JP2005137684A - Pipe joint for vacuum cleaner, and vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner which is suitable for cleaning a floor surface under furniture or the like, and is excellent in durability. <P>SOLUTION: This pipe joint 17 is equipped with a locking device 55 and floor surface contact sections 37 and 64. In this case, the locking device 55 individually has first and second connecting pipe sections 32 and 42 which communicate with each other through a flexible joint hose 50, and controls the relative rotation with each other of first and second joint members 31 and 41 which are connected with each other in a manner to be rotatable. The floor surface contact sections 37 and 64 function as a hose protecting means which protects the joint hose 50 to the floor surface. The locking device 55 can fix the first and second joint members 31 and 41 in a state where an angle formed between the first and second joint members 31 and 41 is a desired one. The fixation and the release of the fixation are selected by a manual operation. The floor surface contact sections 37 and 64 are provided at least one of the first joint member 31 or the second joint member 41 so that the joint hose 50 can be prevented from coming into contact with the floor surface when a bent angle is formed by the first and second joint members 31 and 41 on the floor surface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pipe joint that is used by being attached to an intake air passage portion that guides air sucked from a surface to be cleaned to a cleaner body as desired, and a vacuum cleaner that includes the pipe joint.

  Conventionally, in order to be able to easily clean the sofa, under the bed, etc. without lying down or bending the waist, the hose end can be folded between the extension tube and the specified state. A flexible hose that can be bent between two pipes, an arm projecting from each pipe along the hose, and a space between each arm. There is known a vacuum cleaner formed of a rotary connecting portion that is rotatably connected to be fixed in a predetermined state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In Patent Document 1, the width of an arm that rotatably connects both pipes is narrower than the thickness of the flexible hose, and the flexible hose protrudes in the vertical direction with respect to these arms. Moreover, in patent document 1, the protruding piece which gave elasticity to the edge part of an outer arm is provided, the U-shaped convex part which forms a recessed part inside is formed in the surface of an inner arm, and both pipes are As the projection rotates, the projecting piece gets over the convex part and fits into the concave part, so that both pipes are automatically fixed in a straight line.
JP 2000-300484 A (paragraphs 0043-0053, FIGS. 7-10)

  When cleaning the underside of the bed with the electric vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1, the upstream pipe connected to the suction tool via the extension pipe is arranged along the floor surface, and the downstream pipe connected to the grip is Arranged diagonally away from the floor, the flexible hose is bent according to these arrangements. However, as described above, the flexible hose protrudes downward with respect to the arm in the use mode because the flexible hose protrudes in the vertical direction with respect to the arm in which both pipes are rotatably connected. Is liable to wear due to contact with the floor surface, and there is a high risk of impairing its life. Further, the projecting piece of the arm and the U-shaped convex portion rub against each other and are disengaged, so that the durability is inferior.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner which are suitable for cleaning a floor surface or the like below furniture and have excellent durability.

  The pipe joint of the present invention has first and second connecting pipe parts that communicate with each other via a flexible joint hose, and are first and second joint members that are rotatably coupled to each other. A locking device that controls the relative rotation of each other, and a hose protection means that protects the joint hose against the floor surface. The locking device can fix the first and second joint members in a state where an angle formed between the first and second joint members is desired, and the fixing and the release of the fixing can be performed. It is selected by manual operation. The hose protection means makes contact with the floor surface of the joint hose when the first and second joint members make a bend on the floor surface of at least one of the first joint member or the second joint member. It is provided to prevent.

  The pipe joint of the present invention is used by connecting both of these intake pipes between a first intake pipe and a second intake pipe that are disposed relatively upstream and downstream. By manually operating the lock device for this pipe joint and releasing the fixation of the first and second joint members, the angle formed by the first and second joint members can be freely changed without being fixed. By manually operating the lock device and fixing the first and second joint members, the first and second connecting pipe portions can be fixed and used in a desired angle. For this reason, it is possible to change the usage pattern of the intake air passage portion in accordance with the situation such as the height of the user and the cleaning place. When the first and second connecting pipe portions make a desired bending angle, when the floor surface facing the lower space of the furniture is cleaned, the hose protection means contacts the floor surface of the joint hose. Therefore, the flexible hose can be prevented from being worn.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is suitable for cleaning the floor surface etc. of the lower part of furniture, and the pipe joint and vacuum cleaner for vacuum cleaners which were excellent in durability can be provided.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  10A and 10B, reference numeral 11 denotes a canister-type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 11 includes a cleaner main body 12, an intake air passage portion 15 that guides intake air to the main body 12, and a pipe joint 17. The pipe joint 17 is prepared as an attachment and used in combination with the intake air passage portion 15 as necessary.

  The main body case of the vacuum cleaner body 12 incorporates electrical components such as an electric blower (not shown). A dust collecting part is provided on the suction side of the electric blower. The dust collection part has a filter attached to and detached from the main body case, for example. The main body case is provided with wheels and casters for facilitating movement of the cleaner main body 12 along the surface to be cleaned such as the floor surface, and is provided with a suction port 13 communicating with the dust collecting portion. .

  The intake air passage portion 15 includes a plurality of intake pipes 21 to 24 that are detachably connected to each other, an intake port body 25, and an intake hose 26. The intake pipes 21 to 24 are all made of a hard material such as a hard synthetic resin.

  The intake hose 26 has flexibility and can be easily deformed. The intake hose 26 has the intake pipe 24 at one end in the longitudinal direction which is the tip thereof. The intake pipe 24 is a pipe located on the most downstream side among the intake pipes 21 to 24 connected to each other. The intake pipe 24 functions as a grip pipe for operating the intake air passage section 15. For this purpose, the intake pipe 24 has a handle portion 24a in this embodiment. The handle portion 24a is provided independently of and away from the intake air passage that guides the intake air. The handle part 24a has an operation part (not shown) for giving an operation command to the electric blower. The handle portion 24a may be omitted and the intake pipe 24 may be directly gripped.

  The intake hose 26 has a connecting tube 27 made of hard synthetic resin at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The connection pipe 27 is detachably connected to the suction port 13.

  Among the intake pipes 21 to 23 arranged on the upstream side of the intake pipe 24, the intake pipes 22 and 23 are used as two-joint type extension pipes. The downstream end of the downstream intake pipe 23 can be detachably connected to the intake pipe 24. The upstream end of the downstream intake pipe 23 and the downstream end of the upstream intake pipe 22 can be detachably connected. The downstream end of the upstream intake pipe 22 can be detachably connected to the intake pipe 24.

  The suction port body 25 has a suction opening (not shown) for sucking dust on the surface to be cleaned. The intake pipe 21 of the suction port body 25 is used as a connection pipe to an extension pipe or the like, and is positioned at the center in the width direction at the rear part of the suction port body 25 so that it can be tilted up and down. Is rotatably mounted on the The intake pipe 21 is a pipe located on the most upstream side among the intake pipes 21 to 24 connected to each other. The downstream end of the intake pipe 21 can be detachably connected to the intake pipe 24 and can also be detachably connected to the upstream end of the upstream intake pipe 22 or the upstream end of the downstream intake pipe 23. .

  For this reason, when the pipe joint 17 is not used, the suction port body 25 and the intake hose 26 are communicated with each other via the intake air passage portion 15 that is assembled linearly by connecting the intake pipes 21 to 24. The vacuum cleaner 11 can be used. In addition, it does not prevent incorporating the rotary cleaning body rotated by suction air in the suction inlet 25, or incorporating the motor and the rotational cleaning body rotated by this power.

  The pipe joint 17 is used to connect the intake pipes disposed relatively upstream and downstream of the intake pipes 21 to 24 in a communicating state. The pipe joint 17 can connect the intake pipes 22 and 23, connect the intake pipes 23 and 24, or connect the intake pipes 21 and 22 to each other. Selected by the person.

  10A and 10B, the upstream side intake pipe is the intake pipe 22 and the downstream side intake pipe is the intake pipe 23 with respect to the pipe joint 17. In the present specification, among the intake pipes that are disposed relatively adjacent to the upstream side and the downstream side with respect to the intake airflow, the upstream side intake pipe is referred to as a first intake pipe, and the downstream side intake pipe Is referred to as the second intake pipe, or a portion located on the upstream side of the portions adjacent to the upstream side and the downstream side relative to the intake airflow in the intake air passage portion 15 is defined as the upstream side portion. The part located downstream is called a downstream part.

  The pipe joint 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. The pipe joint 17 includes a first joint member 31, a second joint member 41, a joint hose 50, a torsion spring 51 that functions as an urging body, a lock device 55, and a floor contact that functions as a hose protection means. Parts 37 and 64. The first and second joint members 31, 41 are disposed adjacent to the upstream side and the downstream side relative to the suction airflow, and in this specification, the upstream side joint member is referred to as the first joint member. The member 31 is referred to as a downstream joint member and the second joint member 41 is referred to as a member 31.

  The first joint member 31 made of hard synthetic resin has a first connecting pipe portion 32 and a pair of first connecting arms 33 and 34. The first connection pipe portion 32 is a straight tube, and one end portion in the axial direction thereof is detachably fitted to and connected to the first intake pipe. Reference numeral 31a indicates a cover of the first joint member 31 that covers a terminal fitting (not shown) for electrical connection with the first intake pipe, and the through hole 31b has a first intake pipe and a cover. A pressing portion of an operation member (not shown) for fixing and releasing the connection is passed.

  First connecting arms 33 and 34 are provided at the other axial end of the first connecting pipe portion 32 so as to extend in the axial direction of the first connecting pipe portion 32 and project integrally therewith. The first connecting arms 33 and 34 are flat and are provided in parallel to each other so that the other axial end of the first connecting pipe portion 32 is sandwiched from both radial sides. On the outer side surfaces of the first connecting arms 33 and 34, pivot portions 35 and 36 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) each having a very short columnar shape are integrally provided so as to protrude away from each other.

  On the outer surface of one of the first connecting arms 33, for example, a disk-shaped floor surface contact portion 37 is provided integrally or connected to the pivot portion 35. The floor surface contact portion 37 functions as a hose protection means for preventing contact between the joint hose 50 and the floor surface by contacting the floor surface when cleaning the floor surface facing the lower space of the furniture, For this purpose, the floor contact portion 37 is formed in such a size that the arc-shaped lower edge 37a (see FIGS. 3 and 5) protrudes most downward in the pipe joint 17.

  It is preferable that the floor surface contact portion 37 has a disk shape in that the connection portion of the first and second joint members 31 and 41 is covered so that the appearance of the pipe joint 17 can be improved. In addition, it is preferable in terms of safety because it is possible to prevent the connection part from being caught. Furthermore, the disk-shaped floor surface contact portion 37 is also preferable in that a large support surface can be secured on which a finger is applied in the pushing operation of the locking device 55 described later.

  On the outer surface of the other first connecting arm 34, a fixed clutch plate 38 having a disk shape that is slightly smaller in diameter than the floor surface contact portion 37 is provided integrally or connected to the pivot portion 36. As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the fixed clutch plate 38 has, for example, a concave spring receiving portion 38a at the center thereof, and a large number of teeth 38b arranged radially around the spring receiving portion 38a. doing. It is preferable that the fixed clutch plate 38 has a disk shape in that the connection portion of the first and second joint members 31 and 41 is covered so that the appearance of the pipe joint 17 can be improved. Since it can suppress that a thing is pinched | interposed into a connection part, it is preferable also in terms of safety.

  The second joint member 41 made of hard synthetic resin includes a second connecting pipe portion 42 and a pair of projecting projections extending in the axial direction of the second connecting pipe portion 42 at one axial end portion of the second connecting pipe portion 42. Second connection arms 43 and 44. The second connecting pipe portion 42 is a straight tube, and the other axial end thereof is detachably fitted to and connected to the second intake pipe. Reference numeral 41a denotes an engagement groove in which a locking portion of an operation member (not shown) provided in the second intake pipe is detachably engaged in order to fix and release the connection with the second intake pipe. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a pair of arm lower half portions 43 a and 44 a are integrally projected at one end portion in the axial direction of the second connecting pipe portion 42. Further, a U-shaped member 45 having upper arm halves 43b and 44b on both sides is attached to one axial end portion of the second connecting pipe portion. The arm lower half 43a and the arm upper half 43b of the U-shaped member 45 are continuously connected in the vertical direction to form one second connecting arm 43. Similarly, the arm lower half 44a and the U-shaped member 45 The second upper connecting arm 44 is continuous with the upper arm half 44b in the vertical direction.

  Each of the second connecting arms 43 and 44 has a flat plate shape, and is provided in parallel with each other so that the other axial end of the first connecting pipe portion 32 is sandwiched from both radial sides. A semicircular bearing groove that opens upward is provided at the tip of the arm lower half 43a, 44a, and a semicircular bearing groove that opens downward is also provided at the tip of the arm upper half 43b, 44b. It has been. The upper and lower bearing grooves are combined with each other to form a circular bearing hole, and these bearing holes are rotatably fitted to the corresponding pivot portions 35 or 36, respectively. As a result, one first connecting arm 43 and one second connecting arm 44 at a position corresponding to the first connecting arm 43 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the pivot portion 35, and similarly, the other first connecting arm 43 and this Is connected to the other second connecting arm 44 at a position corresponding to the pivotal portion 36 so as to be rotatable.

  As described above, the first and second joint members 31 and 41 that are rotatably connected to each other are in a state in which the later-described fixing by the lock device 55 is released, and the first and second joint members 31 and 41 are connected to each other. It is urged | biased by the torsion spring 51 (refer FIG. 9) so that it may be arrange | positioned on this extension line. The torsion spring 51 has a spiral shape and is disposed on the inner side of the floor contact portion 37 connected to the first joint member 31, and one outer end thereof is fixed to the floor contact portion 37, and the inner periphery The other end of the side is fixed to one second connecting arm 44. As shown in FIG. 10 (A), the torsion spring 51 has the first and second joint members 31 and 41 arranged on the extension lines of each other as shown in FIG. 10 (B). When the two joint members 31 and 41 make a bending angle β, the joint members 31 and 41 are wound and accumulated with a spring force.

  The joint hose 50 is flexible, and as a suitable example, a hose formed of a material such as soft vinyl chloride or elastomer and having a bellows shape so as to be freely bent is used. The joint hose 50 has one axial end connected to the first connecting pipe portion 32 via an adhesive or the like, and the other axial end connected to the second connecting pipe portion 42 via an adhesive or the like. The first and second joint members 31, 41 are communicated with each other.

  The configuration in which the first and second joint members 31 and 41 are communicated using the joint hose 50 is simple in structure and has no fear of air leakage, and the wind of the first and second connection pipe portions 32 and 42 Since the cross-sectional area of the road and the air-path cross-sectional area of the communication path (joint hose 50) can be kept substantially the same, the pressure loss in the pipe joint 17 is suppressed, and the intake performance of the vacuum cleaner 1 is difficult to deteriorate. It is preferable in that it can suppress clogging of waste. The joint hose 50 includes one first and second connection arms 33 and 44 that are rotatably connected to each other, and the other first and second connection arms 34 and 44 that are also rotatably connected to each other. Between the two. The diameter of the joint hose 50 is smaller than the diameter of the floor contact portion 37, so that the joint hose 50 does not protrude below the lower edge 37a forming the arc shape of the floor contact portion 37 in any state. ing.

  As representatively shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of electric wires 47 are wired over the first and second joint members 31 and 41 connected to each other. Specifically, the other first and second connecting arms 34 and 44 connected to each other are preferably formed with grooves 34d and 44d opened on the upper end surfaces, respectively, and the connecting pipe extends over these grooves 34d and 44d. An intermediate portion of the electric wire 47 that is detached from the portions 32 and 42 is accommodated. A part of the intermediate portion is separated from the grooves 34d and 44d and extends between the first and second connecting arms 34 and 44. The end surfaces of the other first and second connection arms 34 and 44 are arranged so that the electric wire portions are not sandwiched with the rotation of the other first and second connection arms 34 and 44. It is provided to leave with a margin.

  Thus, one end of the electric wire 47 which bypasses the joint hose 50 and is wired over the first and second joint members 31, 41 is drawn into the first joint member 31, and is built into the first joint member 31. Connected to the terminal fitting. The other ends of the electric wires 47 are connected to terminal pins 48 provided on the second joint member 41, respectively. These terminal pins 48 are connected to other electric wires 49 wired to the second joint member 41.

  The electric wires 47 and 49 are used both as a power supply line and / or a signal line for the electric parts attached to the suction port body 25. In the configuration in which the electric wire 47 is provided over the first and second joint members 31 and 41 by bypassing the joint hose 50 as described above, it is not necessary to provide the electric wire 47 along the joint hose 50 in a spiral shape, for example. . This is preferable in that the flexibility of the joint hose 50 can be prevented from being impaired by the electric wire 47.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the locking device 55 includes a meshing clutch 56 and an interlocking mechanism 61 having a push button 60, and the first and second joint members 31 that are rotatably connected. 41, the first and second joint members 31, 41 can be fixed in a desired state, and the fixing and the release of the fixing can be selected by manual operation. It is configured.

  In other words, the locking device 55 fixes the first and second joint members 31 and 41 in a desired state when the meshing clutch 56 is engaged, and the first and second engagement members 31 and 41 are disengaged. The second joint members 31 and 41 are allowed to rotate, and the meshing state of the meshing clutch 56 and this meshing are released alternately by the interlocking mechanism 61 that interlocks with the repeated pushing operation of the push button 60. The state, that is, the fixation and the release thereof can be obtained.

  The mesh clutch 56 includes the fixed clutch plate 38, a movable clutch plate 57 that contacts and separates from the fixed clutch plate 38, and a spring 58 that urges the movable clutch plate 57 in a direction away from the fixed clutch plate 38. The disc-shaped movable clutch plate 57 has a large number of teeth 57b that are arranged radially on the periphery thereof and mesh with the teeth 38b. The spring 58 is sandwiched between the spring receiving portion 38 a of the fixed clutch plate 38 and the central portion of the movable clutch plate 57.

  The interlocking mechanism 61 that interlocks the meshing clutch 56 includes a push button 60, a rotary piece 62, a spring 63, and a floor contact portion 64 that functions as hose protection means.

  The push button 60 has a cylindrical shape with one end closed and the other end opened, and has a shaft 60a at the center thereof. The shaft 60a protrudes from the opening at the other open end of the push button 60. On the outer peripheral surface of the push button 60, ribs 60b extending in the axial direction are provided so as to project at intervals along the circumferential direction. The opening edge at the other end of the push button 60 is formed as an uneven opening edge 60c in which V-shaped groove portions and convex portions are alternately continuous. The movable clutch plate 57 is fixed to the shaft 60a at a predetermined distance from the uneven opening edge 60c. Therefore, the movable clutch plate 57 can move in the axial direction together with the push button 60.

  The rotary piece 62 and the spring 63 are disposed between the concave / convex opening edge 60c and the movable clutch plate 57, and the rotary piece 62 is biased toward the concave / convex opening edge 60c by the spring 63. The rotary piece 62 is fitted to the shaft 60a so as to be movable in the axial direction and rotatable about the axis. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rotary piece 62 includes a concave and convex annular portion 62 a in which V-shaped grooves and convex portions are alternately continued, and a plurality of driven convex portions positioned at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. Part 62b. The uneven annular portion 62a can be engaged and disengaged so as to engage with the uneven opening edge 60c. Each driven convex portion 62b is provided on the outer peripheral side of the rotary piece 62 with respect to the concave and convex annular portion 62a. These driven convex portions 62b are continuous in the radial direction of the rotary piece 62 with respect to a plurality of convex portions located at predetermined intervals among the convex portions of the inner concave and convex annular portion 62a.

  The floor surface contact portion 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape by joining a pair of semi-cylindrical members 64a and 64b to each other and bonding them together. The floor contact portion 64 has the same diameter as the floor contact portion 37. The floor surface contact portion 64 accommodates the meshing clutch 56 and is fixed to the other second connecting arm 44 with an adhesive.

  A hole in which the push button 60 is disposed is provided at the center of the end wall 64c of the floor surface contact portion 64, and an annular cam is provided inside the floor surface contact portion 64 along the edge of the hole. A wall 65 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is integrally provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the cam wall 65 includes a cam convex portion 65b having an oblique cam surface 65a, a locking groove 65c, and a guide groove 65d. Each locking groove 65c is provided on one end side of the cam surface 65a close to the end wall 64c so as to be continuous with the cam surface 65a. Since the locking grooves 65c and the cam projections 65b are alternately provided, the side surface 65f located on the opposite side of the locking groove 65c of the cam wall 65 continues to the adjacent locking groove 65c. Yes. The side surface 65f stands with respect to the end wall 64c. Each guide groove 65 d is provided close to the side surface 65 f of the cam wall 65. The guide groove 65d is formed by connecting a shallow groove portion and a deep groove portion, and has a step portion 65e that forms a boundary between these groove portions. A deep groove portion of the guide groove 65d is open to the cam surface 65a.

  The push button 60 inserted into the end wall 64c of the floor surface contact portion 64 is fitted with the rib 60b in the shallow groove portion of each guide groove 65d to be prevented from rotating and movable along the axial direction. The shallow groove is supported by the end of the shallow groove on the end wall 64c side to prevent it from coming off. The push button 60 is pushed and operated with the thumb so that it and the floor contact portion 37 are gripped by the user's thumb and other fingers.

  The state in which the push button 60 is pushed in is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this state, the engagement state of the engagement clutch 56 is maintained. The two joint members 31 and 41 are fixed to a desired angle state. Further, the state in which the push button 60 is pushed in next is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In this state, the mesh clutch 56 is disengaged (unlocked). Therefore, the fixing of the first and second joint members 31 and 41 is released, and a free state in which the first and second joint members 31 and 41 can be rotated to have a desired angle is obtained.

  In the locked state, the movable clutch plate 57 disposed so as to face the fixed clutch plate 38 of the meshing clutch 56 is meshed with the pushing operation of the push button 60. In this case, since the concave / convex opening edge 60c of the push button 60 is in contact with the concave / convex annular portion 62a of the rotary piece 62, the rotary piece 62 and the driven convex portion 62b along the side surface 65f of the cam wall 65 together with the push button 60. It is moved in the axial direction. Since the engagement between the concave / convex opening edge 60c and the concave / convex annular portion 62a is set so as to be shifted in the circumferential direction, the rotating piece 62 is subjected to the inclination of the V-shaped portion by the biasing force of the spring 63. The component force is given in the direction of rotation.

  Therefore, at the same time as the rotation piece 62 is removed from the side surface 65f by the movement described above, the rotation piece 62 starts to rotate, and the driven convex portion 62b is transferred to the cam surface 65a of the cam wall 65, and the cam surface 65a The rotation of the rotary piece 62 continues so as to move toward the locking groove 65c according to the inclination. As a result, the driven convex portion 62b immediately enters the deep groove portion of the guide groove 65d in the vicinity of the side surface 65f by the force of the spring 63 and engages with the step portion 65e. In other words, the push button 60 and the movable clutch plate 57 are held in the push-in position by the positioning by this engagement, and the lock device 55 is locked.

  The unlocked state is obtained by pressing the push button 60 from the locked state. In this unlocked state, the movable clutch plate 57 is separated from the fixed clutch plate 38 of the meshing clutch 56 by the force of the spring 58, and the meshing is released. That is, when the push button 60 is pushed in the locked state, the rotary piece 62 is pushed through the contact between the uneven opening edge 60c of the push button 60 and the rotary piece 62, so that the driven convex portion 62b is placed on the cam surface 65a. It is extruded from the deep groove portion of the guide groove 65d so as to reach. As a result, the rotary piece 62 receiving the component force in the rotation direction cannot be prevented from rotating, so that the driven convex portion 62b slides on the cam surface 65a in the direction in which the driven convex portion 62b approaches the locking groove 65c. The rotary piece 62 is rotated. Accordingly, immediately after the movable clutch plate 57 is pushed back by the force of the spring 58 and separated from the fixed clutch plate 38, the driven convex portion 62b enters and engages so as to fall into the locking groove 65c. Match. That is, the push button 60 and the movable clutch plate 57 are held at the push-in release position by the positioning by this engagement, and the lock device 55 is in a state of releasing the fixation of the first and second joint members 31 and 41.

  Then, when the push button 60 is pushed in from this state, the locked state is established. Therefore, the above-described locked state and unlocked state are repeatedly realized alternately every time the push button 60 is repeatedly pressed. Since the lock device 55 having the above-described configuration can obtain a moderation feeling as the rotary piece 62 moves in the axial direction, it is easy to check the locked state and the unlocked state. At the same time, since the moderation is not obtained with flexible deformation, the durability is excellent. Further, as the push button 60 is repeatedly pushed, the push button 60 protrudes and sinks with respect to the end wall 64c, so that the push button 60 can be notified of the locked state and the unlocked state at the position of the push button 60.

  In order to attach the pipe joint 17 described above between the intake pipes 22 and 23 used as extension pipes, for example, the first connection pipe part 32 is fitted and connected to the downstream end of the intake pipe 22. The first and second intake pipes can be connected to each other by the pipe joint 17 by fitting and connecting the second connection pipe section 42 to the upstream end of the intake pipe 23.

  In normal cleaning, the pipe joint 17 is used in a standard state in which the first and second joint members 31 and 41 are in a straight line shape shown in FIGS. FIG. 10A shows a state in which the intake pipes 22 and 23 are connected via the pipe joint 17 in this state. The intake pipes 22 and 23 are arranged on the extension lines of each other and are in a straight line. Yes. For this reason, it is possible to perform cleaning in the same form as when the intake pipes 22 and 23 are directly connected and the intake air passage 15 is assembled and cleaned.

  By the way, when cleaning the bottom of furniture with legs such as the sofa A as shown in FIG. 10 (B), the pipes are connected by the pipe joint 17 and the intake pipes 22 and 23 on the downstream side are connected to the pipe joint. What is necessary is just to bend | fold around 17 and use it. In order to obtain this bent state, first, the push button 60 is pushed in to disengage the mesh clutch 56 of the lock device 55, and the first and second joint members 31 and 41 are unlocked by the lock device 55. To do. Accordingly, the first and second joint members 31 and 41 are in a free state in which relative rotation is not hindered, and these can freely rotate over a predetermined angle range without being restrained by each other. Become.

  Next, when the first and second joint members 31 and 41 are rotated by a desired angle, the push button 60 is pushed again to engage the mesh clutch 56 of the lock device 55 to lock the joint. The members 31 and 41 are constrained so that they cannot rotate relatively. For this reason, the intake pipes 22 and 23 that are fitted and connected to the connection pipe portions 32 and 42 of the joint members 31 and 41 are positioned away from the extension lines of each other, as shown in FIG. The angle bent at (the bending angle β) is maintained. In this case, the bending angle β formed by the joint members 31 and 41 can be arbitrarily set. That is, the bending angle β that the user considers appropriate for cleaning can be selected with respect to the height position of the handle portion 24a depending on the width of the sofa A, the length of the legs, or the height of the user and the length of the hand.

  In this way, the lower side of the sofa A can be cleaned with the intake pipes 22 and 23 on the upstream side adjacent to each other at the desired folding angle β. For this reason, it is not necessary to lie down the intake air passage portion 15, and even if the user bends down, it can be light, and the fatigue of the user can be reduced. Thereby, the bottom of the sofa A can be easily cleaned to every corner without difficulty.

  Since the floor contact portions 37 and 64 of the pipe joint 17 serving as the bending center of the intake pipes 22 and 23 in this cleaning are in contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface), they are arranged on the upstream side of the pipe joint 17. Thus, the intake pipe 22 along the floor does not rub against the floor, and the joint hose 50 of the pipe joint 17 does not touch the floor and rub against the floor. For this reason, it is possible not only to easily push and pull the intake air passage portion 15 when cleaning the sofa A, but also to prevent the joint hose 50 from being worn. And since the floor surface contact parts 37 and 64 were provided in the 1st joint member 31, even if the bending angle (beta) changed, the relative position of the floor surface contact parts 37 and 64 with respect to a floor surface does not change, but the joint hose 50 Can be reliably suppressed from rubbing against the floor surface.

  In addition, since the spring force of the torsion spring 51 is stored in the use state shown in FIG. 10B, cleaning is performed with the first and second joint members 31 and 41 fixed by the lock device 55 released. When doing so, the intake pipe 21 on the upstream side connected to the first joint member 31 is pressed against the floor surface. In this case, the restoring force due to the elasticity of the joint hose 50 curved according to the bending angle β can be used as a pressing force in the floor surface direction. For this reason, since it can clean while pressing so that the suction opening of the suction inlet 25 may not leave | separate from a floor surface, dust suction performance is good.

  FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Since the other embodiments are basically the same as one embodiment, parts having the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the one embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. A different part from a form is demonstrated.

  The pipe joint 17 of the embodiment shown in FIG. The cleaning tool 71 is formed by attaching a cleaning member 73 to a base 72. The cleaning member 73 is a bristle in the illustrated example, but may be a sponge, felt, or a soft blade. The cleaning tool 71 is movably attached to one of the first and second connection pipe portions 32, 42, for example, the first connection pipe portion 32. In the illustrated example, a U-shaped base 72 is pivotally attached to the first connecting pipe portion 32 via a pivot shaft 74 so that it can move between a storage position indicated by a solid line and a use position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Is provided. In the retracted position, the cleaning member 73 is held in a state that does not protrude forward from the distal end opening of the first connection pipe part 32, and in the use position, the cleaning member 73 is held in a state projected forward from the distal end opening of the first connection pipe part 32. Is done. The cleaning tool 71 is moved manually by the user. The cleaning tool 71 is held so as not to be inadvertently rotated by positioning means (not shown) in each of the storage position and the use position.

  When cleaning the wall or sash groove without using the suction port body 25, the intake pipe on the most upstream side, preferably the intake pipes 22 and 23 (see FIG. 10) is removed and the intake pipe is removed. What is necessary is just to connect the pipe joint 17 there. In this case, the second connecting pipe portion 42 of the pipe joint 17 is inserted and connected to the intake pipe 24 so that the cleaning tool 71 attached to the first connecting pipe portion 32 opened to the uppermost stream end is denoted by 2 in FIG. Cleaning is performed by rotating to the use position indicated by the dotted line. As a result, the dust can be sucked through the front end opening of the first connecting pipe portion 32 while dust is scraped off by the cleaning member 73. In addition, when the cleaning tool 71 is attached to the first connecting pipe portion 32 of the pipe joint 17, the direction of connection of the pipe joint 17 to the intake pipe 24 or the like is determined when the sash groove or the like is cleaned. 17 cleaning tools 71 can be designated as a guide. For this reason, it is possible to suppress connection errors to the intake pipe 24 and the like.

  The present invention is not limited to the both embodiments. For example, the floor surface contact portion may be formed by a spacer convex portion or the like that protrudes downward from the first connecting pipe portion 32 on the upstream side. Further, the floor contact portion may be configured to have, for example, a flat plate shape extending from the first connecting pipe portion 32 toward the second connecting pipe portion 42 and covering the joint hose 50 from below. Further, the floor contact portion can be provided on the second joint member on the downstream side.

  In both the above-described embodiments, the first and second joint members 31 and 41 are connected to each other so that the disk-shaped floor surface contact portions 37 and 64 having a circular arc shape at least in the lower portion are provided in the connecting portion. The floor contact portions 37 and 64 may be provided on the pair of second connection arms 43 and 44 included in the second joint member 41. Alternatively, one of the floor contact portions 37 and 64 may be provided. While providing the first joint member 31, the other may be provided on the second joint member 41.

  Then, no matter how the floor contact portions 37 and 64 are provided, a contact layer made of a low friction material is provided on the lower edge of the arc or the like, or a cushion such as mohair, brushed cloth, felt or the like is provided. A contact layer made of a member can be provided, or a contact layer made of a soft material can be provided. In these cases, the floor surface contact portions 37 and 64 are preferable on the point that at least one of the floor surface contact portions 37 and 64 can be easily slid on the floor surface and the operability is improved or the floor surface is prevented from being damaged.

  Also, the push button 60 of the interlocking mechanism 61 can be made of a soft material. Furthermore, it is also possible to carry out by providing the disc-shaped floor contact portion 64 and the fixed clutch plate separately. In this case, the disk-like floor surface contact portions 37 and 64 are preferably provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the connecting arm that supports them, thereby reducing the contact resistance of the floor surface contact portions 37 and 64 to the floor surface. It can be reduced to improve operability. In this case, in order to prevent the floor surface from being damaged, the peripheral surfaces of the rotatable floor surface contact portions 37 and 64 functioning as rollers are softer than the floor surface and have good slipperiness with respect to the floor surface. It is preferable to attach a contact layer made of material or to make the rotatable floor surface contact portions 37 and 64 themselves made of a soft material.

The top view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention seeing from the direction different from FIG. The disassembled perspective view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention seeing from a different direction from FIG. (A) is a top view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, remove | eliminating a part of locking device in the state which the locking device fixed both joint members. (B) is a perspective view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention with a part of the locking device removed with the locking device fixing both joint members. (A) is a top view which removes a part of lock device and shows a pipe joint concerning one embodiment of the present invention in the state where a lock device released fixation of both joint members. (B) is a perspective view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention with a part of the locking device removed in a state where the locking device has released both joint members. The partial top view which removes a part of lock device and shows the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention in the state which the lock device released | released fixation of both joint members. (A) is a side view which shows the 1st usage pattern of the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (B) is a side view which shows the 2nd usage pattern of the pipe joint which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the pipe joint which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Vacuum cleaner, 12 ... Vacuum cleaner main body, 13 ... Suction inlet, 15 ... Intake air passage part, 17 ... Pipe joint, 21-24 ... Intake pipe, 25 ... Suction inlet body, 26 ... Intake hose, 31 ... No. 1 joint member, 32 ... first connecting pipe part, 33, 34 ... first connecting arm, 35, 36 ... pivot part, 37 ... floor surface contact part (hose protection means), 38 ... fixed clutch plate, 41 ... second Joint member, 42 ... second joint pipe part, 43, 44 ... second connection arm, 47 ... electric wire, 50 ... joint hose, 51 ... torsion spring (biasing body), 55 ... locking device, 56 ... meshing clutch, 57 ... movable clutch plate, 58 ... spring, 60 ... push button, 61 ... interlocking mechanism, 64 ... floor surface contact portion (hose protection means), 71 ... cleaning tool

Claims (8)

A plurality of intake pipes that are detachably connected to each other, an intake port body having an intake pipe located at the most upstream end of these intake pipes, and one end of each intake pipe that is located at the most downstream end Removably attached to an intake air passage having an intake hose connected to an intake port of a cleaner body having a built-in electric blower at the other end. A pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner that connects the first and second intake pipes arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side in a communicating state,
A first joint member having a pair of first connection arms and a first connection pipe portion detachably connected to the first intake pipe;
A second joint member having a pair of second connection arms rotatably connected to the pair of first connection arms, and a second connection pipe portion detachably connected to the second intake pipe; ,
A flexible joint hose disposed between a pair of first and second connecting arms connected to each other through the first and second connecting pipe portions;
It is possible to fix the first and second joint members in a desired state between the first and second joint members, and the fixing and the release of the fixing can be performed manually. With a locking device selected,
At least one of the first joint member or the second joint member so as to prevent contact of the joint hose with the floor surface when the first and second joint members make a bend on the floor surface. Hose protection means provided in
A pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner comprising:   The pipe joint for vacuum cleaners of Claim 1 WHEREIN: The said hose protection means is provided in the said 1st joint member located in an upstream with respect to a said 2nd joint member.   The pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hose protection means is provided below the lower end of the joint hose in a state where the first and second joint members are arranged on an extension line of each other. It is a floor surface contact part provided in a pair of said 1st or 2nd connection arm so that it may protrude.   The pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking device fixes the first and second joint members in a desired state in a meshed state. It has a meshing clutch that allows rotation of the first and second joint members in a state of disengagement, and a push button that is repeatedly pressed, and alternates in conjunction with repeated pushing of the push button. And an interlocking mechanism for obtaining a meshing state of the meshing clutch and a state in which the meshing is disengaged.   The pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first locking device and the second locking member are allowed to rotate in a state where the first and second coupling members are allowed to rotate. A biasing body that biases the two joint members so as to be disposed on the extension lines of each other is provided.   The pipe joint for a vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an electric wire is provided over the first and second joint members, and the first and second of the electric wire are provided. A portion deviated from the connecting pipe portion is wired along the first and second connecting arms so as to bypass the joint hose.   The pipe joint for electric vacuum cleaners according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a cleaning tool having a brush on the first joint member located on the upstream side with respect to the second joint member, The brush is provided so as to be movable between a retracted position that does not protrude from the tip opening located on the upstream side of the first connecting pipe portion and a use position where the brush protrudes from the tip opening. A vacuum cleaner body with a built-in electric blower,
A suction port having a suction opening for sucking dust;
An intake air passage portion that communicates the suction port body with the vacuum cleaner body;
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, which is provided between an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the intake air passage portion and connects the upstream portion and the downstream portion in a communicating state. Pipe fittings,
A vacuum cleaner comprising:

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