the third right-side hook 114c toward the forward-lower side.

The grip frame 116 is connected to the third main-body frame 122 in the vicinity of the center thereof in the left-right direction. The grip frame 116 extends from the third main-body frame 122 toward the rearward-upper side. The grip frame 116 is gripped by the user. By virtue of the user gripping the grip frame 116 with their hand, inserting the fourth left-side hook 112d into the insertion opening 90c (refer to FIG. 12) of the adapter 90, and inserting the fourth right-side hook 114d into the insertion opening 90d (refer to FIG. 12) of the adapter 90, the frame 104 (i.e., the soft container 94) can be mounted on the adapter 90.

The bag body 106 is mounted on the frame 104 in a detachable manner. The bag body 106 has an opening 106a, which faces toward the forward-upper side. The bag body 106 is capable of collecting, via the opening 106a, the waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 (refer to FIG. 6) and the rear-side, main brush 22 (refer to FIG. 6). The bag body 106 is composed of a mesh material, which e.g., may be a flexible synthetic polymer material or a natural material, e.g., a cotton material. A mesh body 128 is mounted on an upper-side inner surface and a lower-side inner surface of the bag body 106. The mesh body 128 is flexible. In addition, the mesh size of the mesh body 128 is smaller than the mesh size of the bag body 106. Thereby, waste inside the bag body 106 is less likely to escape from a lower surface of the bag body 106. In addition, even if the waste inside the bag body 106 is a heavy object, such as rubbish, the lower surface of the bag body 106 is less likely to tear. The air permeability of the mesh body 128 is lower than that of the bag body 106. With regard to the bag body 106, air, dust, and the like tend to escape from side surfaces more than from an upper surface or a lower surface. It is noted that, in a modified example, the mesh body 128 does not have to be used in the bag body 106. In this embodiment, the air permeability of the bag body 106 is adjusted by making the mesh size of the upper surface and the lower surface of the bag body 106 smaller than the mesh size of the side surfaces of the bag body 106.

The bag body 106 is supported by the main-body frame 110 from the inner side. Specifically, the open end of the bag body 106 is supported from the inner side by the first main-body frame 118 and the third main-body frame 122. The upper surface of the bag body 106 is supported from the inner side by the second main-body frame 120. A left surface of the bag body 106 is supported from the inner side by the fourth main-body frame 124. A right surface of the bag body 106 is supported from the inner side by the fifth main-body frame 126. The bag body 106 is not in contact with the main-body frame 110 at a lower-side region (i.e., the region of the bag body 106 disposed on the work surface P side when the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed on the work surface P (refer to FIG. 6)) and at a rear-portion region. Hereinbelow, the lower-side region of the bag body 106 and the rear-portion region may be called a non-contact part 106b.

The bag body 106 comprises a collection part 130, in which waste is collected, and a tongue part 132, which protrudes from a front-side, lower end to substantially the front side of the collection part 130. The tongue part 132 forms a portion of an open end of the bag body 106. As shown in FIG. 15, when the soft container 94 is mounted on the adapter 90, the tongue part 132 is received by the receiving part 96 in the interior of the adapter 90. In addition, the front end of the tongue part 132 makes contact with the step part 98 from the rear side. Thereby, the tongue part 132 covers the receiving part 96 from the upper side. The waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 (refer to FIG. 6) and the rear-side, main brush 22 (refer to FIG. 6) does not remain on the receiving part 96 and is collected inside the bag body 106.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, when the soft container 94 is mounted on the adapter 90, the partition body 92 is disposed frontward of an upper-side portion of the open end of the bag body 106. In addition, the partition body 92 is disposed on the rear side of the filter unit 44 spaced apart from the filter unit 44. That is, the partition body 92 is disposed between a front end of the soft container 94 and the filter unit 44. A lower end of the partition body 92 is disposed downward of a lower end of the filter unit 44. In addition, an upper end of the partition body 92 is disposed upward of an upper wall of the soft container 94. The partition body 92 impedes contact of the bag body 106 with the filter unit 44. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the situation in which air no longer can pass through the filter unit 44.

The fixing members 108 shown in FIG. 13 are mounted on the frame 104 in a detachable manner. As shown in FIG. 14, the fixing members 108 comprise a first fixing member 108a, a second fixing member 108b, a third fixing member 108c, a fourth fixing member 108d, a fifth fixing member 108e, and a sixth fixing member 108f The first fixing member 108a and the second fixing member 108b are each inserted between the first left-side, main-body frame 118a and the open end of the bag body 106. The third fixing member 108c and the fourth fixing member 108d are each inserted between the first right-side, main-body frame 118b and the open end of the bag body 106. The fifth fixing member 108e is inserted between the first lower-side, main-body frame 118c and the open end of the bag body 106. The sixth fixing member 108f is inserted between the third main-body frame 122 and the open end of the bag body 106. Thereby, the fixing members 108 fix the bag body 106 to the frame 104.

Next, a method of putting away the cleaning apparatus 2 after work using the cleaning apparatus 2 has been performed will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, a grip 8a is formed on a front end of the main body 8. First, the user removes the soft container 94 from the cleaning apparatus 2. Next, the user grips the handle unit 6 with their hands and pivots the handle unit 6 from the first handle position to the second handle position. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the handle unit 6 is folded with respect to the main body 8. Next, the user grips the grip 8a and lifts the grip 8a upward. Thereby, with regard to the cleaning apparatus 2, the right-rear wheel 12 rotates using the rear-left wheel 14 as an axis, and subsequently a rear end of the cleaning apparatus 2 (i.e., a rear end of the adapter 90) makes contact with the work surface P. As a result, the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed upright in the state in which the rear end opposes the work surface P. Lastly, the user hooks the left-side hook 112 and the right-side hook 114 of the soft container 94 to the handle unit 6. Thereby, the soft container 94 can be stored together with the cleaning apparatus 2.

Next, a method of carrying the cleaning apparatus 2 will be explained. The carrying of the cleaning apparatus 2 is performed by two users. First, as shown in FIG. 1, a first user grips the grip 8a of the main body 8. Next, a second user grips the grips 100 (refer to FIG. 12) of the adapter 90. Lastly, the first user lifts the grip 8a upward, and the second user lifts the grips 100 upward. Thereby, the cleaning apparatus 2 can be carried.

Effects

The cleaning apparatus 2 of the present working example comprises the main-body unit 4, the hard dust unit 18, which is detachable from the main-body unit 4, and the soft dust unit 16, which is detachable from the main-body unit 4. The main-body unit 4 comprises: the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22, which brush up waste on the work surface P; the main body 8, which supports the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22 in a rotatable manner; and the front wheel 10, the right-rear wheel 12, and the rear-left wheel 14, which are supported by the main body 8 in a rotatable manner and are configured to be capable of moving the cleaning apparatus 2 along the work surface P. The hard dust unit 18 comprises the hard container 80, which is detachable from the main body 8 and is capable of collecting the waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22. The soft dust unit 16 comprises: the adapter 90, which is detachable from the main body 8; and the soft container 94, which is detachable from the adapter 90 and is capable of collecting the waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the hard container 80 is mountable directly on the main body 8. In addition, the soft container 94 is mountable on the main body 8 via the adapter 90. Thereby, a plurality of dust units can be mounted on the main-body unit 4 in a selective manner.

In addition, the soft container 94 comprises: the frame 104, which is mounted on the adapter 90 in a detachable manner; and the bag body 106, which is mounted on the frame 104 and collects the waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to prevent the configuration of the soft container 94 from becoming complicated can be curtailed as compared to an embodiment in which the soft container 94 is composed of a single member.

In addition, the bag body 106 is mounted on the frame 104 in a detachable manner.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, even when the soft dust unit 16 is mounted on the main-body unit 4, the waste collected by the bag body 106 can be easily discarded by removing the bag body 106 from the frame 104.

In addition, the soft container 94 further comprises the fixing members 108, which are mounted on the frame 104 in a detachable manner and fix the bag body 106 relative to the frame 104.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, while work is being performed by the cleaning apparatus 2, the fixing members 108 reduce the likelihood that the bag body 106 will come off of the frame 104 during operation of the cleaning apparatus 2.

In addition, the adapter 90 has the insertion openings 90c, 90d. The frame 104 further comprises the left-side hook 112 and the right-side hook 114, which are insertable in the insertion openings 90c, 90d of the adapters 90.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the soft container 94 can be mounted on the adapter 90 by utilizing a simple configuration.

In addition, the cleaning apparatus 2 is configured such that work is performed by the user standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus 2. The soft dust unit 16 is disposed on the rear side of the main-body unit 4. The bag body 106 comprises the non-contact part 106b, which, when the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed on the work surface P, is disposed at a region of the bag body 106 on the work surface P side and at a region of a rear portion of the bag body 106. The non-contact part 106b is not in contact with the frame 104.

When work is being performed with the user standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus 2, the soft container 94 is disposed at the feet of the user. Consequently, the user's feet may bump into the soft container 94. In addition, if the work surface P is partially uneven, when the cleaning apparatus 2 is moving along the work surface P, the uneven portion of the work surface P may bump into the soft container 94. According to the above-mentioned configuration, when work is being performed with the user standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus 2, the non-contact part 106b of the bag body 106 is disposed at the feet of the user. Consequently, even if the user's foot or the uneven portion of the work surface P bumps into the non-contact part 106b, shaking of the entire soft container 94 is less likely to occur.

The bag body 106 comprises: the collection part 130, in which the waste that was brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 and rear-side, main brush 22 and passed through the interior of the adapter 90 is collected; and the tongue part 132, which protrudes from the collection part 130. The adapter 90 comprises the receiving part 96 in the lower-portion region of the adapter 90 on the work surface P side; when the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed on the work surface P, the adapter 90 receives the tongue part 132 in the interior of the adapter 90.

In an embodiment in which the bag body 106 does not comprise the tongue part 132, when the soft container 94 is removed from the adapter 90, waste may remain in the lower-portion region of the adapter 90. According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the soft container 94 is mounted on the adapter 90, because the tongue part 132 is received by the receiving part 96 of the adapter 90, the waste inside the adapter 90 is disposed on the tongue part 132. Thereby, even if the soft container 94 is removed from the adapter 90, waste is less likely to remain in the lower-portion region of the adapter 90.

In addition, the main body 8 comprises the engaged part 86. The adapter 90 further comprises the latch 90b, which is engageable with the engaged part 86. When the latch 90b engages with the engaged part 86, the adapter 90 is mounted on the main body 8.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the adapter 90 can be mounted on the main body 8 by utilizing a simple configuration.

In addition, the cleaning apparatus 2 further comprises the handle unit 6, which is mounted on the main body 8 in a pivotable manner and is gripped by the user when work is performed using the cleaning apparatus 2. The handle unit 6 is pivotable between the first handle position, at which the handle unit 6 is open relative to the main body 8, and the second handle position, at which the handle unit 6 is folded relative to the main body 8. The cleaning apparatus 2 is configured such that work is performed by the user, who grips the handle unit 6 at the first handle position, standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus 2. The cleaning apparatus 2 is configured such that, in the state in which the handle unit 6 is at the second handle position and the soft container 94 is not mounted on the adapter 90, the cleaning apparatus 2 is capable of being placed upright in the state in which the rear end of the cleaning apparatus 2 opposes the work surface P.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning apparatus 2 can be placed upright and stored in the state in which the handle unit 6 is at the second handle position and the soft container 94 is not mounted on the adapter 90. Thereby, the space needed to store the cleaning apparatus 2 can be made small.

In addition, when the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed upright in the state in which the rear end of the cleaning apparatus 2 opposes the work surface P, the soft container 94 is mountable on the handle unit 6.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed upright and stored, the soft container 94 is mounted on the handle unit 6. Thereby, there is no need to separately store the cleaning apparatus 2, from which the soft container 94 has been removed, and the soft container 94.

In addition, the main-body unit 4 further comprises the fan 74, which generates an airflow toward the soft dust unit 16, and the filter unit 44, which traps foreign matter contained in the airflow. The soft dust unit 16 further comprises the partition body 92. When the fan 74 operates, some of the airflow flows from the filter unit 44 toward the fan 74. The partition body 92 is disposed rearward of the filter unit 44 and is spaced apart from the filter unit 44.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the soft container 94 or the like is less likely to contact the filter unit 44 from the rear side. Thereby, the filtering efficiency of the filter unit 44 for trapping foreign matter can be maintained for a longer period of time.

The main body 8 may comprise the grip 8a, which is gripped by a first user. The hard dust unit 18 and the soft dust unit 16 respectively comprise the grips 82, 100, which are gripped by a second user, who differs from the first user.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning apparatus 2 can be carried by the first user gripping the grip 8a and the second user gripping the grips 82, 100.

Correspondence Relationships

The hard dust unit 18 is one example of the “first dust unit.” The soft dust unit 16 is one example of the “second dust unit.” The front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22 are examples of the “cleaning tool.” The front wheel 10, the right-rear wheel 12, and the rear-left wheel 14 are examples of a “wheel.” The hard container 80 is one example of a “first container.” The soft container 94 is one example of the “second container.” The left-side hook 112 and the right-side hook 114 are examples of the “hook.” The grip 8a is one example of the “first grip.” The grips 82, 100 are examples of the “second grip.”

Working Example 2

Next, Working Example 2 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 17 to FIG. 23. In Working Example 2, only points that differ from Working Example 1 will be explained; structural elements the same as those in Working Example 1 are assigned the same symbols, and explanations thereof are omitted. In Working Example 2, the configuration of a soft dust unit 200, which is shown in FIG. 17, differs from the configuration of the soft dust unit 16 in Working Example 1.

As shown in FIG. 18, the soft dust unit 200 comprises an adapter 202, a partition body 204, and a soft container 206. The adapter 202 is composed of a resin (polymer) material, preferably a rigid or inflexible polymer, such as a polyamide or a polycarbonate. The adapter 202 is detachable from the main body 8. The adapter 202 comprises an adapter main body 208, a cover member 210, and two castors 212. Waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 (refer to FIG. 6) and the rear-side, main brush 22 (refer to FIG. 6) passes through the interior of the adapter main body 208 from the front side toward the rear side. An engaging groove 208a, which extends in the left-right direction, is formed on a lower wall of the adapter main body 208. The engaging shaft 84 (refer to FIG. 7) of the main body 8 is engageable in the engaging groove 208a. A latch 208b is mounted on an upper wall of the adapter main body 208. The latch 208b is engageable with the engaged part 86 (refer to FIG. 7) of the main body 8. In addition, a latching tab 208c is mounted in a pivotable manner on the upper wall of the adapter main body 208. The latching tab 208c is disposed rearward of the latch 208b.

As shown in FIG. 19, a plate member 214 is mountable in the interior of the adapter main body 208. The plate member 214 is mounted on the adapter main body 208 by being inserted, from the front side toward the rear side, into a groove 208d, which is formed on a right-side inner surface of the adapter main body 208, and a groove (not shown), which is formed on a left-side inner surface of the adapter main body 208. The plate member 214 is disposed on the adapter main body 208 in the vicinity of the center thereof in the up-down direction.

The cover member 210 is mounted in a pivotable manner on a rear end of a lower wall of the adapter main body 208. The cover member 210 is pivotable between an open position (refer to FIG. 19) and a housed position (refer to FIG. 20). Normally, when work is being performed using the cleaning apparatus 2, the cover member 210 is in the open position; when the cleaning apparatus 2 is stored in a storeroom or the like, the cover member 210 is in the housed position. When the cover member 210 is in the open position, a rear-end opening of the adapter main body 208 is open. As shown in FIG. 20, when the cover member 210 is in the housed position, the cover member 210 closes up the rear-end opening of the adapter main body 208. In addition, when the cover member 210 is in the housed position, the latching tab 208c is latched to the cover member 210. Thereby, pivoting of the cover member 210 toward the open position is impeded (prevented).

The cover member 210 comprises two grips 216. The two grips 216 pass through the cover member 210 in the thickness direction. The cover member 210 is disposed aligned with the left-right direction. When the user manipulates the cover member 210, the two grips 216 are gripped by the user's hands. In addition, when the user carries the cleaning apparatus 2, the two grips 216 are gripped by the user's hands.

The two castors 212 are mounted on the cover member 210 in a rotatable manner. The two castors 212 are disposed side-by-side in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 22, when the cover member 210 is in the open position, the two castors 212 contact the work surface P. Consequently, when the cleaning apparatus 2 moves along the work surface P in the state in which the cover member 210 is in the open position, the two castors 212 can rotate along the work surface P. In addition, contact of the cover member 210 with the work surface P can be impeded by the two castors 212. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, when the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed upright on the work surface P in the state in which the cover member 210 is in the housed position and the handle unit 6 is in the second handle position, the two castors 212, together with the right-rear wheel 12 and the rear-left wheel 14, are in contact with the work surface P. Thereby, the upright-placed cleaning apparatus 2 can be easily moved by the user gripping the grip 8a of the main body 8 with their hand.

As shown in FIG. 18, the soft container 206 comprises a frame member 220 and a bag body 222. As shown in FIG. 19, the frame member 220 has a frame shape. The frame member 220 is mounted, from the front side, on the adapter main body 208 in a detachable manner.

The partition body 204 is disposed in the interior of the frame member 220. The partition body 204 is formed integrally with the frame member 220. The partition body 204 closes up the upper-half portion of the interior of the frame member 220. As shown in FIG. 22, in the state in which the frame member 220 is mounted on the adapter main body 208, the partition body 204 is disposed in the interior of the adapter main body 208 and makes contact, from the front side, with the plate member 214. Thereby, the plate member 214 is less likely to come off of the adapter main body 208 during operation of the cleaning apparatus 2.

The bag body 222 is capable of collecting the waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 (refer to FIG. 6) and the rear-side, main brush 22 (refer to FIG. 6) via a front-end opening. The bag body 222 is a bag made of, for example, vinyl. In the present working example, a bag body of comparatively high capacity (e.g., a capacity of 90 L or more) or a bag body of comparatively low capacity (e.g., a capacity of 45 L or more) can be used as the bag body 222. If the bag body 222 has a comparatively high capacity, the front end of the bag body 222 is disposed in the interior of the adapter main body 208, after which the front end of the bag body 222 is folded toward the rear side such that the front end of the bag body 222 covers the front end of the adapter main body 208; thereby, the bag body 222 is mounted on the adapter main body 208. It is noted that, in FIG. 22, the bag body 222, which has a comparatively high capacity, is shown by a solid line. In addition, in the state in which the front end of the bag body 222 is mounted on the adapter main body 208, by virtue of the frame member 220 being mounted on the adapter main body 208 from the front side, the front end of the bag body 222 is sandwiched between the front end of the adapter main body 208 and the frame member 220. Thereby, the bag body 222 is fixed to the adapter main body 208.

If the bag body 222 has a comparatively low capacity, the front end of the bag body 222 is disposed in the interior of the adapter main body 208, which is downward of the plate member 214, after which the front end of the bag body 222 is folded toward the rear side such that it covers the lower side of a front end of the adapter main body 208 and a front end of the plate member 214; thereby, the bag body 222 is mounted on the adapter main body 208. It is noted that, in FIG. 22, the bag body 222, which has a comparatively low capacity, is shown by a chain line. In addition, in the state in which the front end of the bag body 222 is mounted on the adapter main body 208, by virtue of the frame member 220 being mounted on the adapter main body 208 from the front side, the front end of the bag body 222 is sandwiched between the front end of the adapter main body 208 and the frame member 220. Thereby, the bag body 222 is fixed to the adapter main body 208.

When the cover member 210 is in the open position, the bag body 222 is disposed such that it extends over the interior and the exterior of the adapter main body 208. The rear end of the bag body 222 can extend rearward of the rear end of the cover member 210. Because the bag body 222 is disposed on the upper side of the cover member 210, when work is performed using the cleaning apparatus 2, the bag body 222 is placed on the cover member 210. Thus, it is possible to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact of the bag body 222 with the work surface P more than in an embodiment in which the adapter 202 does not comprise the cover member 210.

As shown in FIG. 23, when the cover member 210 is in the housed position, the bag body 222 is housed in the interior of the adapter main body 208. It is noted that, when the bag body 222 is housed in the interior of the adapter main body 208, the bag body 222 is folded in a complicated manner; however, in FIG. 23, the shape of the bag body 222 is simplified and shown by a chain line. When the bag body 222 is housed in the interior of the adapter main body 208 and thereby the cleaning apparatus 2 is not being used, the likelihood of damage to the bag body 222 can be reduced and, in addition, the user is less likely to get caught by the bag body 222 when putting the cleaning apparatus 2 away.

A rear end of the bag body 222 is disposed rearward of the partition body 204. In addition, the partition body 204 is disposed rearward of the filter unit 44 and is spaced apart from the filter unit 44. It is noted that, in FIG. 23, the filter unit 44 is shown by a broken line. A lower end of the partition body 204 is disposed downward of a lower end of the filter unit 44. In addition, an upper end of the partition body 204 is disposed upward of an upper end of the filter unit 44. Thereby, the partition body 204 curtails contact of the bag body 222 with the filter unit 44. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the situation in which air can no longer pass through the filter unit 44.

Effects

In the present working example, the adapter 202 comprises: the adapter main body 208, which is detachable from the main body 8; the cover member 210, which is mounted on the adapter main body 208 so as to be pivotable between the housed position and the open position; and the castors 212, which are mounted in a rotatable manner on the cover member 210. The soft container 206 comprises the bag body 222, which collects waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 and the rear-side, main brush 22. The bag body 222 is housed in the interior of the adapter 202 when the cover member 210 is in the housed position; when the cover member 210 is in the open position, the bag body 222 can be disposed such that it extends over the interior and the exterior of the adapter 202; outside of the adapter 202, the bag body 222 is disposed on the upper side of the cover member 210. When the cover member 210 is in the open position, the castors 212 are in contact with the work surface P.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, in the state in which the cover member 210 is in the open position, when the cleaning apparatus 2 moves, the castors 212 rotate along the work surface P. Thereby, contact of the cover member 210 with the work surface P can be impeded (blocked, prevented). In addition, contact of the bag body 222, which is disposed on the cover member 210, with the work surface P can be impeded (blocked, prevented).

In addition, the soft container 206 further comprises the frame member 220, in which the open end of the bag body 222 is inserted between the adapter main body 208 and the frame member 220.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the bag body 222 can be mounted on the adapter 202 owing to the simple configuration.

In addition, the cleaning apparatus 2 further comprises the handle unit 6, which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the main body 8 and is gripped by the user when work is performed using the cleaning apparatus 2. The handle unit 6 is pivotable between the first handle position, at which the handle unit 6 is open with respect to the main body 8, and the second handle position, at which the handle unit 6 is folded with respect to the main body 8. The cleaning apparatus 2 is configured such that work is performed by the user, who grips the handle unit 6 at the first handle position, standing rearward of the cleaning apparatus 2. The cleaning apparatus 2 is configured such that, in the state in which the handle unit 6 is in the second handle position and the cover member 210 is in the housed position, the cleaning apparatus 2 is vertically placeable in a state in which the rear end of the cleaning apparatus 2 opposes the work surface P.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning apparatus 2, in which the handle unit 6 is in the second handle position and the cover member 210 is in the housed position, can be placed upright and stored. Thereby, the space needed to store the cleaning apparatus 2 can be made small.

Correspondence Relationship

The soft container 206 is one example of the “second container.”

Working Example 3

Next, Working Example 3 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 24 to FIG. 26. In Working Example 3, only points that differ from Working Example 1 will be explained; structural elements the same as those in Working Example 1 are assigned the same symbols, and explanations thereof are omitted. As shown in FIG. 24, in Working Example 3, a holder 302, which is for a cleaner 300 to be mounted in, is mounted on the handle unit 6. The cleaner 300 is used by the user when collecting waste that could not be collected by the cleaning apparatus 2. The cleaner 300 is also known in the art as a “handheld cordless vacuum”.

As shown in FIG. 25, the holder 302 comprises a first curved plate 304, a second curved plate 306, a holder plate 308, a stopper 310, and a holder main body 312. The first curved plate 304 comprises: a first curved part 314, which is curved such that it protrudes leftward; a first front-side, flat-plate part 316, which is connected to the front side of the first curved part 314; and a first rear-side, flat-plate part 318, which is connected to the rear side of the first curved part 314. The second curved plate 306 comprises: a second curved part 320, which is curved such that it protrudes rightward; a second front-side, flat-plate part 322, which is connected to the front side of the second curved part 320; and a second rear-side, flat-plate part 324, which is connected to the rear side of the second curved part 320. In the state in which the handle unit 6 is inserted between the first curved part 314 and the second curved part 320, the first front-side, flat-plate part 316 and the second front-side, flat-plate part 322 are fixed by a screw 326, and the first rear-side, flat-plate part 318 and the second rear-side, flat-plate part 324 are fixed by a screw 328; thereby, the holder 302 is mounted on the handle unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 26, the holder plate 308 is mounted in a pivotable manner on the second curved plate 306. The holder plate 308 comprises: a movement groove 332, which extends over a range of approximately 120° about an axis extending in the left-right direction; and a plurality of fixing grooves 334, which is connected to the movement groove 332. The fixing grooves 334 are lined up equispaced around an axis extending in the left-right direction. By moving a pin 336, which is formed on the second curved plate 306, through the interior of the movement groove 332, the holder plate 308 pivots relative to the second curved plate 306. In addition, when the pin 336 is inserted from the movement groove 332 into any of the plurality of fixing grooves 334, the holder plate 308 moves downward relative to the second curved plate 306, after which the holder plate 308 can no longer pivot relative to the second curved plate 306.

The stopper 310 is mounted in a rotatable manner on the second curved plate 306. When the stopper 310 is rotated in a first direction, the spacing between the stopper 310 and the second curved plate 306 narrows, the holder plate 308 is inserted between the stopper 310 and the second curved plate 306, and it becomes difficult for the holder plate 308 to move relative to the second curved plate 306. On the other hand, when the stopper 310 is rotated in a second direction, which is the opposite of the first direction, the spacing between the stopper 310 and the second curved plate 306 widens, and thereby it becomes easy for the holder plate 308 to move relative to the second curved plate 306.

The holder main body 312 is fixed to a right surface of the second curved plate 306. By inserting the cleaner 300 (refer to FIG. 24) into the holder main body 312, the holder main body 312 holds the cleaner 300.

A method of adjusting the orientation of the holder main body 312 will now be explained. First, the user rotates the stopper 310 in the second direction. Next, the user moves the holder plate 308 upward. Thereby, the pin 336 moves from one of the fixing grooves 334 into the movement groove 332. Next, the user pivots the holder plate 308 relative to the second curved plate 306 until the orientation of the holder main body 312 has the desired orientation, after which the user moves the holder plate 308 downward. Thereby, after the pin 336 has moved through the interior of the movement groove 332, the pin 336 moves from the movement groove 332 into any of the fixing grooves 334. Lastly, the user rotates the stopper 310 in the first direction. Thereby, the holder plate 308 is fixed relative to the second curved plate 306.

Working Example 4

Next, Working Example 4 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 27 to FIG. 36. In Working Example 4, only points that differ from Working Example 1 will be explained; structural elements the same as those in Working Example 1 are assigned the same symbols, and explanations thereof are omitted. As shown in FIG. 27, in Working Example 4, a rack 402, on which a toolbox 400 or the like is mountable, is mounted on the main body 8. As shown in FIG. 28, the rack 402 is disposed on a rear-side, upper wall of the main body 8. The rack 402 is disposed between a right shaft 6a and a left shaft 6b of the handle unit 6.

A projection 402a, which protrudes leftward from a front-side, lower portion of a left-side, side surface of the rack 402, and a projection 402b (refer to FIG. 27), which protrudes rightward from a front-side, lower portion of a right-side, side surface of the rack 402, are formed on the rack 402. The projection 402a is mated in a receiving groove 404a of the main body 8, the projection 402b is mated in a receiving groove 404b (refer to FIG. 27) of the main body 8, and four screws 406 are screw-tightened to the main body 8 and the rack 402; thereby, the rack 402 is mounted on the main body 8.

As shown in FIG. 29, the rack 402 comprises a rack main body 408, two first engaging members 410, two second engaging members 412, two third engaging members 414, two fourth engaging members 416, and a fifth engaging member 418. A first front-side opening 408a, a first rear-side opening 408b, and a second opening 408c are formed in an upper surface of the rack 402. The first front-side opening 408a and the first rear-side opening 408b are disposed leftward of the center of the width of the rack main body 408 in the left-right direction. The first front-side opening 408a is disposed frontward of the first rear-side opening 408b. The second opening 408c is disposed rightward of the center of the width of the rack main body 408 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the second opening 408c is disposed between the first front-side opening 408a and the first rear-side opening 408b.

One of the first engaging members 410 (hereinbelow, called a first left-side, engaging member 410a) is mounted on a front-end, left side of the rack main body 408 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the front-rear direction, and the other of the first engaging members 410 (hereinbelow, called a first right-side, engaging member 410b) is mounted on a front-end, right side of the rack main body 408 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the front-rear direction. One of the second engaging members 412 (hereinbelow, called a second left-side, engaging member 412a) is mounted on a rear-end, left side of the rack main body 408 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the left-right direction, and the other of the second engaging members 412 (hereinbelow, called a second right-side, engaging member 412b) is mounted on a rear-end, right side of the rack main body 408 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the left-right direction. One of the third engaging members 414 (hereinbelow, called a third front-side, engaging member 414a) is mounted on the rack main body 408 in the vicinity of a front end thereof so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the left-right direction, and the other of the third engaging members 414 (hereinbelow, called a third rear-side, engaging member 414b) is mounted on the rack main body 408 in the vicinity of a rear end thereof so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the left-right direction. One of the fourth engaging members 416 (hereinbelow, called a fourth front-side, engaging member 416a) and the other of the fourth engaging members 416 (hereinbelow, called a fourth rear-side, engaging member 416b) are mounted on the rack main body 408 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the front-rear direction. The fourth front-side, engaging member 416a is biased by a biasing member, which is not shown.

The fourth front-side, engaging member 416a protrudes upward from the first front-side opening 408a. The fourth rear-side, engaging member 416b is biased by a biasing member, which is not shown. The fourth rear-side, engaging member 416b protrudes upward from the first rear-side opening 408b. The fifth engaging member 418 is mounted on the rack main body 408 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis along the front-rear direction. The fifth engaging member 418 is biased by a biasing member, which is not shown. The fifth engaging member 418 protrudes upward from the second opening 408c.

As shown in FIG. 30, the toolbox 400 comprises a box main body 424. A variety of tools can be housed in the box main body 424. A first left-side, engaging groove 424a is formed on a left-side, side surface of the box main body 424. A first right-side, engaging groove 424b (refer to FIG. 27) is formed on a right-side, side surface of the box main body 424. A second left-side, engaging groove 426a and a second right-side, engaging groove 426b are formed on a rear surface of the box main body 424.

As shown in FIG. 31, the first left-side, engaging member 410a engages in the first left-side, engaging groove 424a. The second left-side, engaging member 412a engages in the second left-side, engaging groove 426a. The second right-side, engaging member 412b engages in the second right-side, engaging groove 426b. As shown in FIG. 27, the first right-side, engaging member 410b engages in the first right-side, engaging groove 424b. Thereby, the rack 402 is mounted on the toolbox 400.

As shown in FIG. 32, a first battery 430 is mountable on the rack 402. The first battery 430 is, for example, a backpack-type battery. As shown in FIG. 33, the first battery 430 comprises a first battery casing 432 and a first grip 434, which is connected to the first battery casing 432. Battery cells (not shown), which are capable of supplying electric power to the cleaning apparatus 2, are housed in the first battery casing 432. A third front-side, engaging groove 436a is formed on the right side of a front end of the first battery casing 432. A third rear-side, engaging groove 436b is formed on the right side of a rear end of the first battery casing 432. A fourth front-side, engaging groove 438a and a fourth rear-side, engaging groove 438b are formed on a left end of the first battery casing 432.

Next, a method of mounting the first battery 430 on the rack 402 will be explained. First, the user grips the first grip 434, inserts the fourth front-side, engaging member 416a (refer to FIG. 29) into the fourth front-side, engaging groove 438a from the left side, and inserts the fourth rear-side, engaging member 416b (refer to FIG. 29) into the fourth rear-side, engaging groove 438b from the left side. Next, the user places the first battery casing 432 on an upper surface of the rack main body 408 (refer to FIG. 29). Next, the user pivots the third rear-side, engaging member 414b (refer to FIG. 29) to engage it with the third rear-side, engaging groove 436b. Lastly, as shown in FIG. 32, the user pivots the third front-side, engaging member 414a to engage it with the third front-side, engaging groove 436a.

As shown in FIG. 34, a second battery 450 is mountable on the rack 402. The second battery 450 is, for example, a backpack-type battery. As shown in FIG. 35, the second battery 450 comprises a second battery casing 452 and a second grip 454, which is mounted on the second battery casing 452 in a pivotable manner. Battery cells (not shown), which are capable of supplying electric power to the cleaning apparatus 2, are housed in the second battery casing 452. A front-side, engaging tab 456a and a rear-side, engaging tab 456b are formed on a left end of the second battery casing 452.

As shown in FIG. 36, the second battery 450 further comprises: a manipulatable button 458; a biasing member 460, which biases the manipulatable button 458 in a direction away from the second battery casing 452; and an engaging tab 462, which is connected to the manipulatable button 458. The manipulatable button 458 and the engaging tab 462 are formed integrally and are mounted on the second battery casing 452 in a pivotable manner. When the manipulatable button 458 is pushed, the engaging tab 462 pivots in the direction in which a tip (a lower end in FIG. 36) goes rightward.

Next, a method of mounting the second battery 450 on the rack 402 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 35, first, the user grips the second grip 454, engages the front-side, engaging tab 456a with the fourth front-side, engaging member 416a (refer to FIG. 29) from the right side in the state in which the second battery 450 is tilted, and engages the rear-side, engaging tab 456b with the fourth rear-side, engaging member 416b (refer to FIG. 29) from the right side. Next, the user pushes the second battery 450, which is in the tilted state, down toward the upper surface of the rack main body 408 (refer to FIG. 29). The fifth engaging member 418 (refer to FIG. 29) is pressed into the second battery casing 452, pivots in the direction in which the tip goes toward the left side, and subsequently pivots in the direction in which the tip goes toward the right side and returns to the initial position. Thereby, the fifth engaging member 418 engages with the engaging tab 462 (refer to FIG. 36).

When the second battery 450 is to be removed from the rack 402, first, the user pushes the manipulatable button 458. Thereby, the engagement of the engaging tab 462 and the fifth engaging member 418 is released. Next, in the state in which the manipulatable button 458 is pushed in, the user grips the second grip 454 and lifts up the second battery 450.

Working Example 5

Next, Working Example 5 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 37 and FIG. 38. In Working Example 5, only points that differ from Working Example 1 will be explained; structural elements the same as those in Working Example 1 are assigned the same symbols, and explanations thereof are omitted. As shown in FIG. 37, the cleaning apparatus 2 further comprises a magnet unit 500. The magnet unit 500 is a member for collecting metal waste on the work surface P (refer to FIG. 6). The magnet unit 500 comprises: a connecting member 502, which is fixable to the grip 8a of the main body 8; a holding member 504, which is mounted on a tip of the connecting member 502; a left wheel 506, which is mounted on a left wall of the holding member 504 in a rotatable manner; a right wheel 508, which is mounted on a right wall of the holding member 504 in a rotatable manner; and a grip 510, which is mounted on the holding member 504.

As shown in FIG. 38, a manipulatable lever 512 and a latching member 514, which is fixed to the manipulatable lever 512, are mounted on the connecting member 502. The latching member 514 is inserted along the up-down direction into the connecting member 502 in the vicinity of a rear end thereof. A lower end of the latching member 514 extends in a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. By manipulating the manipulatable lever 512, the latching member 514 is rotated to the position at which the lower end overlaps the main body 8 in the up-down direction, and thereby the connecting member 502 is fixed to the grip 8a.

The holding member 504 holds the magnet 516 by housing the magnet 516 in the interior of the holding member 504. The magnet 516 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The magnet 516 attracts metal waste on the work surface P upwardly (i.e., toward a lower surface of the holding member 504).

When the cleaning apparatus 2 is placed on the work surface P, the left wheel 506 and the right wheel 508 are in contact with the work surface P. Consequently, when the cleaning apparatus 2 moves along the work surface P, the left wheel 506 and the right wheel 508 rotate along the work surface P. The holding member 504 can move along the work surface P without the lower surface making contact with the work surface P.

The grip 510 is gripped by the user when, for example, the magnet unit 500 is to be mounted on or demounted from the grip 8a.

Next, a method of collecting metal waste using the magnet unit 500 will be explained. The user moves the cleaning apparatus 2 so as to move the lower surface of the holding member 504 to above the metal waste. Thereby, owing to the attraction force of the magnet 516, the metal waste sticks to the lower surface of the holding member 504. Even if the cleaning apparatus 2 continues to move along the work surface P, the metal waste remains stuck to the lower surface of the holding member 504 owing to the attraction force of the magnet 516.

Modified Examples

In a modified example of Working Example 1, a separate bag body may be mountable in the interior of the bag body 106. In this embodiment, the separate bag body is, for example, a bag made of vinyl. Waste brushed up by the front-side, main brush 20 (refer to FIG. 6) and the rear-side, main brush 22 (refer to FIG. 6) is collected in the interior of the separate bag. The user can easily dispose of the waste by removing the separate bag body from the bag body 106.

In a modified example of Working Example 5, the magnet unit 500 may comprise a handle that the user can use for pushing the magnet unit 500 by hand. In this embodiment, the handle is fixed to the holding member 504. In addition, the magnet unit 500 does not have to comprise the connecting member 502. The main body 8 may have an opening into which the handle of the magnet unit 500 can be inserted. Thereby, by inserting the handle into the opening of the main body 8, the user can easily mount the magnet unit 500 on the main body 8.

In a modified example of each of the working examples, the cleaning apparatus 2 does not have to comprise the motor for rotating the front-side, main brush 20, the rear-side, main brush 22, and the side brush 24. In this embodiment, the front-side, main brush 20, the rear-side, main brush 22, and the side brush 24 may be configured such that they rotate in a manner linked with the rotation of the right-rear wheel 12 and the rear-left wheel 14.

In a modified example of each of the working examples, the cleaning apparatus 2 may further comprise a motor for rotating the right-rear wheel 12 and the rear-left wheel 14. In this situation, the cleaning apparatus 2 may be a cleaning apparatus in which the user grips and manipulates the handle unit 6, or may be a cleaning apparatus that is capable of self-propulsion under the control of a control apparatus of the cleaning apparatus 2.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS

2 Cleaning apparatus

4 Main-body unit

6 Handle unit

8 Main body

8
a Grip

10 Front wheel

12 Right-rear wheel

14 Rear-left wheel

16 Soft dust unit

18 Hard dust unit

20 Front-side, main brush

22 Rear-side, main brush

26 Duct

44 Filter unit

68 Fan unit

74 Fan

80 Hard container

80
b Engaging groove

80
c Latch

82 Grip

84 Engaging shaft

86 Engaged part

90 Adapter

90
a Engaging groove

90
b Latch

90
c, 90d Insertion openings

92 Partition body

94 Soft container

96 Receiving part

98 Step part

100 Grip

104 Frame

106 Bag body

106
b Non-contact part

108 Fixing member

110 Main-body frame

112 Left-side hook

114 Right-side hook

130 Collection part

132 Tongue part

200 Soft dust unit

202 Adapter

204 Partition body

206 Soft container

208 Adapter main body

208
a Engaging groove

208
b Latch

210 Cover member

212 Castor

214 Plate member

216 Grip

220 Frame member

222 Bag body

300 Cleaner

302 Holder

400 Toolbox

402 Rack

430 First battery

450 Second battery

500 Magnet unit

BP Battery pack

P Work surface

CLEANING APPARATUS

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)