[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vacuum cleaner in which an electric
blowing part is elastically supported by elastic members.
[Background Art]
[0002] Such kinds of electric vacuum cleaners have conventionally included a vacuum cleaner
main body in which an electric blower having a centrifugal fan and a motor for rotating
the centrifugal fan in the front and rear is housed in a blowing chamber as a housing
chamber formed by partitioning the inside of a main body case. The electric blower
is held, in a manner that its outer circumferential surface on the motor side is clamped,
from the upper side and lower side, by a pair of plate springs opposite to each other,
so as to be elastically supported with respect to the main body case, and thus vibration
of the electric blower can be hardly transmitted to the main body case (see
JP-4-193143-A).
[0003] JP-2001-204655-A, corresponding to the preamble of claim 1, discloses an arrangement in which there
are two elastic members and one further elastic member supporting the electric blowing
part with respect to the main body case.
JP-5-084195 discloses in Figure 10 an arrangement in which there are two groups of springs at
different axial positions of the blower, each group containing a pair of springs.
[Technical Problem]
[0004] In the above electric vacuum cleaner, vibration in the radial direction (upward/downward
and leftward/rightward), etc., with driving of the electric blower are elastically
supported by the plate springs.
[0005] However, the centrifugal fan side vibrates larger than the motor side, the fan being
rotated by the motor, and therefore run-out of a rotation axis, i.e., an axial run-out,
is caused that cannot be sufficiently absorbed by the above constitution.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and aims at providing
an electric vacuum cleaner capable of effectively suppressing the axial run-out of
an electric blowing part.
[Technical Solution]
[0007] In the present invention, an electric blowing part;
a main body case in which a housing chamber for housing the electric blowing part
therein is provided; and
a plurality of elastic member groups each including a pair of elastic members which
is formed along at least a part of an outer circumference of the electric blowing
part and supports the electric blowing part with respect to the main body case at
positions opposite to each other,
wherein the elastic member groups are arranged at positions different from each other
in an axial direction of the electric blowing part, and
characterized in that;
three elastic member groups are arranged shifted from each other by 60 degrees in
the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part,
one of the elastic member groups is arranged at a position corresponding to the center
of gravity of the electric blowing part, and
the other elastic member groups are arranged at positions between which the one elastic
member group is located.
[0008] Additionally, an electric vacuum cleaner includes: a first coil spring group including
a plurality of first coil springs which are located between an electric blower and
the cover body and elastically support the electric blower with respect to the cover
body; and a second coil spring group including a plurality of second coil springs
which are located between the cover body and the main body case and elastically support
the electric blowing part with respect to the main body case, and the first coil spring
and second coil spring are arranged so as to shift from each other in the circumferential
direction of the electric blowing part.
[Advantageous Effects]
[0009] Since a plurality of elastic member groups for supporting an electric blowing part
with respect to a main body case are arranged at positions different from each other
in an axial direction of the electric blowing part and so that elastic members of
each group are apart from each other at an approximately even interval in a circumferential
direction of the electric blowing part, vibration at the positions different from
each other in the axial direction can be suppressed and axial run-out of the electric
blowing part can be effectively suppressed.
[0010] Additionally, the electric blowing part, in which an electric blower is supported
by a first coil spring group with respect to a cover body, is supported by a second
coil spring group with respect to the main body case, first coil spring of the first
coil spring group and second coil spring of the second coil spring group are arranged
so as to shift from each other in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing
part, and thus vibration with driving of the electric blower can be effectively absorbed
by each coil spring group and the axial run-out of the electric blowing part can be
effectively suppressed.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0011]
[Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing an electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 2]
Fig. 2 is a lateral cross sectional view showing a rear side of one elastic member
group of the electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 3]
Fig. 3 is a lateral cross sectional view of a front side of the other elastic member
group of the electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 4]
Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing operation of the elastic member group of the
electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 5]
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 6]
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing an electric vacuum cleaner of
an embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 7]
Fig. 7 is a lateral cross sectional view showing a rear side of one of the elastic
member groups of the electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 8]
Fig. 8 is a lateral cross sectional view showing a rear side of another elastic member
group of the electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 9]
Fig. 9 is a lateral cross sectional view showing a front side of still another elastic
member group of the electric vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 10]
Fig. 10 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing a main part of an electric
vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 11]
Fig. 11 is a lateral cross sectional view showing the main part of the electric vacuum
cleaner.
[Fig. 12]
Fig. 12 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing a main part of an electric
vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 13]
Fig. 13 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing a main part of an electric
vacuum cleaner.
[Fig. 14]
Fig. 14 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing a main part of an electric
vacuum cleaner.
[Explanation of Reference]
[0012]
5 Main body case
6 Blowing chamber as housing chamber
11 Electric blowing part
41 Electric blower
42 Motor cover as cover body
45 Plate spring as elastic member
46 Plate spring group as elastic member group
55 Motor as actuator
57 Centrifugal fan as fan
101 First coil spring
102 First coil spring group
103 Second coil spring
104 Second coil spring group
[Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
[0013] Hereinafter, an electric vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to Fig.
1 to Fig. 5.
[0014] In Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, the reference numeral 1 denotes a vacuum cleaner main body,
and the vacuum cleaner main body 1 is a so-called canister type electric vacuum cleaner
capable of running on a floor surface as a surface to be cleaned.
[0015] The vacuum cleaner main body 1 includes a main body case 5 having: a lower case 2
opened upward; an upper case 3 which is arranged opposite to an upper rear side of
the lower case 2 and covers the upper rear side; and a lid body 4 capable of opening/closing
an upper front side of the lower case 2. In the main body case 5, a blowing chamber
6 as a housing chamber is provided between the lower case 2 and upper case 3, a dust
collecting chamber (not shown) is provided between the lower case 2 and lid body 4,
and a partitioning wall part 8 is provided between the blowing chamber 6 and dust
collecting chamber so that both of the chambers are separated from each other.
[0016] An approximately cylindrical electric blowing part 11 is approximately horizontally
housed in the blowing chamber 6 so that an axial direction of the part 11 corresponds
to a front and rear direction, the part 11 being a space provided by airtightly attaching
the lower case 2 and upper case 3 to each other with screws or the like via a seal
packing (not shown) . Additionally, the blowing chamber 6 communicates with the outside
of the main body case 5 via exhaust holes 12 bored in the rear of the upper case 3.
Further, a cord reel chamber for housing a cord reel, around which a power cord 13
capable of feeding power from outside to the electric blowing part 11 is wound, is
provided aside of the blowing chamber 6.
[0017] Here, the power cord 13 can be led out from the cord reel chamber through a cord
leading-out port opened at the rear of the lower case 2.
[0018] On the other hand, a dust collecting part such as a paper pack or cyclone dust collector
can be attached/detached to/from the dust collecting chamber. Additionally, a main
body suction port 21 is bored in the lid body 4 at the front side of the dust collecting
chamber. A hose body 22 is provided attachably/detachably to/from the main body suction
port 21, and a hand operating part 23 is provided at the top end of the hose body
22. A gripping part 25 to be gripped by an operator is protruded on the hand operating
part 23, and a plurality of setting buttons 26, with which the operator sets an operation
mode, etc., of electric blowing part 11, are provided on the gripping part 25. Further,
an extension tube 28 and a floor brush 29 as a suction port body are successively
communication-connected with the top end of the hand operating part 23.
[0019] The partitioning wall part 8 includes: a rear partitioning wall 31 positioned at
the rear side, blowing chamber 6 side; a front partitioning wall (not shown) positioned
at the front side, dust collecting chamber side; and a side partitioning wall 33 which
continues to the front partitioning wall and is interposed, as a partition, between
the blowing chamber 6 and cord reel chamber. A driving part for activating various
mechanisms (not shown) in the vacuum cleaner main body 1 is attached to the rear of
the front partitioning wall.
[0020] A round rear communication hole 37 is bored in the rear partitioning wall 31, a
round front communication hole is bored in the front partitioning wall, and the rear
communication hole 37 and front communication hole are airtightly connected to each
other through a duct (not shown).
[0021] The electric blowing part 11 is airtightly connected to the rear of the rear communication
hole 37. Additionally, a filter (not shown) is arrangedon the front side, dust collecting
chamber side, of the front communication hole.
[0022] A communication port (not shown) for making the blowing chamber 6 communicate with
the cord reel chamber is formed in the side partitioning wall 33.
[0023] A packing (not shown) is attached to the upper portions of the rear partitioning
wall 31, front partitioning wall and side partitioning wall 33, the packing being
a seal ring member which is held between the upper portions and the upper case 3 and
serves as an airtight partition between the blowing chamber 6, dust collecting chamber
and cord reel chamber.
[0024] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the electric blowing part 11 includes: an electric
blower 41 which is a fan motor as a heavy object; an approximately cylindrical motor
cover 42 which is a relatively light holding member as a cover body for covering and
holding at least a part of the electric blower 41; a coil spring group 44 as an inner
supporting unit having a plurality of, for example, three, coil springs 43 for elastically
supporting the electric blower 41 with respect to the motor cover 42 and damping rotation-vibration
of the electric blower 41. The electric blowing part 11 is elastically supported with
respect to the main body case 5 by plate spring groups 46 as an elastic member group
which are constituted by a plurality of, for example, two, outer supporting units
(first outer supporting unit and second outer supporting unit) each having, for example,
a pair of elastic members, plate springs 45, 45.
[0025] The electric blower 41 has a motor frame 47 as a case body, the frame 47 being a
cylinder with a bottom shape, and an approximately cylindrical fan cover 48 fitted
with the front side, opening side, of the motor frame 47 and having a diameter larger
than that of the motor frame 47, and is held in the motor cover 42 with axial directions
of the blower 41 and motor cover 42 corresponding to each other. An inner circumference
side spring support 51 and outer circumference side spring support 52, which constitute
the coil spring group 44 and each is a spring receiving ring as a coil spring receiving
part, are provided around the motor frame 47 of the electric blower 41, the coil springs
43 are held between the spring supports 51, 52, and the electric blower 41 is elastically
supported with respect to the motor cover 42.
[0026] A motor 55, as an actuator which is a driving source is housed in the motor frame
47. A rotary shaft 56 of the motor 55 is connected to and rotates a centrifugal fan
57 which is covered with the fan cover 48 and is a rotor blade.
[0027] Additionally, a plurality of rectangular exhaust ports 61 are bored in a circumferential
surface of the rear side of the motor frame 47 so as to shift from each other at an
approximately even interval in a circumferential direction, and brush mechanisms (not
shown), which are electrically connected to a rectifier of the motor 55, are respectively
attached to attachment holes (not shown) bored between the exhaust ports 61.
[0028] 1 Additionally, an air suction port 66 is bored in the center of the fan cover 48.
[0029] In the electric blower 41, air is sucked through the air suction port 66 by the centrifugal
fan 57 rotated by the motor 55, the sucked air is exhausted outward from the inside
of the motor frame 47 through the exhaust ports 61, and thus negative pressure can
be applied to the duct, dust collecting chamber, hose body 22 (Fig. 5), extension
tube 28 (Fig. 5), floor brush 29 (Fig. 5) and the like.
[0030] The inner circumference side spring support 51 is made of, for example, synthetic
resin or metal so as to have a shape matching the outer circumference of the motor
frame 47, for example, an annular shape, and comes into close contact with the outer
circumference of the motor frame 47 to hold the electric blower 41. Additionally,
the inner circumference side spring support 51 is attached to the motor frame 47 with
an axial direction of the support 51 corresponding to that of the electric blower
41, and is located at a position where a center region of the support 51 in the front
and rear direction (axial direction) corresponds to a center of gravity G of the electric
blower 41, and at the front side of the motor frame 47 and behind the fan cover 48.
Moreover, since the center of gravity of the electric blower 41 approximately corresponds
to a center of gravity of the electric blowing part 11 in consideration of a weight
difference between the electric blower 41 and motor cover 42, the center of gravity
G will indicate both the centers of gravity of the electric blower 41 and electric
blowing part 11 hereinafter. Additionally, the position corresponding to the center
of gravity G will, hereinafter, indicate a position crossing a plane containing the
center of gravity G and orthogonal to the electric blowing part 11 (electric blower
41) in its axial direction, or a position being nearly in front of or behind the crossing
position in the axial direction of the electric blowing part 11 (electric blower 41).
Further, a plurality of, for example, three, inner circumference spring holding parts
71 as an inner circumference coil spring holding part for holding one end of each
coil spring 43 are formed on the outer circumference side of the inner circumference
side spring support 51.
[0031] The inner circumference spring holding parts 71 each includes: a cylindrical inner
circumference holding cylindrical part 71a for fitting with the one end of the coil
spring 43 on the inner circumference side; and an inner circumference protruding holding
part 71b which radially protrudes in the inner circumference holding cylindrical part
71a and is inserted into the coil spring 43 to hold the coil spring 43, and are apart
from each other at an approximately even angle, 120 degrees, in the embodiment, in
a circumferential direction of the inner circumference side spring support 51. One
of the inner circumference spring holdingparts 71 is located under the electric blower
41 and the other parts 71 are located at both sides above the blower.
[0032] Moreover, the state where the inner circumference spring holding parts 71 shift from
each other by 120 degrees in the circumferential direction includes a state of shifting
from each other by approximately 120 degrees.
[0033] Similarly, a numerical value indicating the angle of each part will, hereinafter,
contain not only the numerical value but approximate values thereof.
[0034] On the other hand, the outer circumference side spring support 52 is made of, for
example, synthetic resin or metal so as to have a shape matching the inner circumference
of the motor cover 42, for example, an annular shape having a diameter larger than
that of the inner circumference side spring support 51, arranged concentrically with
the inner circumference side spring support 51 and located at the motor cover 42 side.
Accordingly, the outer circumference side spring support 52 is also located at a position
where a center region of the support 52 in the front and rear direction (axial direction)
corresponds to the center of gravity G. In other words, the outer circumference side
spring support 52 is located at a position where a part of the support 52 crosses
the plane containing the center of gravity G and orthogonal to the electric blowing
part 11 (electric blower 41) in the axial direction. Additionally, outer circumference
spring holding parts 73 as an outer circumference coil spring holding part for holding
the other end of each coil spring 43, are formed, in accordance with the inner circumference
spring holding parts 71 of the inner circumference side spring support 51, on the
inner circumference side of the outer circumference side spring support 52.
[0035] The outer circumference spring holding part 73 includes : a cylindrical outer circumference
holding cylindrical part 73a for fitting with one end of the coil spring 43 on the
inner circumference side; and an outer circumference protruding holding part 73b which
radially protrudes in the outer circumference holding cylindrical part 73a and is
inserted into the coil spring 43 to hold the coil spring 43. One of the outer circumference
spring holding parts 73 is located under the electric blower 41 and the other parts
73 are located at both sides above the blower.
[0036] Accordingly, the coil springs 43 are radially provided between the spring supports
51, 52 in relation to the electric blower 41, and are apart from each other at an
approximately even interval (approximately even angle). That is, one end, the electric
blower 41 side, of each coil spring 43 is held by each inner circumference spring
holding part 71 of the inner circumference side spring support 51 toward the center
of gravity G or center axis, and the other end is held by each outer circumference
spring holding part 73 of the outer circumference side spring support 52. Thus, the
coil spring group 44 is provided at the position corresponding to the center of gravity
G of the electric blowing part 11 (electric blower 41), that is, provided so that
the center of gravity G is located inside of an enclosure of the coil spring group
44. The coil springs 43, when being viewed in the axial direction of the electric
blowing part 11, shift from each other by 120 degrees in the circumferential direction,
that is, are arranged in a Y-shape in relation to the electric blower 41. In other
words, the coil spring group 44 is located at a position where at least a part of
the group 44 crosses the plane containing the center of gravity G and orthogonal to
the electric blowing part 11 (electric blower 41) in the axial direction.
[0037] On the other hand, the motor cover 42 has an approximately cylindrical front motor
cover 75 as a first motor cover and an approximately cylindrical rear motor cover
76 as a second motor cover, the cover 76 being connected to the rear of the cover
75. That is, the motor cover 42 can be assembled and disassembled in the axial direction
(thrust direction) of the electric blowing part 11. The motor cover 42 concentrically
houses the electric blower 41 therein.
[0038] The front motor cover 75 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and includes an
approximately disc-shaped front plate 81 serving as a front lid body and a front circumference
wall 82 extending backward from the outer circumferential edge of the front plate
81. A round front communication opening 83 is formed in the approximate center of
the front plate 81, the opening 83 being a communication opening for communicating
the rear communication hole 37 of the main body case 5 with the air suction port 66
of the electric blower 41. Accordingly, a rear end of the front motor cover 75 is
opened.
[0039] An approximately cylindrical seal ring 88 is provided at a position, which is aside
of the front communication opening 83 and between the rear partitioning wall 31 and
the front plate 81, the seal ring 88 being a packing as a seal ring member for airtightly
connecting the rear communication hole 37 communicating with the dust collecting chamber
of the main body case 5 to the air suction port 66 of the electric blower 41 on the
negative pressure side of the electric blowing part 11. The seal ring 88 is approximately
cylindrically made of a member having elasticity, for example, rubber or elastomer,
and elastically deformed in the axial direction by vibration of the electric blowing
part 11 in the axial direction, and thus serves as a vibration dampingpart for damping
the vibration so that the vibration is not transmitted to the main body case 5 via
the partitioning wall part 8.
[0040] Moreover, the seal ring 88 is attached so as to be energized slightly forward, that
is, so that the front of the seal ring 88 is brought into slight pressure-contact
with a rear face of the rear partitioning wall 31 of the partitioning wall part 8,
in a state of stopping the electric blowing part 11.
[0041] On the other hand, the rear motor cover 76 is made of, for example, synthetic resin,
and includes: an approximately disc-shaped rear plate 91 serving as a rear lid body;
a rear circumference wall 92 extending forward from the outer circumferential edge
of the rear plate 91; and a flange part 93 extending radially from the outer circumferential
edge of the rear circumference wall 92. The flange part 93 is connected to the rear
end of the front circumference wall 82 of the front motor cover 75 by, for example,
screwing.
[0042] A motor cushion 95 as a cushioning member which is a buffering member is attached
to the rear of the rear plate 91. The motor cushion 95 faces the rear of the lower
case 2 at a predetermined gap, and comes into contact with the lower case 2 so as
to be plastically deformed in the case where, for example, the electric blowing part
11 moves backward by vibration. Thus, an impact of the contact is absorbed so as not
to be transmitted to the lower case 2 side or electric blowing part 11 side.
[0043] A rear communication opening 97 for exhausting air after passing through the electric
blower 41 outward of the motor cover 42 is opened at a lower portion of the rear circumference
wall 92.
[0044] Screw holes (not shown) for screw-engagement are provided in a plurality of portions
of the flange part 93. Screws (not shown) are screw-engaged with the screw holes,
and thus the front motor cover 75 and rear motor cover 76 are fixed to each other.
[0045] Each plate spring 45 includes: a curved part 45a archly curved; continuing parts
45b, 45b continuing to both sides of the curved part 45a; and supporting parts 45c,
45c continuing to the continuing parts 45b, 45b, and is formed by properly curving
a predetermined metallic member.
[0046] The curved part 45a is formed in a shape matching a part of the outer circumference
of the motor cover 42 (front motor cover 75, rear motor cover 76) which is the outer
circumference of the electric blowing part 11.
[0047] Each continuing part 45b protrudes approximately straight from the end of the curved
part 45a on the same side as a protrusion side of the curved part 45a.
[0048] Each supporting part 45c is bent to each continuing part 45b at the curved part 45a
side, and extends approximately orthogonally to each continuing part 45b.
[0049] Each curved part 45a is held between blowing part side ribs 98, 98 protruding on
the outer circumference of the motor cover 42 (front motor cover 75, rear motor cover
76), each continuing part 45b and supporting part 45c are held between main body side
ribs 99, 99 protruding on an inner wall of the blowing chamber 6 of the main body
case 5, and each plate spring 45 is prevented from moving in the front and rear direction.
[0050] Additionally, one of the plate spring groups 46 is located at the centrifugal fan
57 side in front of the center of gravity G, that is, on the outer circumference of
the front motor cover 75 of the motor cover 42 (hereinafter, referred to as plate
spring group 46a), and the other plate spring group 46 is located at the motor 55
side behind the center of gravity G, that is, on the outer circumference of the rear
motor cover 76 of the motor cover 42 (referred to as plate spring group 46b). In other
words, the plate spring groups 46a, 46b shift from each other in the axial direction
of the electric blowing part 11 (electric blower 41), and are arranged at positions
between which the center of gravity G is located, that is, at the front side (one
side) and rear side (the other side) in relation to the center of gravity G in the
axial direction, and at positions between which the coil spring group 44 is located,
in the present embodiment. That is, the centers or vicinities thereof of the plate
spring groups 46a, 46b in the front and rear direction are arranged at positions not
crossing the plane containing the center of gravity G and orthogonal to the electric
blowing part 11 (electric blower 41) in the axial direction. Further, the plate spring
groups 46a, 46b are arranged at an approximately even distance from the center of
gravity G. In other words, the plate spring groups 46a, 46b are arranged at an approximately
even distance from the coil spring group 44.
[0051] Further, the plate spring groups 46a, 46b are arranged so as to shift from each other
at a predetermined angle, for example, 90 degrees, in a circumferential direction
of the electric blowing part 11. That is, as shown in Fig. 2, the plate springs 45,
45 of the plate spring group 46a are arranged vertically opposite to each other, for
example, and as shown in Fig. 3, the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate spring group
46b are arranged laterally opposite to each other in the axial direction, for example.
Thus, the plate springs 45 of the spring groups 46a, 46b are arranged at an even interval
in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part 11.
[0052] Moreover, all the plate springs 45 of the plate spring groups 46a, 46b may be made
of the same material, or arbitrarily made of different materials.
[0053] Next, a method for manufacturing the electric vacuum cleaner shown in Fig 1 to Fig
5 will be described.
[0054] First, in a state where the coil spring group 44, in which the spring supports 51,
52 are pre-connected to each other through the coil spring 43, is attached to the
outer circumference of the motor frame 47 of the electric blower 41, the electric
blower 41 is covered with the motor covers 75, 76 from front and rear and put in the
motor cover 42, whereby forming the electric blowing part 11.
[0055] Next, each curved part 45a is held between the blowing part side ribs 98, 98 outside
the electric blowing part 11, each plate spring 45 is attached to the outer circumference
of the electric blowing part 11, the electric blowing part 11 and plate spring groups
46a, 46b are fitted into the blowing chamber 6 so that the continuing part 45b and
supporting part 45c of each plate spring 45 are held between the main body side ribs
99, 99, and wirings of the electric blowing part 11 side and main body case 5 side
are connected to each other.
[0056] In this state, each component is built in, the lower case 2 is covered with the upper
case 3 connected to the cover 4 from above, and the upper case 3 and lower case 2
are assembled together with screws or the like. Thus, the vacuum cleaner body 1 is
completed.
[0057] Next, operation of the vacuum cleaner in Fig.1 to Fig. 5 will be described.
[0058] In cleaning, first, the hose body 22, extension tube 28 and floor brush 29 are first
communication-connected to the main body suction port 21 in this order, the lid body
4 of the main body case 5 is taken off, the dust collecting part is attached to the
dust collecting chamber, and the lid body 4 is put thereon.
[0059] Before cleaning, the electric blowing part 11 is located at a predetermined starting
position by balance of energizing forces of the plate springs 45 of the plate spring
group 46.
[0060] When an operator pulls out the power cord 13 from the main body case 5, connects
the cord to an outlet of a wall or the like, grips the gripping part 25 and operates
a predetermined setting button 26, the electric blower 41 of the electric blowing
part 11 is driven.
[0061] Vibration is generated in the electric blowing part 11 in a radial direction (center
axial direction) crossing a rotation direction of the electric blower 41 by driving
of the electric blower 41 and negative pressure generated by the driving.
[0062] At this time, each coil spring 43 energized in a direction of the center of gravity
G (center of gravity G side) of the electric blower 41 properly expands and contracts
so as to center the electric blower 41, and thus the vibration in the radial direction
(center axial direction) with the driving of the electric blower 41 is absorbed by
the coil spring group 44.
[0063] Additionally, the electric blowing part 11 vibrates in the axial direction (front
and rear direction) and radial direction (upper/lower and left/right directions) by
the vibration of the electric blower 41.
[0064] Particularly, the centrifugal fan 57 side of the electric blower 41 vibrates larger
than the motor 55 side thereof.
[0065] At this time, as shown n Fig. 4, the curved part 45a of each plate spring 45 is radially
pressed by the electric blowing part 11, and thus deformed so that the both ends of
the curved part 45a approach each other. The continuing parts 45b, 45b are obliquely
deformed with the deformation, and thus the vibration of the electric blowing part
11 is absorbed by the deformation of each plate spring 45. Moreover, in Fig. 4, the
deformations of the curved part 45a and continuing parts 45b, 45b are exaggeratedly
shown for convenience.
[0066] Consequently, the electric blowing part 11 is energized upward/downward or rightward/leftward
(shown in Figs. 2 and 3) by energization of each plate spring 45 of the plate spring
groups 46a, 46b so as to be centered, the front side (centrifugal fan 57 side) and
rear side (motor 55 side) of the electric blowing part 11 are held by the plate spring
groups 46a, 46b respectively, and the vibration in the axial direction (front and
rear direction) and in upper/lower and left/right directions with the driving of the
electric blowing part 11 is absorbed.
[0067] Moreover, the vibration of the electric blowing part 11 in the front and rear direction
is regulated by rigidity of each plate spring 45 in its width direction and hardly
generated.
[0068] An air passage extending through the floor brush 29, extension tube 28, hose body
22, main body suction port 21 and dust collecting part is formed by the negative pressure
by the driving of the electric blower 41, and dust is sucked with air.
[0069] The sucked air becomes suction air, the dust contained in the suction air is collected
in the dust collecting part when the suction air passes through the dust collecting
part.
[0070] Further, the suction air, after passing through the dust collecting part, passes
through the filter, front communication hole, duct and rear communication hole 37,
and flows into the fan cover 48 of the electric blower 41 via the suction port 66
of the electric blower 41, is sucked from the center of the centrifugal fan 57 to
be exhausted in the circumferential direction, passes through the inside of the motor
frame 47, and is exhausted, as exhaust air, outside of the electric blower 41 from
each exhaust hole 61.
[0071] The exhaust air is exhausted downward via the rear communication opening 97 of the
motor cover 42, a part of the exhaust air flows upward from the circumference of the
electric blowing part 11 to be exhausted outside of the main body case 5 from the
exhaust hole 12 of the main body case 5, and then the rest of the exhaust air flows
into the cord reel chamber from a communication port of the partitioning wall part
8 to be exhausted outside of the main body case 5 via the cord leading-out port while
cooling the cord reel (power cord 13).
[0072] After the cleaning, the operator operates the setting button 26 to stop the electric
blower 41, and thus the driving of the electric vacuum cleaner is stopped.
[0073] At this time, the electric blowing part 11 returns to the predetermined starting
position by centering action of the plate spring groups 46a, 46b.
[0074] In the case where dust more than a predetermined amount accumulates in the dust collecting
part, the lid body 4 is taken off and the dust collecting part is taken out from the
dust collecting chamber. In the case where the dust collecting part is a paper pack,
the paper pack is discarded together with the dust and a new paper pack is attached
to the dust collecting chamber. In the case where the dust collecting part is a dust
collecting cup, the dust is discarded and then the cup is attached to the dust collecting
chamber again.
[0075] As described above, the electric blowing part 11 is supported with respect to the
main body case 5 by the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate spring groups 46a, 46b arranged
at the positions different from each other in the axial direction, the plate springs
45 of the plate spring groups 46a, 46b are arranged so as to shift from each other
in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part 11, and thus the deformation
of each plate spring 45 allows the vibration at the different positions in the axial
direction with the driving of the electric blowing part 11 (electric blower 41) to
be suppressed, axial run-out of the electric blowing part 11 to be effectively suppressed,
and vibration-isolation for the main body case 5 to be realized.
[0076] Particularly, since the electric blower 41 rotates the centrifugal fan 57 by the
motor 55, the electric blowing part 11 whirls at the front side and rear side in relation
to the center of gravity G, that is, the axial run-out is caused. Therefore, if the
plate spring groups 46a, 46b are respectively arranged at the positions, between which
the center of gravity G is located, of the electric blowing part 11, at the front
side and rear side of the part 11 in relation to the center of gravity G, so as to
shift from each other by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the electric
blowing part 11, and elastically support the electric blowing part 11 by the plate
spring groups 46a, 46b, the whirling of the electric blowing part 11 can be reliably
suppressed, and the axial run-out can be effectively suppressed.
[0077] In addition, the upward/downward vibration of the electric blowing part 11 with the
driving of the electric blower 41 is absorbed by the deformation of each plate spring
45 of the plate spring group 46a, the leftward/rightward vibration of the electric
blowing part 11 is absorbed by the deformation of each plate spring 45 of the plate
spring group 46b, a position where one of the plate spring groups hardly absorbs the
vibration is covered by the other plate spring group, and thus the vibration with
the driving of the electric blower 41 can be reliably suppressed.
[0078] Furthermore, since the three coil springs 43 of the coil spring group 44 are arranged
so as to shift from each other by 120 degrees in the circumferential direction, the
vibration with the driving of the electric blower 41 can be, by the coil spring group
44, effectively absorbed and hardly transmitted to the motor cover 42. Therefore,
the vibration can be further reliably absorbed by a synergistic effect of the coil
spring group 44 and plate spring groups 46.
[0079] In addition, since the coil spring group 44 is arranged at the position corresponding
to the center of gravity G, the vibration, which is generated upward/downward in front
of or behind the center of gravity G by the driving of the electric blower 41, can
be minimized and hardly transmitted to the motor cover 42.
[0080] The above constitution of hardly transmitting each vibration to the main body case
5 allows the vibration of the electric blowing part 11 in driving the electric vacuum
cleaner to be prevented from generating a sound, operation sound to be made small
even in cleaning a wood floor, on which vibration particularly easily echoes, even
the electric blower 41 having relatively large vibration to be adopted, and the quality
of the vacuum cleaner to be stabilized.
[0081] Moreover, the plate spring groups 46a, 46b may be arranged reversely. That is, the
electric blowing part 11 may be held, from left and right sides in the axial direction,
by the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate spring group 46a, and may be held, from upper
and lower sides, by the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate spring groups 46b. Also
in this case, the same operation and effect as that of the first embodiment can be
obtained.
[0082] Additionally, as long as the plate spring groups 46a, 46b are arranged at the position,
between which the center of gravity G is located, of the electric blowing part 11
so as to shift from each other by 90 degrees in a main direction of the electric blowing
part 11, the plate spring groups 46a, 46b may be arranged regardless of upper and
lower sides of the electric blowing part 11 and left and right sides of the part 11
in the axial direction.
[0083] Next, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to
Fig. 9. Moreover, the same reference numeral is attached to each part having the same
constitution and operation as that of shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, and description thereof
will be omitted.
[0084] In the second embodiment, three plate spring groups 46a, 46b and 46c are included
in Fig.1 to Fig.5.
[0085] The plate spring group 46a is arranged at the position corresponding to the center
of gravity G of the electric blowing part 11. That is, the plate spring group 46a
is arranged at a position where at least a part of the group 46a crosses the plane
containing the center of gravity G and orthogonal to the electric blowing part 11
(electric blower 41) in the axial direction.
[0086] Additionally, the plate spring groups 46b, 46c are arranged at positions between
which the plate spring group 46a is located. That is, the plate spring groups 46b,
46c are respectively arranged at one side and the other side in relation to the center
of gravity G of the electric blowing part 11 in the axial direction.
[0087] Specifically, the plate spring group 46b is attached to the outer circumference of
the front motor cover 75 on the front side of the electric blowing part 11. That is,
the plate spring group 46b is located at the centrifugal fan 57 side of the electric
blower 41.
[0088] Additionally, the plate spring group 46c is attached to the outer circumference,
which is behind the plate spring group 46a, of the rear motor cover 76 on the rear
side of the electric blowing part 11. That is, the plate spring group 46c is located
at the motor 55 side of the electric blower 41.
[0089] Further, the plate spring groups 46a, 46b and 46c are arranged so as to shift from
each other by 60 degrees in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing
part 11.
[0090] Specifically, the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate spring group 46a are, as shown
in Fig. 7, located at the upper and lower sides, the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate
spring group 46b are, as shown in Fig. 8, located at lower left and upper right sides,
and the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate spring group 46c are, as shown in Fig. 9,
located at upper left and lower right sides.
[0091] Therefore, the plate springs 45, 45 of the plate spring groups 46a, 46b and 46c are
successively arranged at a predetermined angle, for example, 60 degrees, and at an
even interval, in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part 11. Additionally,
in each plate spring 45 of the plate spring groups 46a to 46c, the curved part 45a
is held between the blowing part side ribs 98, 98. Further, in each plate spring 45
of the plate spring groups 46b, 46c, the continuing part 45b is bent from the curved
part 45a so as to run along the side of the blowing chamber 6, the supporting part
45c is bent from the continuing part 45b so as to run along the bottom or upper face
of the blowing chamber 6, and the continuing part 45b and supporting part 45c are
held between the main body side ribs 99, 99.
[0092] By having the same constitution as that of the first embodiment, for example, arranging
the plurality of plate spring groups 46 for elastically supporting the electric blowing
part 11 with respect to the main body case 5 so that the groups shift from each other
in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part 11, the same operation
and effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0093] The plate spring groups 46a, 46b and 46c are arranged so as to shift from each other
by 60 degrees in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part 11, the
plate spring group 46a is arranged at the position corresponding to the center of
gravity G of the electric blowing part 11, the plate spring groups 46b, 46c are arranged
at the positions between which the plate spring group 46a is located, and thus the
whirling of the electric blowing part 11 can be more reliably suppressed and the axial
run-out of the part 11 can be effectively suppressed.
[0094] Moreover, in each of the above figures, the electric blowing part 11 may be constituted
by not only the electric blower 41 and motor cover 42 but, for example, only the electric
blower 41. That is, a constitution in which the electric blower 41 itself may be elastically
supported by each plate spring group 46 may be included in each of the above embodiments.
[0095] In the electric blowing part 11, the electric blower 41 may be supported with respect
to the motor cover 42 by an arbitrary constitution as long as the axial run-out can
be suppressed.
[0096] Further, two or more plate spring groups 46 may be provided. In the case of providing,
for example, three or more odd numbers of plate spring groups 46, one of them is located
at the position corresponding to the center of gravity G, the others are balancedly
arranged in front of and behind the one plate spring group. In the case of providing
two or more even numbers of plate spring groups 46, they are balancedly arranged at
positions, between which the center of gravity G is located, and the plate springs
45 of each plate spring group 46 may be arranged so as to be apart from each other
at an approximately even interval in the circumferential direction of the electric
blowing part 11.
[0097] By forming a long hole in the supporting part 45c for example, each plate spring
45 may be attached to the main body case 5, motor cover 42 or the like via the long
hole with screws or the like.
[0098] Next, a vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Moreover,
the same reference numeral is attached to each part having the same constitution and
operation as that of each of the above figures, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0099] In this vacuum cleaner, the electric blowing part 11, as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig.
11, includes a first coil spring group 102 as a first supporting unit having a plurality
of, for example, three, first coil springs 101 for elastically supporting the electric
blower 41 with respect to the motor cover 42 and damping the rotation vibration of
the electric blower 41, and is elastically supported with respect to the main body
case 5 by a plurality of, for example, two, second coil spring groups 104 as a second
supporting unit each having a plurality of, for example, three, second coil springs
103.
[0100] An inner circumference side spring support 111 and outer circumference side spring
support 112, which constitute the first coil spring group 102 and each is a first
spring receiving ring as a first coil spring receiving part, are provided around the
motor frame 47 of the electric blower 41, the first coil springs 101 are held between
the supports 111, 112, and the electric blower 41 is elastically supported with respect
to the motor cover 42.
[0101] The inner circumference side spring support 111 is made of, for example, synthetic
resin or metal so as to have a shape matching the outer circumference of the motor
frame 47, for example, an annular shape, and comes into close contact with the outer
circumference of the motor frame 47 to hold the electric blower 41. Additionally,
the inner circumference side spring support 111 is attached to the motor frame 47
with an axial direction of the support 111 corresponding to that of the electric blower
41, and is located at a position where a center region of the support 111 in the front
and rear direction (axial direction) corresponds to the center of gravity G, and at
the front side of the motor frame 47 and behind the fan cover 48. Further, a plurality
of, for example, three, first inner circumference spring holding parts 121 as a first
inner circumference coil spring holding part each for holding one end of each first
coil spring 101, are formed on the outer circumference side of the inner circumference
side spring support 111.
[0102] The first inner circumference spring holding parts 121 each includes : a cylindrical
first inner circumference holding cylindrical part 121a for fitting with the one end
of the first coil spring 101 on the inner circumference side; and a first inner circumference
protruding holding part 121b which radially protrudes in the first inner circumference
holding cylindrical part 121a and is inserted into the first coil spring 101 to hold
the first coil spring 101, and are apart from each other at an approximately even
angle, 120 degrees, in the present embodiment, in a circumferential direction of the
inner circumference side spring support 111. One of the first inner circumference
spring holding parts 121 is located under the electric blower 41 and the other parts
121 are located at both sides above the blower.
[0103] Moreover, the state where the first inner circumference spring holding parts 121
shift from each other by 120 degrees in the circumferential direction includes a state
of shifting from each other by approximately 120 degrees.
[0104] On the other hand, the outer circumference side spring support 112 is made of, for
example, synthetic resin or metal so as to have a shape matching the inner circumference
of the motor cover 42, for example, an annular shape having a diameter larger than
that of the inner circumference side spring support 111, is arranged concentrically
with the inner circumference side spring support 111 and located at the motor cover
42 side. Accordingly, the outer circumference side spring support 112 is also located
at a position where a center region of the support 112 in the front and rear direction
(axial direction) corresponds to the center of gravity G. Additionally, first outer
circumference spring holding parts 123 as a first outer circumference coil spring
holding part for holding the other end of each first coil spring 101 are formed in
accordance with the first inner circumference spring holding parts 121 of the inner
circumference side spring support 111, on the inner circumference side of the outer
circumference side spring support 112.
[0105] The first outer circumference spring holding part 123 includes: a cylindrical first
outer circumference holding cylindrical part 123a for fitting with the one end of
the first coil spring 101 on the inner circumference side; and a first outer circumference
protruding holding part 123b which radially protrudes in the first outer circumference
holding cylindrical part 123a and is inserted into the first coil spring 101 to hold
the first coil spring 101. One of the first outer circumference spring holding parts
123 is located under the electric blower 41 and the other parts 123 are located at
both sides above the blower.
[0106] Accordingly, the first coil springs 101 are provided between the spring supports
111, 112 radially in relation to the electric blower 41, and apart from each other
at an approximately even interval (approximately even angle). That is, one end, the
electric blower 41 side, of each first coil spring 101 is held by each first inner
circumference spring holding part 121 of the inner circumference side spring support
111 toward the center of gravity G or center axis, and the other end is held by each
first outer circumference spring holding part 123 of the outer circumference side
spring support 112. Thus, the first coil spring group 102 is provided at the position
corresponding to the center of gravity G of the electric blowing part 11 (electric
blower 41), that is, provided so that the center of gravity G is located inside of
an enclosure of the first coil spring group 102. The first coil springs 101, when
being viewed in the axial direction of the electric blowing part 11, shift from each
other by 120 degrees in the circumferential direction, that is, are arranged in a
Y-shape in relation to the electric blower 41.
[0107] Around the motor cover 42, a plurality of second inner circumference spring holding
parts 131 as a second inner circumference coil spring holding part each for holding
one end of each second coil spring 103 are formed, and a main body case side spring
support 132 is provided which constitutes each second coil spring group 104 and is
a second spring receiving ring as a second coil spring receiving part. The second
coil springs 103 are held between the second inner circumference spring holding parts
131 and main body case side spring support 132, and the electric blowing part 11 is
elastically supported with respect to the main body case 5.
[0108] The three second inner circumference spring holding parts 131 are formed on each
of the front and rear motor covers 75, 76, for example. The second inner circumference
spring holding parts 131 each includes: a cylindrical second inner circumference holding
cylindrical part 131a for fitting with the one end of the second coil spring 103 on
the inner circumference side; and a second inner circumference protruding holding
part 131b which radially protrudes in the second inner circumference holding cylindrical
part 131a and is inserted to the second coil spring 103 to hold the second coil spring
103, and are apart from each other at an approximately even angle, 120 degrees, in
the present embodiment, in a circumferential direction of the motor cover 42. Additionally,
one of the second inner circumference spring holding parts 131 is located at the upper
portion of the electric blowing part 11, and the other parts 131 are located at both
sides of the lower portion of the part 11.
[0109] On the other hand, the main body case side spring support 132 is made of, for example,
synthetic resin or metal so that the inner side of the support 132 has a shape matching
the outer circumference of the motor cover 42, for example, an annular shape having
a diameter larger than that of the motor cover 42. The outer side of the support 132
is formed so as to have a shape matching an inner face of the blowing chamber 6, for
example, an approximately rectangular shape running along an inner wall of the lower
case 2 and an upper case lower plate 3a of the upper case 3, and located at the main
body case 5 side. Additionally, second outer circumference spring holding parts 137
as a second outer circumference coil spring holding part each for holding the other
end of each second coil spring 103 are formed in accordance with the second inner
circumference spring holding parts 131 respectively, on the inner circumference side
of the main body case side spring support 132.
[0110] The second outer circumference spring holding part 137 includes: a cylindrical second
outer circumference holding cylindrical part 137a for fitting with the one end of
the second coil spring 103 on the inner circumference side; and a second outer circumference
protruding holding part 137b which radially protrudes in the second outer circumference
holding cylindrical part 137a and is inserted to the second coil spring 103 to hold
the second coil spring 103. Additionally, one of the second outer circumference spring
holding parts 137 is located above the electric blowing part 11, and the other parts
137 are located at both sides under the electric blowing part 11.
[0111] Accordingly, the second coil springs 103 are radially provided between the motor
cover 42 and the main body case side spring support 132 in relation to the electric
blowing part 11, and apart from each other at an approximately even interval (approximately
even angle). That is, one end, the electric blowing part 11 side, of each second coil
spring 103 is held by each second inner circumference spring holding part 131 of the
motor cover 42 toward the center of gravity G or the center axis of the electric blowing
part 11, and the other end is held by each second outer circumference spring holding
part 137 of the main body case side spring support 132. Thus, the second coil springs
103 of each second coil spring group 46, when being viewed in the axial direction
of the electric blowing part 11, shift from each other by 120 degrees in the circumferential
direction, that is, are arranged in a reverse Y-shape in relation to the electric
blower 41.
[0112] Thus, the first coil spring 101 and second coil spring 103 are arranged so as to
shift from each other at an approximately even interval, by 60 degrees, in the circumferential
direction of electric blowing part 11.
[0113] Moreover, although the main body case side spring support 132 has approximately the
same width as that of each of the spring supports 111, 112, these supports may have
different materials or different widths.
[0114] Additionally, one of the second coil spring groups 104 is located at the centrifugal
fan 57 side in front of the center of gravity G, that is, on the outer circumference
of the front motor cover 75 of the motor cover 42 (hereinafter, referred to as second
coil spring group 104a), and the other spring group 104 is located at the motor 55
side behind the center of gravity G, that is, on the outer circumference of the rear
motor cover 76 of the motor cover 42 (hereinafter, referred to as second coil spring
group 104b) . In other words, the second coil spring groups 104a, 104b are arranged
at positions, between which the center of gravity G is located, of the electric blowing
part 11 (electric blower 41), that is, at positions between which the first coil spring
group 102 is located. Further, the second coil spring groups 104a, 104b are arranged
at an approximately even distance from the center of gravity G. In other words, the
second coil spring groups 104a, 104b are arranged at an approximately even distance
from the first coil spring group 102.
[0115] Additionally, the spring constant of the second coil spring 103 of the second coil
spring group 104a is set so as to be smaller than that of the second coil spring 103
of the second coil spring group 104b. That is, the second coil 103 of the second coil
spring group 104a has elasticity smaller (easily expand and contract by smaller force)
than that of the second coil spring 103 of the second coil spring group 104b.
[0116] Additionally, the numbers of vibrations of the first coil spring 101 and second coil
spring 103 are different from each other. Specifically, the materials, diameters,
wire diameters or the like of the first coil spring 101 and second coil spring 103
are different from each other.
[0117] Next, a method for manufacturing the electric vacuum cleaner according to Fig.10
and Fig.11 will be described.
[0118] First, the electric blower 41 is covered with the motor covers 75, 76 from the front
and rear and built in the motor cover 42 with the first coil spring group 102, in
which the spring supports 111, 112 are connected to each other by the first coil springs
101, pre-attached to the outer circumference of the motor frame 47 of the electric
blower 41, whereby forming into the electric blowing part 11.
[0119] Next, the motor cover 42 and main body case side spring support 132 are pre-connected
to each other by the second coil springs 103, these are fitted into the blowing chamber
6, and the wirings of the electric blowing part 11 side and main body case 5 side
are connected to each other.
[0120] In this state, each part is built in, the lower case 2 is covered with the upper
case 3 connected to the lid body 4 from above, the upper case 3 and lower case 2 are
assembled together with screws or the like. Thus, the vacuum cleaner main body 1 is
completed.
[0121] Next, operation of Fig.10 and Fig.11 will be described.
[0122] Before cleaning, the electric blowing part 11 is located at a predetermined start
position in the axial direction (front and rear direction) by balance of energizing
forces of the second coil springs 103 of the second coil spring group 104.
[0123] When the operator pulls out the power cord 13 from the main body case 5, connects
the cord to an outlet of a wall or the like, grips the gripping part 25 and operates
a predetermined setting button 26, the electric blower 41 of the electric blowing
part 11 is driven, and the electric blowing part 11 vibrates forward/backward in the
axial direction by the driving of the electric blower 41 and negative pressure generated
by the driving.
[0124] At this time, the electric blowing part 11 is energized upward/downward or rightward/leftward
(shown in Fig.2) by the energization of each second coil spring 103 of the second
coil spring groups 104a, 104b so as to be centered, and energized forward/backward
by the second coil spring group 104a on the centrifugal fan 57 side and second coil
spring group 104b on the motor 55 side, that is, centered by each second coil spring
103 of the second coil spring groups 104a, 104b. Thus, the vibration in the axial
direction (front and rear direction) and upper and lower direction with the driving
of the electric blowing part 11 is absorbed.
[0125] Further, vibration is generated in the electric blowing part 11 in the radial direction
(center axial direction) crossing the rotation direction of the electric blower 41
by the driving of the electric blower 41.
[0126] At this time, each first coil spring 101 energized toward the center of gravity G
of the electric blower 41 properly expands and contracts so as to center the electric
blower 41, and thus the vibration in the radial direction (center axial direction)
with the driving of the electric blower 41 is also absorbed by the first coil spring
group 102.
[0127] After the cleaning, the operator operates the setting button 26 and stops the electric
blower 41, and thus the driving of the electric vacuum cleaner is stopped.
[0128] At this time, the electric blowing part 11 returns to the predetermined starting
position by centering action of the second coil spring groups 104a, 104b.
[0129] As described above, in Fig.10 and Fig.11, the electric blowing part 11, in which
the electric blower 41 is supported by the first coil springs 101 of the first coil
spring group 102 with respect to the motor cover 42, is supported with respect to
the main body case 5 by the second coil springs 103 of the second coil spring groups
104, and the first coil spring 101 of the first coil spring group 102 and second coil
spring 103 of the second coil spring groups 104 (second coil spring groups 104a, 104b)
are arranged so as to shift from each other in the circumferential direction of the
electric blowing part 11.
[0130] In a conventional electric vacuum cleaner described in, for example, Japanese Patent
No.
2874401, since the electric blower 41 is directly connected to the main body case 5 by a
plurality of coil springs, the vibration of the electric blower 41 is insufficiently
absorbed by the coil springs. However, according to the present embodiment, the vibration
in the upper/lower and left/right directions and axial direction with the driving
of the electric blower 41 can be absorbed by expansion/contraction of the first coil
springs 101 with respect to the motor cover 42, the vibration remaining in the motor
cover 42 can be absorbed by expansion/contraction of the second coil springs 103,
a position, where one of the coil springs 101, 103 hardly absorbs the vibration, can
be covered by the other coil spring, that is, the vibration with the driving of the
electricblower 41 can be effectively absorbed by the coil spring groups 102, 104,
the axial run-out of the electric blowing part 11 can be effectively suppressed, and
therefore the vibration-isolation for the main body case 5 can be realized.
[0131] Additionally, the first coil springs 101 are heldbetween the spring supports 111,
112 and these are unitized as the first coil spring group 102, and therefore the first
coil springs 101 can be easily attached to the electric blower 41 and productivity
can be improved.
[0132] Similarly, one end of each second coil spring 103 is held by the main body case side
spring support 132 and the second coil springs 103 with the supports 132 are unitized
as the second coil spring group 104, and therefore the second coil springs 103 can
be easily attached to the second inner circumference spring holding parts 131 of the
electric blowing part 11 respectively, and the productivity can be improved.
[0133] Further, since the three first coil springs 101 of the first coil spring group 102
and the three second coil springs 103 of each second coil spring group 104 are arranged
so as to shift from each other by 60 degrees in the circumferential direction, the
first coil springs 101 and second coil springs 103 can be arranged at an even interval
and the vibration with the driving of the electric blower 41 can be more effectively
absorbed by the coil spring groups 102, 104.
[0134] Since the first coil springs 101 of the first coil spring group 102 are located under
and at both sides above the electric blower 41 and the second coil springs 103 of
the second coil spring group 104 are located at the upper portion and both sides on
the lower portion of the electric blowing part 11, the electric blowing part 11 can
be held with it suspended in the second coil spring groups 104, and the vibration
with the driving of the electric blower 41 can be made to hardly transmit to the main
body case 5 compared with the case where, for example, the second coil springs 103
are arranged on the lower portion and both sides on the upper portion of the electric
blowing part 11.
[0135] Since the first coil spring group 102 is arranged at the position corresponding to
the center of gravity G, the vibration, which is generated upward/downward in front
of or behind the center of gravity G by the driving of the electric blower 41, can
be minimized and can be made to hardly transmit to the motor cover 42. Further, since
the second coil spring groups 104a, 104b are arranged at the positions between which
the first coil spring group 102 is located, the vibration in front of and behind the
center of gravity G of the electric blowing part 11 can be absorbed.
[0136] The centrifugal fan 57 side (front side) of the electric blowing part 11 whirls
larger than the motor 55 side (rear side) thereof in relation to the center axis by
the centrifugal fan 57 rotated by the driving of the electric blower 41. Therefore,
if the spring constant of each second coil spring 103 of the second coil spring group
104a on the centrifugal fan 57 side is made smaller than that of each second coil
spring 103 of the second coil spring group 104b on the motor 55 side, the whirling
on the centrifugal fan 57 side can be reliably absorbed.
[0137] The above constitution of hardly transmitting each vibration to the main body case
5 allows the vibration of the electric blowing part 11 in driving the electric vacuum
cleaner to be prevented from generating a sound, an operation sound to become small
even in cleaning a wood floor, on which vibration particularly easily echoes, the
electric blower 41 having relatively large vibration to be adopted, and the quality
of the vacuum cleaner to be stabilized.
[0138] Next, a vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Moreover, the
same reference numeral is attached to each part having the same constitution and operation
as that of each of the above figures, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0139] In the vacuum cleaner shown in Fig.12, the first coil spring group 102 has four first
coil springs 101 and each second coil spring group 104 has four second coil springs
103 in the third embodiment.
[0140] The first inner circumference spring holding parts 121 are arranged at four places
of the inner circumference side spring support 111 constituting the first coil spring
group 102, and apart from each other at an approximately even angle, 90 degrees, in
the present embodiment, in a circumferential direction of the inner circumference
side spring support 111. Additionally, the first inner circumference spring holding
parts 121 are located above, under and on the left and right of the electric blower
41.
[0141] Similarly, the first outer circumference spring holding parts 123 are arranged at
four places of the outer circumference side spring support 112 constituting the first
coil spring group 102, and apart from each other at an approximately even angle, 90
degrees, in the present embodiment, in a circumferential direction of the outer circumference
side spring support 112. Additionally, the first outer circumference spring holding
parts 123 are located at respective positions corresponding to the first inner circumference
spring holding parts 121, that is, above, under and on the left and right of the electric
blower 41.
[0142] Accordingly, the first coil springs 101, when being viewed in the axial direction
of the electric blowing part 11, shift from each other by 90 degrees in the circumferential
direction, that is, are arranged in a cross-shape in relation to the electric blower
41.
[0143] On the other hand, the second inner circumference spring holding parts 131 are arranged
at four places of each of the front and rear motor covers 75, 76 of the motor cover
42. The four second inner circumference spring holding parts 131 are apart from each
other at an approximately even angle, 90 degrees, in the present embodiment, in the
circumferential direction of the motor cover 42. Additionally, the four second inner
circumference spring holding parts 131 are located at both sides above and both sides
under the electric blower 41.
[0144] Similarly, the second outer circumference spring holding parts 137 are formed at
four places of the main body case side spring support 132 constituting the second
coil spring group 104, and apart from each other at an approximately even angle, 90
degrees, in the embodiment, in a circumferential direction of the main body case side
spring support 132. Additionally, the second outer circumference spring holding parts
137 are located at respective positions corresponding to the second inner circumference
spring holding parts 131, that is, at both sides above and both sides under the electric
blowing part 11.
[0145] Accordingly, the second coil springs 103, when being viewed in the axial direction
of the electric blowing part 11, shift from each other by 90 degrees in the circumferential
direction, that is, are arranged in an X-shape in relation to the electric blower
41.
[0146] Thus, the first coil spring 101 and second coil spring 103 are arranged so as to
shift from each other at an approximately even interval in the circumferential direction
and by 45 degrees in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part 11.
[0147] By having the same constitution as that of the vacuum cleaner in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5,
for example, arranging the plurality of first coil springs 101 for elastically supporting
the electric blower 41 with respect to the motor cover 42 and the plurality of second
coil springs 103 for elastically supporting the electric blowing part 11 with respect
to the main body case 5 so that the springs shift from each other in the circumferential
direction of the electric blowing part 11, the same operation and effect as that of
the vacuum cleaner in Fig.1 to Fig.5 can be obtained. Additionally, since the four
first coil springs 101 and four second coil springs 103 are provided, the vibration
with the driving of the electric blower 41 can be reliably absorbed.
[0148] Next, a vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Moreover, the
same reference numeral is attached to each part having the same constitution and operation
as that of each of the above figures, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0149] In the vacuum cleaner shown in Fig.13, the first coil spring group 102 has two first
coil springs 101 and each second coil spring group 104 has two second coil springs
103 in the third embodiment.
[0150] The first inner circumference spring holding parts 121 are arranged at two places
of the inner circumference side spring support 111 constituting the first coil spring
group 102, and apart from each other at an approximately even angle, 180 degrees,
in the present embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the inner circumference
side spring support 111. In other words, the first inner circumference spring holding
parts 121 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity G. Additionally,
the first inner circumference spring holding parts 121 are arranged on the left and
right of the electric blower 41.
[0151] Similarly, the first outer circumference spring holding parts 123 are arranged at
two places of the outer circumference side spring support 112 constituting the first
coil spring group 102, and apart from each other at an approximately even angle, 180
degrees, in the present embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the outer
circumference side spring support 112. Additionally, the first outer circumference
spring holding parts 123 are respectively located at positions corresponding to the
first inner circumference spring holding part 121, on the left and right of the electric
blower 41.
[0152] Accordingly, the first coil springs 101 are, when being viewed in the axial direction
of the electric blowing part 11, arranged so as to be approximately horizontal in
relation to the electric blower 41.
[0153] On the other hand, the second inner circumference spring holding parts 131 are arranged
at two places of each of the front and rear motor covers 75, 76 of the motor cover
42. The two second inner circumference spring holding parts 131 are apart from each
other at an approximately even angle, 180 degrees, in the present embodiment, in the
circumferential direction of the motor cover 42. In other words, the two second inner
circumference spring holding parts 131 are arranged symmetrically with respect to
the center of gravity G, and located above and under the electric blower 41.
[0154] Similarly, the second outer circumference spring holding parts 137 are formed at
two places of the main body case side spring support 132 constituting the second coil
spring group 104, and apart from each other at an approximately even angle, 180 degrees,
in the present embodiment, in a circumferential direction of the main body case side
spring support 132. Additionally, the second outer circumference spring holding parts
137 are respectively located at positions corresponding to the second inner circumference
spring holding parts 131, that is, at above and under the electric blowing part 11.
[0155] Accordingly, the second coil springs 103 are, when being viewed in the axial direction
of the electric blowing part 11, arranged so as to be approximately perpendicular
to the electric blower 41.
[0156] Thus, the first coil spring 101 and second coil spring 103 are arranged so as to
shift from each other at an approximately even interval in the circumferential direction
and by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the electric blowing part 11.
[0157] By having the same constitution as that of the first embodiment, for example, arranging
the plurality of first coil springs 101 for elastically supporting the electric blower
41 with respect to the motor cover 42 and the plurality of second coil springs 103
for elastically supporting the electric blowing part 11 with respect to the main body
case 5 so that the springs shift from each other in the circumferential direction
of the electric blowing part 11, the same operation and effect as that of the first
embodiment can be obtained. Additionally, since the two first coil springs 101 and
two second coil springs 103 are provided, the constitutions of the coil spring groups
102, 104 can be simplified.
[0158] Moreover, in Fig. 10 to Fig. 13, three or more second coil spring groups 104 may
be provided. In the case of providing, for example, three or more odd numbers of second
coil spring groups 104, one of them is located at the position corresponding to the
center of gravity G, and the others are balancedly arranged in front of and behind
the center of gravity G. In the case of providing two or more even numbers of second
coil spring groups 104, they may be balancedly arranged at positions between which
the center of gravity G is located.
[0159] Additionally, each second coil springs 103 of one of the second coil spring groups
104 and each second coil spring 103 of the other second coil spring group 104 may
be shifted from each other in the circumferential direction. In this case, if each
second coil spring 103 is arranged between the first coil springs 101 of the first
coil spring group 102, ata position shifting from the first coil spring 101, the same
operation and effect as that of each of the above embodiments can be obtained.
[0160] Next, a vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Moreover, the
same reference numeral is attached to each part having the same constitution and operation
as that of each of the above figures, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0161] In the vacuum cleaner shown in Fig.14, one second coil spring group 104 is provided
in Fig.10 to Fig.13.
[0162] That is, the second coil spring group 104 is arranged outside of the first coil spring
group 102, at the position corresponding to the center of gravity G of the electric
blowing part 11. Moreover, the number and arrangement of first coil springs 101 and
the number and arrangement of second coil spring 103 are made similar to those of
the third embodiment for convenience, however, they may be made similar to those of
the third to fifth embodiment.
[0163] By having the same constitution as that of each of above figures, for example, arranging
the plurality of first coil springs 101 for elastically supporting the electric blower
41 with respect to the motor cover 42 and the plurality of second coil springs 103
for elastically supporting the electric blowing part 11 with respect to the main body
case 5 so that the springs shift from each other in the circumferential direction
of the electric blowing part 11, the same operation and effect as that of each of
the above embodiments can be obtained. Additionally, since only one second coil spring
group 104 is arranged at the position corresponding to the center of gravity G of
the electric blowing part 11, the electric blowing part 11 can be effectively elastically
supported by the group 104 and the constitution can be simultaneously simplified.
[0164] Moreover, in Fig.10 to Fig. 14, the coil springs 101, 103 can be arbitrarily arranged
as long as shifting from each other in the circumferential direction so as to hold
the electric blowing part 11.
[0165] Similarly, the coil spring groups 102, 104 may include the arbitrary number (two
or more) of coil springs 101, 103 respectively.
[0166] That is, each of the coil springs 101, 103 of the coil spring groups 102, 104 of
the third to sixth embodiments can be replaced with a plurality of coil springs having
a spring constant as a whole equivalent to the spring constant of each of the springs
101, 103.
[0167] Although the first coil spring group 102 is formed as a unit by the spring supports
111, 112, both ends of the first coil spring 101 maybe directly locked to the outer
circumference of the motor frame 47 and inner circumference of the motor cover 42,
for example.
[0168] Further, in each of the spring holding parts 121, 123 of the spring supports 111,
112, the end of the first coil spring 101 may be fitted with a groove, or attached
to a guide rib, for example.
[0169] Similarly, although the second coil spring group 104 is formed as a unit by the main
body case side spring support 132, both ends of the second coil spring 103 may be
directly locked to the outer circumference of the motor cover 42 and inner face of
the blowing chamber 6, for example.
[0170] Further, in each of the spring holding parts 131, 137, the end of the second coil
spring 103 may be fitted with a groove, or attached to a guide rib.
[0171] Additionally, the constitution of the details of the electric vacuum cleaner of the
present invention is not limited to the constitutions of the above figures, and is
applicable to an upright vacuum cleaner, handy vacuum cleaner, etc.
[Industrial Applicability]
[0172] An electric vacuum cleaner of the present invention is used as, for example, a home
electric vacuum cleaner.