NOZZLE AND 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. 2022-119599 filed in Japan on Jul. 27, 2022.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The techniques disclosed herein relates to a nozzle and a cleaner.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a technical field related to a cleaner, there is known a floor suction tool (nozzle) as disclosed in JP S50-055351 U.

With a suction force generated at a suction port of a nozzle, dust is sucked into the suction port together with air. The circulation of air may cause occurrence of noise from the nozzle. Noise occurring from the nozzle causes discomfort to a user of the cleaner and surrounding people.

One non-limiting object of the present teachings is to disclose techniques for suppressing occurrence of noise from a nozzle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one non-limiting aspect of the present teachings, a nozzle may include: a main body having a lower surface that faces a cleaning target surface; a groove provided on the lower surface to be recessed upward from the lower surface; and a suction port provided inside the groove to face the cleaning target surface. The groove may include: a first groove; and a second groove, at least a part of which is provided rearward of the first groove. A depth H1 of the first groove may be deeper than a depth H2 of the second groove.

According to the techniques disclosed in the present specification, occurrence of noise from the nozzle is suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an upper front perspective view illustrating a nozzle according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a lower rear perspective view illustrating the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a lower rear exploded perspective view illustrating the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a lower view of the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a lower enlarged view of a part of the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a lower rear perspective view illustrating a part of the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a lower front perspective view illustrating a part of the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a part of the nozzle according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner including the nozzle according to the embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cleaner main body according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one or more embodiments, the nozzle may include: a main body having a lower surface that faces the cleaning target surface; a groove provided on the lower surface to be recessed upward from the lower surface; and a suction port provided inside the groove to face the cleaning target surface. The groove may include: a first groove; and a second groove, at least a part of which is provided rearward of the first groove. A depth H1 of the first groove may be deeper than a depth H2 of the second groove.

The above configuration includes the first groove and the second groove on the lower surface of the main body, making it possible to uniformize the flow velocity of the air sucked into the suction port from a peripheral edge of the lower surface of the main body. That is, this reduces such a space where the flow velocity of the air is locally high. In addition, this suppresses a situation in which the air sucked into an internal flow path of the main body from the suction port strongly hits against the inner wall surface of the internal flow path. This leads to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, the center of the groove and the center of the main body may coincide with each other in a left-right direction.

The above configuration will reduce the space where the flow velocity of the air is locally high, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, the center of the first groove and the center of the second groove may coincide with each other in the left-right direction.

The above configuration will reduce the space where the flow velocity of the air is locally high, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, a dimension B1 of the first groove in the left-right direction and a dimension B2 of the second groove in the left-right direction may satisfy the condition B1<B2.

With the above configuration, the first groove is formed inside the second groove, allowing the air to smoothly flow from a peripheral edge of the lower surface of the main body toward the suction port. This suppresses the occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, the center of the suction port and the center of the groove may coincide with each other in a left-right direction.

The above configuration allows the air to smoothly flow toward the suction port, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, the front end of the suction port and the front end of the first groove may coincide with each other. The rear end of the suction port and the front end of the second groove may coincide with each other.

With the above configuration, each of the first groove and the second groove is divided into left and right portions by one suction port. This allows the air to smoothly flow from each of the left end and the right end of the lower surface of the main body toward the suction port, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, the center of the first groove and the center of the main body may coincide with each other in the left-right direction. The dimension B1 of the first groove in the left-right direction and a dimension Bt of the main body in the left-right direction may satisfy the condition B1≥0.5×Bt.

The above configuration makes it possible to allow the formation range of the first groove to cover an airflow concentration range, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle. The dimension B1 and dimension Bt may satisfy the condition B1≥0.6×Bt. The dimension B1 and the dimension Bt may satisfy the condition B1≥0.5×Bt or the condition B1≥0.6×Bt.

In one or more embodiments, a first width W1 indicating the dimension of the first groove in the front-rear direction and a depth H2 may satisfy the condition W1≥H2.

The above configuration allows the air from the front end of the lower surface of the main body to be smoothly introduced into the first groove, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle. The first width W1 may satisfy the condition W1≥3 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the first width W1 indicating the dimension of the first groove in the front-rear direction and a total width Wt indicating the sum of the dimension of the first groove and the dimension of the second groove in the front-rear direction may satisfy the condition W1≤0.9×Wt.

The above configuration allows the air from the left end and right end of the lower surface of the main body to be smoothly introduced into the first groove, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle. By satisfying the conditions of W1≥H2 and W1≤0.9×Wt or the conditions of W1≥H2 and W1≤0.9×Wt, the air from the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the main body is smoothly introduced into the first groove, leading to effective suppression of occurrence of noise.

In one or more embodiments, a depth H3 indicating a difference between the depth H1 and the depth H2 may satisfy the condition H3≥1.5 mm.

With the above configuration, the first groove is sufficiently deep with respect to the second groove, leading to effective suppression of occurrence of noise. The upper limit value of the depth H3 is not particularly limited, but may be 5.0 mm, for example. That is, the depth H3 may satisfy the condition 5.0 mm≥H3≥1.5 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the inner surface of the first groove may include: a first rear surface connected to the front end of the second groove and facing forward; a first front surface disposed forward of the first rear surface and facing the first rear surface; and a first lower surface connecting an upper end of the first rear surface to an upper end of the first front surface. The nozzle may include a vertical rib extending in an up-down direction, and at least a part of the vertical rib is provided on the first front surface. The vertical rib may be disposed in plurality at intervals in the left-right direction.

In the above configuration, air from the front end of the lower surface of the main body passes between the pair of vertical ribs adjacent to each other. The air is straightened by the vertical ribs. In addition, a longitudinal vortex is generated between a pair of vertical ribs adjacent to each other. This suppresses occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, among the vertical ribs disposed in the left-right direction, the vertical rib disposed on the leftmost side is disposed leftward of the left end of the suction port, and the vertical rib disposed on the rightmost side is disposed rightward of the right end of the suction port.

With the above configuration, the formation range of the vertical ribs is greater than the dimension of the suction port in the left-right direction. This allows the air straightened by the vertical ribs to be sucked into the suction port.

In one or more embodiments, a height T1 indicating a protrusion amount of the vertical rib from the first front surface may satisfy the condition T1≥1.5 mm.

Since the height T1 is sufficiently high in the above configuration, the air is sufficiently straightened. The height T1 may satisfy the condition T1≥2.0 mm. The upper limit value of the height T1 is not particularly limited, but may be 5.0 mm, for example. That is, the height T1 may satisfy the condition 5.0 mm≥T1≥1.5 mm or the condition 5.0 mm≥T1≥2.0 mm.

In one or more embodiments, a thickness D1 indicating a dimension of the vertical rib in the left-right direction may satisfy the condition D1≤3.0 mm.

The above configuration suppresses the thickness D1, making it possible to allow the air to flow smoothly. The lower limit value of the thickness D1 is not particularly limited, but may be 0.5 mm, for example. That is, the thickness D1 may satisfy the condition 0.5 mm≤D1≤3.0 mm.

In one or more embodiments, an interval G1 between a pair of vertical ribs adjacent to each other in the left-right direction may satisfy the condition G1≤4.0 mm.

The above configuration allows the longitudinal vortex to be appropriately generated between the pair of vertical ribs adjacent to each other. The lower limit value of the interval G1 may be 1.0 mm, for example. That is, the interval G1 may satisfy the condition 1.0 mm≤G1≤4.0 mm. The interval G1 may satisfy the condition 2.0 mm≤G1≤3.0 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the inner surface of the second groove may include: a second lower surface connected to the lower end of the first rear surface; and a second rear surface connected to the rear end of the second lower surface and facing forward. The main body may include: a left side surface disposed at a boundary between the second lower surface disposed leftward of the suction port and the left end of the suction port; and a right side surface disposed at a boundary between the second lower surface disposed rightward of the suction port and the right end of the suction port. The nozzle may include a lateral rib provided on each of the left side surface and the right side surface and extending in the up-down direction. The lateral rib may be disposed in plurality at intervals in the front-rear direction.

In the above configuration, air from the left end and the right end of the lower surface of the main body passes between a pair of lateral ribs adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. The air is straightened by the lateral ribs. In addition, a longitudinal vortex is generated between a pair of lateral ribs adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. This suppresses occurrence of noise from the nozzle.

In one or more embodiments, the cleaner may include the nozzle described above, a motor, and a fan rotated by the motor to generate a suction force at a suction port of the nozzle.

With the above configuration, the cleaning target surface is cleaned in a state where occurrence of noise from the nozzle is suppressed.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, although the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, there may be cases where some components are omitted in use.

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

Nozzle

FIG. 1 is an upper front perspective view illustrating the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a lower rear perspective view illustrating the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a lower rear exploded perspective view of the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a lower view of the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment.

The nozzle 1 includes a main body 2, a joint 3, a connecting pipe 4, and a shutter 5.

The main body 2 has a suction port 6 and an internal flow path 7. A lower surface 20 of the main body 2 faces a cleaning target surface. A suction port 6 is provided on a lower surface 20 of the main body 2. The suction port 6 faces downward. The main body 2 is long in the left-right direction. The suction port 6 is provided at a center of the main body 2 in the left-right direction. The suction port 6 is provided at a front portion of the main body 2 in the front-rear direction. The internal flow path 7 leads to the suction port 6. The suction port 6 sucks dust present on the cleaning target surface. The dust sucked from the suction port 6 passes through the internal flow path 7.

The main body 2 includes a lower case 2A and an upper case 2B. The lower case 2A has the suction port 6. The lower surface 20 of the main body 2 includes a lower surface of the lower case 2A. The upper case 2B is disposed upward of the lower case 2A. The upper surface of the lower case 2A and the lower surface of the upper case 2B face each other. The lower case 2A and the upper case 2B are fixed by screws 8. The internal flow path 7 is provided in the upper case 2B.

The lower case 2A includes a roller 9 and a wiper 10, which are capable of coming in contact with the cleaning target surface. The roller 9 rolls on the cleaning target surface. The roller 9 is provided in plurality. In the embodiment, the roller 9 includes a front roller 9A disposed forward of the suction port 6 and a rear roller 9B disposed rearward of the suction port 6. The front roller 9A is disposed at two positions in the left-right direction. The rear roller 9B is disposed at two positions in the left-right direction. The wiper 10 protrudes downward from the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 in the rear of the suction port 6. An upper end of the wiper 10 is fixed to the lower case 2A. The lower end of the wiper 10 comes in contact with the cleaning target surface. The wiper 10 collects dust on the cleaning target surface that has not been completely sucked by the suction port 6. The suction port 6 can suck the dust collected by the wiper 10.

The joint 3 has a pipe shape. The joint 3 is connected to the rear portion of the main body 2. The joint 3 is disposed to protrude rearward from the rear portion of the main body 2. The joint 3 is pivotably connected to the main body 2. The pivot shaft of the joint 3 extends in the left-right direction.

The front end of the connecting pipe 4 is inserted into a rear end opening of the joint 3. The rear end of the joint 3 and the connecting pipe 4 are fixed by a fixing mechanism 11.

The shutter 5 is pivotably connected to the main body 2. The shutter 5 is disposed to close a gap between the main body 2 and the joint 3. The shutter 5 can pivot together with the joint 3. The shutter 5 can pivot independently of the joint 3.

FIG. 6 is a lower enlarged view of a part of the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a lower rear perspective view illustrating a part of the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a lower front perspective view illustrating a part of the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a part of the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment.

The main body 2 has a groove 30 provided on the lower surface 20 to be recessed upward from the lower surface 20. The suction port 6 is provided inside the groove 30 to face the cleaning target surface. The groove includes a first groove 31 and a second groove 32. Each of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 is long in the left-right direction. At least a part of the second groove 32 is provided rearward of the first groove 31.

In the left-right direction, the center of the groove 30 and the center of the main body 2 coincide with each other. In the left-right direction, the center of the first groove 31 and the center of the second groove 32 coincide with each other.

In the left-right direction, the center of suction port 6 and the center of groove 30 coincide with each other. The front end of the suction port 6 and the front end of the first groove 31 coincide with each other. The rear end of the suction port 6 and the front end of the second groove 32 coincide with each other. In the embodiment, each of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 is divided into left and right portions by the suction port 6. A part of the first groove 31 is disposed leftward of the suction port 6, and a part of the first groove 31 is disposed rightward of the suction port 6. A part of the second groove 32 is disposed leftward of the suction port 6, and a part of the second groove 32 is disposed rightward of the suction port 6.

The inner surface of the first groove 31 includes a first rear surface 21, a first front surface 22, a first lower surface 23, a first left surface 24L, a first right surface 24R, a first left slope 25L, and a first right slope 25R. The first rear surface 21 faces forward. The first rear surface 21 is connected to the front end of the second groove 32. The first front surface 22 is disposed forward of the first rear surface 21. The first front surface 22 faces rearward. The first front surface 22 faces the first rear surface 21 via a gap. The first lower surface 23 faces downward. The first lower surface 23 connects the upper end of the first rear surface 21 and the upper end of the first front surface 22. A front end of the first left surface 24L is connected to a left end of the first front surface 22 via the first left slope 25L. The first left surface 24L faces rightward. The first left slope 25L faces the right rear side. A front end of the first left slope 25L is connected to a left end of the first front surface 22. A rear end of the first left slope 25L is connected to the front end of the first left surface 24L. A front end of the first right surface 24R is connected to a right end of the first front surface 22 via the first right slope 25R. The first right surface 24R faces leftward. The first right slope 25R faces the left rear side. The front end of the first right slope 25R is connected to the right end of the first front surface 22. The rear end of the first right slope 25R is connected to the front end of the first right surface 24R.

The inner surface of the second groove 32 includes a second lower surface 26, a second rear surface 27, a second left front surface 28L, a second right front surface 28R, a second left surface 29L, and a second right surface 29R. The second lower surface 26 faces downward. The front end of the second lower surface 26 is connected to the lower end of the first rear surface 21. The second rear surface 27 faces forward. An upper end of the second rear surface 27 is connected to a rear end of the second lower surface 26. The second left front surface 28L faces rearward. The second left front surface 28L is connected to the left end of the first left slope 25L. The second right front surface 28R faces rearward. The second right front surface 28R is connected to a right end of the first right slope 25R. The second left surface 29L is connected to a left end of the second lower surface 26. The second left surface 29L faces rightward. The second right surface 29R is connected to a right end of the second lower surface 26. The second right surface 29R faces leftward.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the depth H1 of the first groove 31 is deeper than the depth H2 of the second groove 32. In the embodiment, the depth H1 is a distance between the first lower surface 23 and the lower surface 20 in the up-down direction. The depth H2 is a distance between the second lower surface 26 and the lower surface 20 in the up-down direction. The lower surface 20 is a plane closest to the cleaning target surface in the lower case 2A of the main body 2. That is, the depth H1 of the first groove 31 and the depth H2 of the second groove 32 satisfy the condition of the following Formula (1).

H1>H2 (1)

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a dimension B1 of the first groove 31 in the left-right direction is smaller than a dimension B2 of the second groove 32 in the left-right direction. That is, the dimension B1 of the first groove 31 in the left-right direction and the dimension B2 of the second groove 32 in the left-right direction satisfy the condition of the following Formula (2).

B1<B2 (2)

A dimension Bt of the main body 2 in the left-right direction is greater than a dimension B2 of the second groove 32 in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the center of the first groove 31 and the center of the main body 2 coincide with each other, and the center of the second groove 32 and the center of the main body 2 coincide with each other. A dimension B1 of the first groove 31 in the left-right direction and a dimension Bt of the main body 2 in the left-right direction satisfy the condition of the following Formula (3A). The dimension B1 of the first groove 31 in the left-right direction and the dimension Bt of the main body 2 in the left-right direction may satisfy the condition of the following Formula (3B).

B1≥0.5×Bt (3A)

B1≥0.6×Bt (3B)

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a first width W1 indicating the dimension of the first groove 31 in the front-rear direction is substantially equal to a second width W2 indicating the dimension of the second groove 32 in the front-rear direction. The first width W1 may be greater than the second width W2, or the first width W1 may be smaller than the second width W2. In the embodiment, the first width W1 refers to a dimension in the front-rear direction of a portion of the first groove 31 adjacent to the suction port 6. The first width W1 may be a minimum value of the dimension of the first groove 31 in the front-rear direction. The second width W2 is a dimension in the front-rear direction of a portion of the second groove 32 adjacent to the suction port 6. The second width W2 may be a minimum value of the dimension of the second groove 32 in the front-rear direction.

The first width W1 indicating the dimension of the first groove 31 in the front-rear direction and the depth H2 of the second groove 32 satisfy the condition of the following Formula (4A). The first width W1 indicating the dimension of the first groove 31 in the front-rear direction may satisfy the condition of the following Formula (4B).

W1≥H2 (4A)

W1≥3 mm (4B)

In the embodiment, when the sum of the dimension of the first groove 31 and the dimension of the second groove 32 in the front-rear direction is defined as a total width Wt of the groove 30, the first width W1 of the first groove 31 and the total width Wt of the groove 30 satisfy the condition of the following Formula (5).

W1≤0.9×Wt (5)

A depth H3 indicating the difference between the depth H1 and the depth H2 satisfies the condition of the following Formula (6).

H3≥1.5 mm (6)

The main body 2 has: a left side surface 12L and a right side surface 12R that are connected to the first groove 31; a left side surface 13L and a right side surface 13R that are connected to the second groove 32; and a ceiling surface 14 of the internal flow path 7.

The left side surface 12L is disposed at a boundary between the first lower surface 23 disposed leftward of the suction port 6 and the left end of the suction port 6. The left side surface 12L faces rightward. A right end of the first lower surface 23 disposed leftward of the suction port 6 is connected to a lower end of the left side surface 12L. The right side surface 12R is disposed at a boundary between the first lower surface 23 disposed rightward of the suction port 6 and a right end of the suction port 6. The right side surface 12R faces leftward. A left end of the first lower surface 23 disposed rightward of the suction port 6 is connected to a lower end of the right side surface 12R.

The left side surface 13L is disposed at a boundary between the second lower surface 26 disposed leftward of the suction port 6 and the left end of the suction port 6. The left side surface 13L faces rightward. The right end of the second lower surface 26 disposed leftward of the suction port 6 is connected to a lower end of the left side surface 13L. The right side surface 13R is disposed at a boundary between the second lower surface 26 disposed rightward of the suction port 6 and the right end of the suction port 6. The right side surface 13R faces leftward. The left end of the second lower surface 26 disposed rightward of the suction port 6 is connected to a lower end of the right side surface 13R.

The main body 2 includes a vertical rib 41, a lateral rib 42, and a vertical rib 43. At least a part of the vertical rib 41 is provided on the first front surface 22 of the first groove 31. The vertical rib 41 is provided to extend in the up-down direction. The vertical rib 41 is disposed in plurality at intervals in the left-right direction. The lateral rib 42 is provided on each of the left side surface 13L and the right side surface 13R. The lateral rib 42 is provided to extend in the up-down direction. The lateral rib 42 is disposed in plurality at intervals in the front-rear direction. The vertical rib 43 is provided on the ceiling surface 14. The vertical rib 43 is provided to extend in the front-rear direction. The vertical rib 43 is provided in plurality at intervals in the left-right direction.

The vertical rib 41 is provided to face the internal flow path 7. The vertical rib 41 is provided at the front portion of the internal flow path 7. The vertical rib 41 is provided to protrude rearward from the first front surface 22. In the embodiment, the vertical rib 41 is provided not only on the first front surface 22 but also on a front wall surface of the internal flow path 7. The vertical rib 41 includes a vertical rib 41A provided on the lower case 2A and a vertical rib 41B provided on the upper case 2B.

The lateral rib 42 is provided to face the internal flow path 7. The lateral rib 42 is provided on each of the left part and the right part of the internal flow path 7. At least a part of the lateral rib 42 is provided to protrude rightward from the left side surface 13L. At least a part of the lateral rib 42 is provided to protrude leftward from the right side surface 13R. The lateral rib 42 includes a lateral rib 42A provided on the lower case 2A and a lateral rib 42B provided on the upper case 2B.

The vertical rib 43 is provided to face the internal flow path 7. The vertical rib 43 is provided to protrude downward from the ceiling surface 14. The vertical rib 43 is provided on the upper case 2B. The vertical rib 43 is provided to be connected to the vertical rib 41.

Among the plurality of vertical ribs 41 disposed in the left-right direction, the vertical rib 41 disposed on the leftmost side is disposed leftward of the left end of the suction port 6, and the vertical rib 41 disposed on the rightmost side is disposed rightward of the right end of the suction port 6. That is, in the left-right direction, the formation range of the plurality of vertical ribs 41 is greater than the dimension of the suction port 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a height T1 indicating a protrusion amount of the vertical rib 41 from the first front surface 22 satisfies the condition of the following Formula (7A). The height T1 indicating the protrusion amount of the vertical rib 41 from the first front surface 22 may satisfy the condition of the following Formula (7B).

T1≥1.5 mm (7A)

T1≥2.0 mm (7B)

The thickness D1 indicating the dimension of the vertical rib 41 in the left-right direction satisfies the condition of the following Formula (8).

D1≤3.0 mm (8)

An interval G1 between the pair of vertical ribs 41 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction satisfies the condition of the following Formula (9A). The interval G1 between the pair of vertical ribs 41 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction may satisfy the condition of the following Formula (9B).

G1≤4.0 mm (9A)

2.0 mm≤G1≤3.0 mm (9B)

A height T2 indicating the protrusion amount of the lateral rib 42 from the left side surface 13L or the right side surface 13R satisfies the condition of the following Formula (10A). The height T1 of the lateral rib 42 may satisfy the condition of the following Formula (10B).

T2≥1.5 mm (10A)

T2≥2.0 mm (10B)

A thickness D2 indicating a dimension of lateral rib 42 in the front-rear direction satisfies a condition of the following Formula (11).

D1≤3.0 mm (11)

An interval G2 between the pair of lateral ribs 42 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction satisfies a condition of the following Formula (12A). The interval G2 between the lateral ribs 42 may satisfy the condition of the following Formula (12B).

G2≤4.0 mm (12A)

2.0 mm≤G2≤3.0 mm (12B)

Cleaner

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner 50 including the nozzle 1 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the cleaner 50 includes the nozzle 1, a cleaner main body 51, and a pipe 52 connecting the nozzle 1 and the cleaner main body 51 to each other. The cleaner main body 51 has a handle 53 to be gripped by a user of the cleaner 50. The cleaner 50 is a handy cleaner capable of performing cleaning work in a state where the handle 53 is gripped by the user.

The nozzle 1 is connected to the cleaner main body 51 via the connecting pipe 4. The connecting pipe 4 of the nozzle 1 is connected to one end of the pipe 52. The other end of the pipe 52 is connected to the cleaner main body 51.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cleaner main body 51 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cleaner main body 51 includes: a housing 54; a motor 55 disposed inside the housing 54; a fan 56 disposed inside the housing 54; and a battery 57. The housing 54 includes the handle 53.

The housing 54 includes, at its front end, a suction port 58. The housing 54 includes, at its side portion, an exhaust port 59. The other end of the pipe 52 is inserted into the suction port 58.

The motor 55 is an inner rotor type brushless motor. The motor 55 generates power of rotating the fan 56. The motor 55 is driven by electric power supplied from the battery 57.

The fan 56 is disposed forward of the motor 55. The fan 56 is fixed to a rotor shaft of the motor 55. The fan 56 is rotated by the motor 55. The fan 56 generates a suction force at the suction port 6 of the nozzle 1. Rotation of the fan 56 generates the suction force at the suction port 58 of the housing 54. Generation of the suction force at the suction port 58 of the housing 54 generates a suction force at the suction port 6 of the nozzle 1.

With the generation of the suction force at the suction port 6 of the nozzle 1, the dust on the cleaning target surface is sucked into the suction port 6 together with the air. The air flows through the internal flow path 7 of the main body 2 and the internal flow path of the joint 3, flows through the internal flow path of the connecting pipe 4 and the internal flow path of the pipe 52, and then flows into the internal space of the housing 54 via the suction port 58.

There is provided a filter 60 disposed between the suction port 58 and the fan 56. The filter 60 captures dust contained in the air. The air that has passed through the filter 60 flows into the fan 56 and then is discharged from the exhaust port 59.

Effects

As described above, according to the embodiment, the nozzle 1 includes: the main body 2 having the lower surface 20 that faces the cleaning target surface; the groove 30 provided on the lower surface 20 to be recessed upward from the lower surface 20; and the suction port 6 provided inside the groove 30 to face the cleaning target surface. The groove 30 includes: the first groove 31; and the second groove 32 at least a part of which is provided rearward of the first groove 31. The depth H1 of the first groove 31 is deeper than the depth H2 of the second groove 32.

The above configuration includes the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 on the lower surface 20 of the main body 2, making it possible to uniformize the flow velocity of the air sucked into the suction port 6 from a peripheral edge of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2. That is, this reduces such a space where the flow velocity of the air is locally high. In addition, this suppresses a situation in which the air sucked into the internal flow path 7 of the main body 2 from the suction port 6 strongly hits against the inner wall surface of the internal flow path 7. This leads to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In the embodiment, the center of the groove 30 and the center of the main body 2 coincide with each other in the left-right direction.

The above configuration will reduce the space where the flow velocity of the air is locally high, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In the embodiment, the center of the first groove 31 and the center of the second groove 32 coincide with each other in the left-right direction.

The above configuration will reduce the space where the flow velocity of the air is locally high, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In the embodiment, the dimension B1 of the first groove 31 in the left-right direction and the dimension B2 of the second groove 32 in the left-right direction satisfy the condition B1<B2.

With the above configuration, the first groove 31 is formed inside the second groove 32, allowing the air to smoothly flow from the peripheral edge of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 toward the suction port 6. This suppresses the occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In the embodiment, the center of the suction port 6 and the center of the groove coincide with each other in the left-right direction.

The above configuration allows the air to smoothly flow toward the suction port 6, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In the embodiment, the front end of the suction port 6 and the front end of the first groove 31 coincide with each other. The rear end of the suction port 6 and the front end of the second groove 32 coincide with each other.

With the above configuration, each of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 is divided into left and right portions by one suction port 6. This allows the air to smoothly flow from each of the left end and the right end of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 toward the suction port 6, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In the embodiment, the center of the first groove 31 and the center of the main body 2 coincide with each other in the left-right direction. The dimension B1 of the first groove 31 in the left-right direction and the dimension Bt of the main body 2 in the left-right direction satisfy the condition B1≥0.5×Bt.

The above configuration makes it possible to allow the formation range of the first groove 31 to cover an airflow concentration range, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1. The dimension B1 and dimension Bt may satisfy the condition B1≥0.6×Bt. The dimension B1 and the dimension Bt may satisfy the condition B1≥0.5×Bt or the condition B1≥0.6×Bt.

In the embodiment, the first width W1 indicating the dimension of the first groove 31 in the front-rear direction and the depth H2 satisfy the condition W1≥H2.

The above configuration allows the air from the front end of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 to be smoothly introduced into the first groove 31, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1. The first width W1 may satisfy the condition W1≥3 mm.

In the embodiment, the first width W1 indicating the dimension of the first groove 31 in the front-rear direction and the total width Wt indicating the sum of the dimension of the first groove 31 and the dimension of the second groove 32 in the front-rear direction satisfy the condition W1≤0.9×Wt.

The above configuration allows the air from the left end and right end of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 to be smoothly introduced into the first groove 31, leading to suppression of occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1. By satisfying the conditions of W1≥H2 and W1≤0.9×Wt or the conditions of W1≥H2 and W1≤0.9×Wt, the air from the peripheral edge of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 is smoothly introduced into the first groove 31, leading to effective suppression of occurrence of noise.

In the embodiment, the depth H3 indicating the difference between the depth H1 and the depth H2 satisfies the condition H3≥1.5 mm.

With the above configuration, the first groove 31 is sufficiently deep with respect to the second groove 32, leading to effective suppression of occurrence of noise. The upper limit value of the depth H3 is not particularly limited, but may be 5.0 mm, for example. That is, the depth H3 may satisfy the condition 5.0 mm≥H3≥1.5 mm.

In the embodiment, the inner surface of the first groove 31 includes: the first rear surface 21 connected to the front end of the second groove 32 and facing forward; the first front surface 22 disposed forward of the first rear surface 21 and facing the first rear surface 21; and the first lower surface 23 connecting the upper end of the first rear surface 21 and the upper end of the first front surface 22 with each other. The nozzle 1 includes the vertical rib 41 extending in the up-down direction, and at least a part of the vertical rib 41 is provided on the first front surface 22. The vertical rib 41 is disposed in plurality at intervals in the left-right direction.

In the above configuration, air from the front end of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 passes between the pair of vertical ribs 41 adjacent to each other. The air is straightened by the vertical ribs 41. In addition, a longitudinal vortex is generated between the pair of vertical ribs 41 adjacent to each other. This suppresses occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In one or more embodiments, among the vertical ribs 41 disposed in the left-right direction, the vertical rib 41 disposed on the leftmost side is disposed leftward of the left end of the suction port 6, and the vertical rib 41 disposed on the rightmost side is disposed rightward of the right end of the suction port 6.

With the above configuration, the formation range of the plurality of vertical ribs 41 is greater than the dimension of the suction port 6 in the left-right direction. This allows the air straightened by the vertical ribs 41 to be sucked into the suction port 6.

In the embodiment, the height T1 indicating the protrusion amount of the vertical rib 41 from the first front surface 22 satisfies the condition T1≥1.5 mm.

In the embodiment, the thickness D1 indicating the dimension of the vertical rib 41 in the left-right direction satisfies the condition D1≤3.0 mm.

In the embodiment, the interval G1 between the pair of vertical ribs 41 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction satisfies the condition G1≤4.0 mm.

The above configuration allows the longitudinal vortex to be appropriately generated between the pair of vertical ribs 41 adjacent to each other. The lower limit value of the interval G1 may be 1.0 mm, for example. That is, the interval G1 may satisfy the condition 1.0 mm≤G1≤4.0 mm. The interval G1 may satisfy the condition 2.0 mm≤G1≤3.0 mm.

In the embodiment, the inner surface of the second groove 32 includes: the second lower surface 26 connected to the lower end of the first rear surface 21; and the second rear surface 27 connected to the rear end of the second lower surface 26 and facing forward. The main body 2 includes: the left side surface 13L disposed at a boundary between the second lower surface 26 disposed leftward of the suction port 6 and the left end of the suction port 6; and the right side surface 13R disposed at a boundary between the second lower surface 26 disposed rightward of the suction port 6 and the right end of the suction port 6. The nozzle 1 includes the lateral rib 42 provided on each of the left side surface 13L and the right side surface 13R and extending in the up-down direction. The lateral rib 42 is disposed in plurality at intervals in the front-rear direction.

In the above configuration, air from the left end and the right end of the lower surface 20 of the main body 2 passes between the pair of lateral ribs 42 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. The air is straightened by the lateral rib 42. In addition, a longitudinal vortex is generated between a pair of lateral ribs 42 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. This suppresses occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1.

In the embodiment, the cleaner includes: the nozzle 1; the motor 55; and the fan 56 that is rotated by the motor 55 and generates a suction force at the suction port 6 of the nozzle 1.

In the above configuration, the cleaning target surface is cleaned in a state where occurrence of noise from the nozzle 1 is suppressed.

Other Embodiments

In the above-described embodiment, the roller 9 is provided in plurality. The number of rollers 9 may be one.

In the above-described embodiment, the lower case 2A and the upper case 2B may be integrated with each other.

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.

NOZZLE AND CLEANER

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