Dust collection station and dust collection device

Abstract

Provided is a dust collection station capable of achieving low noise. The dust collection station is provided with a frame body to which a dust collector is attached and detached, and the frame body is provided with a recovery port into which dust-containing air discharged from the dust collector flows; and an exhaust port that exhausts air separated from the dust, the recovery port being formed on one side of the cleaner attached to the housing in a ventilation direction that intersects an attachment / detachment direction of the cleaner, and the exhaust port being formed on the other side of the cleaner attached to the housing in a ventilation direction that intersects an attachment / detachment direction of the cleaner. And the air inlet is formed on the other side of the ventilation direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosures pertain to dust collection stations and dust recovery devices. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional vacuum cleaners, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 7153867 and Japanese Patent No. 7165869, include stick-type vacuum cleaners and dust collection devices for collecting dust from such vacuum cleaners. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the recycling device described in Japanese Patent No. 7153867, the exhaust direction after dust is sucked in by the dust source is uncertain, and the exhaust proceeds naturally. Therefore, it can be inferred that the recycling device is noisy.

[0004] The same applies to the recycling device described in Japanese Patent No. 7165869.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a dust collection station capable of achieving low noise levels and a dust recovery device equipped with the dust collection station.

[0006] One aspect of the dust collection station disclosed herein includes a frame for attaching and detaching a vacuum cleaner, the frame having: a collection port for receiving dust-containing air discharged from the vacuum cleaner; and an exhaust port for discharging air separated from the dust, the collection port being formed on one side of a ventilation direction intersecting the attachment / removal direction of the vacuum cleaner relative to the vacuum cleaner mounted on the frame, and the exhaust port being formed on the other side of the ventilation direction relative to the vacuum cleaner mounted on the frame.

[0007] Another aspect of the dust collection device disclosed herein includes a vacuum cleaner and the aforementioned dust collection station.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a dust collection station capable of achieving low noise and a dust recovery device equipped with the dust collection station can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection station 200.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram that roughly shows the internal structure of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection station 200.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection station 200.

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line A-A' in the diagram.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the dust collection station 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the dust collection station 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram that roughly shows the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram that roughly shows the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram that roughly shows the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a diagram that roughly shows the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view that roughly shows the appearance of the dust collector 231 installed in front of the mounting section 232.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a perspective view that roughly shows the appearance of the dust collector 231 installed in front of the mounting section 232.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view that roughly shows the internal structure of the dust collector 231 installed before the mounting section 232.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a diagram that roughly shows the interior of the frame 201 of the dust collection station 200 in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a diagram that roughly shows the interior of the frame 201 of the dust collection station 200 in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a diagram that roughly shows the interior of the frame 201 of the dust collection station 200 in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a diagram that roughly shows the interior of the frame 201 of the dust collection station 200 in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a diagram that roughly shows the interior of the frame 201 of the dust collection station 200 in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 21 It is Figure 2 An enlarged view of the X portion.

[0030] Figure 22 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 24 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 25 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the dust collection station 200 of the third embodiment as viewed from above.

[0035] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of the dust collection station 200 of the third embodiment as viewed from above.

[0036] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of the dust collection station 200 of the third embodiment as viewed from above.

[0037] Figure 29 This is a perspective view of the suction inlet 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the left front.

[0038] Figure 30 This is a view of the suction inlet 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the bottom 11a side.

[0039] Figure 31 This is a diagram of the suction inlet body 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 as viewed from the bottom 11a side in a variation of the fourth embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the dust collection station and dust recovery device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments, and design changes can be made appropriately within the scope of the configuration of this disclosure. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Only the main parts are shown in the drawings. Hereinafter, the main parts and the parts related to this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0041] In this specification, when describing the dust collection station 200, the vertical direction when the dust collection station 200 is set on a horizontal plane is designated as the up-down direction Z (Z1-Z2), the direction of installing or removing the vacuum cleaner 100 in the horizontal direction is designated as the front-back direction Y (Y1-Y2), and the other direction is designated as the left-right direction X (X1-X2). Within the front-back direction Y, the direction of removing the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the dust collection station 200 is also referred to as the first direction (Y1 direction in the figure), and the direction of installing the vacuum cleaner 100 onto the dust collection station 200 is also referred to as the second direction (Y2 direction in the figure). The second direction is the opposite of the first direction. The Y1 side is the front side of the dust collection station 200, and the Y2 side is the back side. Furthermore, the left-right direction of the dust collection station 200 is defined as the direction viewed from the Y1 side of the dust collection station 200. That is, in the figure showing the dust collection station 200, the X1 side is the left direction, and the X2 side is the right direction.

[0042] In the description of the vacuum cleaner 100 unit, the length direction of the vacuum cleaner body 101 is defined as the vertical direction Z (Z1-Z2). During use, the side closest to the user is designated as the back side (Y1 side in the diagram), and the side opposite to the back side is designated as the front side (Y2 side in the diagram). The back side of the vacuum cleaner 100 is also referred to as the rear, and the front side is also referred to as the front. Furthermore, the left-right direction of the vacuum cleaner 100 is defined as the direction viewed from the user holding the vacuum cleaner 100. That is, in the diagram of the vacuum cleaner 100, X1 side is the left direction, and X2 side is the right direction.

[0043] In this specification, two lines or planes are "parallel" if the angle (absolute value) between them is within the range of 0° ± 3°. Furthermore, two lines or planes are "orthogonal" (and "perpendicular") if the angle (absolute value) between them is within the range of 90° ± 3°.

[0044] In the following embodiments, a so-called stick-type vacuum cleaner with a rod-shaped shape is used as an example to illustrate vacuum cleaner 100. However, vacuum cleaner 100 is not limited to stick-type vacuum cleaners. For example, it may also be an autonomous walking type vacuum cleaner (also known as a robotic vacuum cleaner).

[0045] (First Implementation) Figure 1 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection station 200. Figure 2 This is a diagram that roughly shows the internal structure of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection station 200. Figure 3 This is a diagram that roughly shows the appearance of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection station 200. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line A-A' in the diagram. Figures 1-4 The diagram illustrates the posture in which the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected (also referred to as installed) to the dust collection station 200 of this embodiment (and the second to fourth embodiments described later). Additionally, Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a view from the X2 side. Vacuum cleaner 100 will be described in detail later.

[0046] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a perspective view (roughly representing the appearance of the dust collection station 200 according to this embodiment). Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a diagram that roughly represents the internal structure of the dust collection station 200. Figure 7 This is a view taken from the X2 side (right view). Figure 8 This is a view (rear view) taken from the Y1 side. Additionally, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the posture of the dust collector 231 being removed from the upper part of the dust collection station 200 when the cover (also referred to as the first cover) 233 of the mounting part 232 is opened in the dust collection station 200, which is set on a horizontal plane. Figure 6 The diagram shows from Figure 5 The posture shown is the position in which the dust collector 231 is installed on the mounting part 232 and the first cover 233 is closed.

[0047] The dust collection station 200 is a device that collects dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 by connecting it. The dust collection station 200 includes a frame 201 and a base 202 disposed at the lower part of the frame 201. The dust collection station 200 includes a power cord 270 for connecting the dust collection station 200 to a commercial power supply. Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 A portion of the power cord 270 is shown. A recess is provided on the lower right side of the frame 201, and the power cord 270 extends from this recess. By providing the power cord 270 in the recess, the right side (X2 side) of the frame 201 can be made to fit snugly (i.e., fit perfectly) against the wall of the building. However, in this case, it is preferable to set the size of the suction inlet 102 such that, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed in the dust collection station 200, the suction inlet 102 is housed between the left side (X1 side) and the right side (X2 side) of the dust collection station 200.

[0048] The frame 201 is internally shaped (e.g., box-like) to accommodate various components such as the second dust collection unit 230 and the second electric suction unit 250, and is made of, for example, resin or metal. Preferably, the frame 201 includes a support portion 201S that supports the vacuum cleaner 100 when it is connected to the dust collection station 200. The support portion 201S is preferably provided, for example, on the front side (Y1 side) of the frame 201, in which case the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the dust collection station 200 can be detached from the support portion 201S along the first direction Y1.

[0049] The support portion 201S is the part that supports the vacuum cleaner 100 when it is connected to the dust collection station 200. For example, in Figure 5 In the case of the frame 201, a protruding portion is provided on the Y1 side, which appears concave when viewed from above. This concave portion serves as a support portion 201S. More specifically, ribs F are provided near the upper and lower ends of the concave portion (see reference). Figure 5 The F1 and F2 sections are equipped with a recycling port 220 (see F1 and F2). Figure 6 The portion of the vacuum cleaner 100 is configured with a charging terminal 205, which will be described later.

[0050] The dust collection station 200 preferably includes a charging terminal 205 for supplying power to the battery 170 of the vacuum cleaner 100; for example, the charging terminal 205 may also be provided in the support portion 201S. In this embodiment, for example... Figure 6 As shown, a charging terminal 205 is provided on a portion 206 that protrudes from the concave side of the support portion 201S. Alternatively, if the dust collection station 200 does not have a charging terminal 205, the rib F and the collection port 220 can also be the support portion 201S.

[0051] Furthermore, the frame 201 (outer wall) may also have a retaining part 201H inside, which retains or constitutes various parts provided within the frame 201. A portion of the retaining part 201H may constitute various components, and the retaining part 201H may also support various components. The retaining part 201H may be detachably mounted to the frame 201, for example, by means of screws.

[0052] The housing 201 is connectable to a vacuum cleaner 100 and includes: a recovery port 220 for recovering dust-containing air from the vacuum cleaner 100; a second dust collection section 230 for storing dust contained in the air recovered via the recovery port 220; a suction section 254 having a second electric suction motor 250 that generates a suction force to attract dust-containing air; and a dust discharge port 260 for discharging air separated from the dust to the outside. The housing 201 also includes an exhaust path 22 that connects the recovery port 220 to the dust flow path 21 connecting the second dust collection section 230 and the suction section 254 to the dust discharge port 260.

[0053] The recovery port 220 is an opening that communicates with the dust discharge port 160 of the vacuum cleaner 100 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected (installed) to the dust collection station 200. The recovery port 220 may or may not have an openable and closable cover (not shown). The recovery port 220 is connected to the second dust collection section 230 via the dust flow path 21.

[0054] Preferably, when viewed from above, the retraction port 220 is configured to draw air in a third direction inclined relative to the first direction Y1. In this embodiment, in the portion protruding to support the vacuum cleaner body 101 (e.g.) Figure 5 The support portion 201S has a collection port 220. This reduces the thickness of the frame 201 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction Y), thus, for example, when the dust collection station 200 is installed with the back side (Y2 side) of the frame 201 facing the interior wall, the dust collection station 200 is less likely to obstruct objects or people inside the room. From a user-friendly perspective, such a dust collection station 200 is preferred. Therefore, if the direction in which the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the dust collection station 200 is detached is designated as the first direction, then, when viewing the frame 201 from above, configuring the collection port 220 to draw air in a third direction inclined relative to the first direction Y1 is one of the preferred embodiments of this method.

[0055] Furthermore, when the air is drawn into a third direction through the recovery port 220 as described above, it is preferable to provide rib F in the recessed wall opposite to the recovery port 220 (see reference). Figure 5 In this case, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the frame 201, the vacuum cleaner 100 is pressed towards the collection port 220 by the ribs F, so the collection port 220 easily comes into close contact with the dust discharge port 160 of the vacuum cleaner 100 (described later). Therefore, the dust collection efficiency based on the dust collection station 200 is improved.

[0056] The third direction is a direction that is not parallel to the front-back direction Y when viewed from above the frame 201, and is preferably a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction Y (i.e., the left-right direction X). In this embodiment, a dust discharge port 160 is provided on the side of the vacuum cleaner body 101 on the X2 side, and the collection port 220 of the dust collection station 200 is configured to draw air from the vacuum cleaner 100 in the X2 direction when the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed in the dust collection station 200 (see reference). Figure 6 However, the recirculation port 220 can also be configured to draw air in the X1 direction. In this case, a dust discharge port 160 is provided on the side of the vacuum cleaner body 101 on the X1 side.

[0057] The second dust collection unit 230 includes: a dust collector 231 that stores dust from air recovered via the recovery port 220; and a mounting section 232 that mounts (configures) the dust collector 231 in a detachable manner. That is, the second dust collection unit 230 includes the dust collector 231 and the mounting section 232.

[0058] The housing 232 is the part that detachably houses the dust collector 231 internally. It has an opening (also called an air intake) 232a that connects the collection port 220 to the dust collector 231 and an opening 232b that exhausts air to the second electric suction machine 250. Furthermore, the housing 232 is preferably cylindrical and has a peripheral wall W. The central axis of the peripheral wall W is preferably in the vertical direction Z, and a cover (also called a first cover) 233 is provided at one end (upper end) of the peripheral wall W.

[0059] An air intake 232a is provided on the surrounding wall W, and an exhaust opening 232b for exhausting air to the second electric suction unit 250 is provided at the lower end of the surrounding wall W (i.e., the bottom of the mounting portion 232). The lower end of the surrounding wall W becomes the position for mounting the dust collector 231 (also called the mounting position). From the viewpoint of fully ensuring the capacity of the dust collector 231 and facilitating the loading and unloading of the dust collector 231, the mounting portion 232 is preferably approximately rectangular in plan view and cross-sectional view (see reference). Figure 4 as well as Figures 9-12 (etc.). For example, the surrounding wall W is preferably a cylindrical shape with the wall surfaces facing each other parallel to each other, and the bottom (bottom surface) of the mounting portion 232 is preferably parallel to the main surface of the first cover 233 when viewed in section.

[0060] Preferably, the air intake 232a is configured to draw air in the opposite direction to the direction of air intake from the recovery port 220 when viewed from above the frame 201. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, when the recovery port 220 is configured to draw air from the vacuum cleaner 100 in the X2 direction, the suction port 232a is preferably configured to draw air to the second dust collection unit 230 in the X1 direction. When the recovery port 220 and the suction port 232a are configured in this way, the dust flow path 21 connecting the recovery port 220 and the suction port 232a bends at at least two points, and the distance from the recovery port 220 to the suction port 232a also becomes longer. Therefore, the dust collection station 200 can effectively achieve low noise.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the mounting portion 232 has a cover (also called a first cover) 233 that can be opened and closed. The upper end of the surrounding wall W (i.e., the opening end of the mounting portion 232) is in an open or closed state through the first cover 233.

[0062] Figure 9 and Figure 11These are diagrams that roughly represent the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open. All diagrams are viewed from the Y1 side (front view). Figure 10 and Figure 12 These are diagrams that roughly show the appearance of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open, all viewed from the Z1 side (top view). Figure 9 and Figure 10 The figure shows the state in which the dust collector 231 is not installed in the mounting section 232 (also known as the uninstalled state). Figure 11 and Figure 12 The figure shows the state in which the dust collector 231 is installed (set) in the mounting section 232 (also known as the installation state).

[0063] The first cover 233 is mounted on the upper end of the mounting portion 232 via a hinge portion 234 (see reference). Figure 10 as well as Figure 12 From the viewpoint of facilitating easy removal and placement of the dust collector 231 by the user, the hinge portion 234 is provided on the rear side (Y2 side) of the mounting portion 232. Furthermore, when the first cover 233 is closed, the top surface of the first cover 233 may also be part of the top surface of the dust collection station 200. The first cover 233 is, for example, made of a resin molded article produced by flowing resin material into an injection molding die.

[0064] The mounting portion 232 preferably includes a first cover 233 that can be opened and closed, and a rod L (see reference). Figure 5 (etc.). Furthermore, the first cover 233 preferably has an abutment portion C capable of abutting against the rod L (see reference). Figure 5 (etc.). The rod L and the abutment portion C are configured to abut against each other when the dust collector 231 is not installed on the mounting portion 232, and when they abut (contact), the mounting portion 232 is not closed by the first cover 233. When the dust collector 231 is installed on the mounting portion 232, the rod L moves to a position where it does not abut against the abutment portion C, and the mounting portion 232 can be closed by the first cover 233. Furthermore, for reference, using... Figure 16 The double-headed arrow in the diagram indicates the movement of lever L (second part L2).

[0065] Specifically, when the dust collector 231 is not installed on the mounting portion 232 (uninstalled state), the abutment portion C and the rod L are positioned to prevent the first cover 233 from closing by abutting against each other. That is, in the uninstalled state, the upper end (Z1 side end) of the rod L is positioned where the trajectory of the abutment portion C would overlap (interfere) when the first cover 233 is closed. In the uninstalled state, even if the user wants to close the first cover 233, the movement of the first cover 233 in the direction of closing is restricted because the abutment portion C contacts the rod L, thus preventing the mounting portion 232 from being blocked by the first cover 233.

[0066] On the other hand, when the dust collector 231 is installed on the mounting portion 232, the rod L moves to a position where it does not abut against the contact portion C. Therefore, in the state where the dust collector 231 is installed on the mounting portion 232 (installed state), since the rod L does not abut against the contact portion C, the movement of the first cover 233 is not restricted when the user wants to close the first cover 233. Therefore, the mounting portion 232 is closed by the first cover 233.

[0067] In this configuration, the user can easily identify if the dust collector 231 has been forgotten to be installed simply by closing the first cover 233. On the other hand, when installed, the user can easily close the mounting section 232 through the first cover 233. Therefore, from a user-friendly point of view, the dust collection station 200 is very good.

[0068] The contact portion C is, for example, formed as a convex shape. For example, in Figure 5 In the first cover 233, on the inner surface of the mounting portion side, a rib is provided so as to engage (mutually engage) with the upper edge of the surrounding wall W. The rib is configured to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first cover 233, and a portion of the rib protrudes further. This further protruding portion corresponds to the abutment portion C.

[0069] The front end of the contact part C has rounded corners.

[0070] Rod L is disposed along the inner surface of the surrounding wall W and is related to the opening and closing of the first cover 233. In the uninstalled state, rod L is positioned on the upper part of the inner surface of the surrounding wall W such that its upper end is located approximately at (near) the upper end of the surrounding wall W or is located slightly above (in the Z1 direction) the upper end of the surrounding wall W (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, it is preferable to install the rod L in the surrounding wall W at a location near the opening and closing point where the first cover 233 is mounted (near the hinge portion 234). The rod L is, for example, a rod-shaped or plate-shaped component, formed of resin material or metal material.

[0071] like Figure 9 and Figure 11As shown, preferably, the rod L includes: a first portion L1, which is able to rotate when pressed by the dust collector 231 when the dust collector 231 is installed on the mounting portion 232; a second portion L2, which is integrally formed with the first portion L1; and a third portion L3, which supports the first portion L1 so that it can rotate. The abutting portion C of the first cover 233 and the second portion L2 of the rod L are configured such that when the dust collector 231 is not installed on the mounting portion 232, they can be arranged to abut against each other, and if they abut against each other, the mounting portion 232 will not be closed by the first cover 233. When the dust collector 231 is installed on the mounting portion 232, the first portion L1 rotates, thereby moving the second portion L2 to a position where it does not abut against the abutting portion C, and can be closed by the first cover 233.

[0072] The first part L1 is the portion of rod L that extends below (on the Z2 side) the third part L3, which serves as the fulcrum, and the second part L2 is the portion of rod L that extends above (on the Z1 side) the third part L3, which serves as the fulcrum.

[0073] As described above, the mounting portion 232 is preferably cylindrical. In this case, the first portion L1 is preferably rotatable about a first axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis direction (vertical direction Z) of the mounting portion 232. The direction in which the first axis extends is preferably parallel to the wall surface of the surrounding wall W of the mounting rod L. Figures 9-12 In the middle, the rod L is installed on the inner surface of the wall W1 on the X2 side, which is parallel to the front-rear direction Y, in the surrounding wall W that constitutes the mounting part 232. The first part L1 can rotate about a first axis extending along the front-rear direction Y.

[0074] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in the uninstalled state, the end of the first part L1 opposite to the second part L2 is positioned where it overlaps with the trajectory of the outer wall (frame) of the dust collector 231 when it is installed in the mounting portion 232. The second part L2 is positioned to abut against the abutment part C. In other words, in the uninstalled state, the upper end (Z1 side end) of the second part L2 is positioned where it overlaps with the trajectory of the abutment part C when the first cover 233 is closed. In the uninstalled state, even if the user wants to close the first cover 233, the movement of the first cover 233 in the direction of closing the first cover 233 is restricted because the abutment part C contacts the second part L2, thus the mounting portion 232 is not blocked by the first cover 233.

[0075] On the other hand, if the user moves the dust collector 231 from the position above the mounting section 232 (refer to...) Figure 5 The first part L1 moves downward in the Z2 direction to be installed into the mounting part 232. During this installation process, the first part L1 is pressed by the dust collector 231 (see reference). Figure 11When the first part L1 is pressed, the force moves in a direction centered on the first axis towards the surrounding wall W. Figure 11 (In the X2 direction) rotates. In conjunction with the movement of the first part L1, the second part L2 moves from a position where it can abut against the contact part C (refer to...). Figure 9 Move to a position where it does not come into contact with the contact part C (refer to...) Figure 11 The upper end of the second part L2 in the installed state (i.e., the upper end of the second part L2 when it is not in contact with the abutting part C) is located in the vertical direction Z at a position approximately the same as the upper end of the surrounding wall W, or at a position lower than the upper end of the surrounding wall W.

[0076] In the uninstalled state, the first part L1 is subjected to force by the force-applying component (not shown) mounted on the third part L3, positioned on the inner side of the mounting portion 232 (opposite to the side of the surrounding wall W). The force-applying component is, for example, a compression spring or a torsion spring. In the installed state, the first part L1 is pressed against the surrounding wall W by the dust collector 231. In the installed state, since the second part L2 is in a position not abutting against the abutment portion C, the movement of the first cover 233 is not restricted when the user wants to close it. Therefore, the mounting portion 232 is closed by the first cover 233.

[0077] The surrounding wall W of the mounting portion 232 is preferably provided with a guide portion R (see reference) to guide the dust collector 231 into the mounting portion 232. Figure 10 The details of the dust collection station 200, which includes the guide section R, in the second embodiment will be described later.

[0078] The dust collector 231 is detachable from the mounting section 232. Because the dust collector 231 is detachable from the mounting section 232, the user can remove the dust collector 231 from the dust collection station 200, wash it with water, and then install the washed dust collector 231 back into the mounting section 232. Therefore, the dust collection station 200 can easily maintain the cleanliness of both the dust collector 231 and the mounting section 232.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, in the recycling device described in Patent Document 1, a recycling chamber is provided to store dust collected from the vacuum cleaner, but this recycling chamber is integrated with the recycling device. Therefore, it is impossible to remove the recycling chamber from the recycling device for washing, making it difficult to keep the recycling chamber clean. Additionally, the method of installing a commercially available disposable dust bag (so-called a paper bag) into the recycling chamber and discarding the paper bag after use has also been considered, but since fine dust that cannot be captured by the paper bag passes through the paper bag and adheres to the recycling chamber, it is also difficult to keep the recycling chamber clean using this method. The recycling device described in Patent Document 2 is similar.

[0080] The dust collector 231 is preferably a dust collector using a dust bag, a filter, or a cyclone. The dust collector 231 is, for example, made of resin or metal. For dust bag type dust collectors, a dust bag housing capable of internally housing the dust bag P is preferred. The dust bag P is, for example, formed into a bag shape from a breathable material such as paper, woven fabric, or non-woven fabric, and can be used only once.

[0081] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a perspective view that roughly shows the appearance of the dust collector 231 installed in front of the mounting section 232. Figure 5 The upper part also shows a three-dimensional view of the appearance of the dust collector 231. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view that roughly shows the internal structure of the dust collector 231 before it is installed in the mounting section 232. Furthermore, in the description of the dust collector 231 unit in this specification, the orientation is indicated by the orientation in which the dust collector 231 is installed in the mounting section 232. Figures 13-15 and Figure 5 As an example, a dust collector 231 with a dust bag is shown in the figure.

[0082] The dust collector 231 has an external shape (frame) that allows it to be installed within the mounting portion 232. When the mounting portion 232 is generally rectangular in plan view, it is preferable that the outer wall (frame) of the dust collector 231 is also generally rectangular in plan view (see reference). Figure 12 When the mounting portion 232 is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above, it is preferable that the outer wall (frame) of the dust collector 231 is also approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, when the bottom surface of the mounting portion 232 (the lower end of the surrounding wall W) is flat, it is preferable that the bottom surface 90B (Z2 side bottom surface) of the dust collector 231 is also flat (see reference). Figure 14 When the main surface of the first cover 233 on the mounting side is flat, it is preferable that the top surface of the dust collector 231 (for example, the top surface 93 of the second cover 91 described later) is also flat (see reference). Figure 13 ).

[0083] like Figures 13-15 As shown, the dust collector 231 preferably includes an openable and closable cover (also referred to as a second cover) 91 and a handle 92 integrally formed with the second cover 91. When the handle 92 is integrally formed with the second cover 91, the user can easily install the dust collector 231 on the mounting portion 232, and when removing the dust collector 231 from the mounting portion 232, the dust inside the dust collector 231 will not leak to the outside, allowing the dust collector 231 to be removed. Such a dust collector 231 can also achieve a compact design while ensuring sufficient capacity.

[0084] The dust collector 231 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 90 with the vertical direction Z as its central axis. A second cover 91 is mounted to one end (upper end) of the peripheral wall 90 via a hinge portion 97. The end (opening end) 90A of the peripheral wall 90 on the side of the second cover 91 is obliquely intersecting the central axis (vertical direction Z) of the peripheral wall 90 (see reference). Figure 5 as well as Figure 13 The second cover 91 can be in an open or closed state. In addition, the part E surrounded by the second cover 91, the surrounding wall 90 and the bottom surface 90B of the dust collector 231 with the opening 231b (the end of the surrounding wall 90 on the side opposite to the second cover 91) can contain dust or dust bag P. Figure 15 It contains a dust collection bag P.

[0085] Considering ease of installation into the mounting section 232, it is preferable that, with the second cover 91 closed, the top surface 93 of the second cover 91 is parallel to the bottom surface 90B of the dust collector 231 (see reference). Figure 13 An opening is provided between the top surface 93 of the second cover 91 and the lower end 94 of the second cover 91, which is connected to the opening end 90A when the second cover 91 is closed. This opening serves as a gripping part 92. When the user inserts his hand into this opening (gripping part 92), the dust collector 231 can be moved in and out (loaded and unloaded) relative to the mounting part 232 by moving his hand up and down in this state.

[0086] like Figures 13-15 As shown, the dust collector 231 has an opening 231a connected to the dust flow path 21 and an opening 231b for exhausting air separated from the dust to the second electric suction motor 250. In the installed state, the opening 231a is connected to the opening (suction port) 232a of the mounting portion 232, and the opening 231b is connected to the opening 232b of the mounting portion 232. Therefore, the opening 231a is provided on the side surface 90C of the dust collector 231, and the opening 231b is provided on the bottom surface 90B of the dust collector 231. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving suction efficiency by ensuring that the openings are sufficiently close to each other, a seal can be provided on at least one of the openings 231a and 232a, and a seal can also be provided on at least one of the openings 231b and 232b.

[0087] Around the opening 231a, an opening frame portion 95 is preferably provided (see reference). Figure 5The opening frame portion 95 abuts (contacts) with the suction port 232a of the mounting portion 232 in the installed state. The opening frame portion 95 is provided on the outer wall of the dust collector 231 with the opening portion 231a along the opening portion 231a. The opening frame portion 95 is formed to protrude outward from the dust collector 231. Considering the ease of installation into the mounting portion 232, it is preferable that the shape of the opening frame portion 95 in the thickness direction (i.e., the direction in which it protrudes outward from the dust collector 231) is such that the thickness increases from the lower side (Z2 side) to the upper side (Z1 side). That is, the opening frame portion 95 is preferably formed to protrude convexly from the lower side when viewed from its side.

[0088] Here, when the dust collector 231 is a dust bag shell capable of internally housing the dust bag P, it is preferable that the opening 231b for exhausting air to the second electric suction motor 250 side is a grid-like or striped opening. That is, it is preferable that the dust collector 231 is a dust bag shell capable of internally housing the dust collector, and has a second cover 91 that can be opened and closed, a handle 92 integrally formed with the second cover 91, and an opening 231b with a grid-like or striped opening on the bottom surface 90B on the side opposite to the second cover 91. The opening 231b exhausts air separated from the dust to the second electric suction motor 250 side. The opening of the opening 231b is grid-like or striped, thereby preventing the dust bag P from protruding from the opening 231b. From the viewpoint of further demonstrating this effect, it is preferable that the opening 231b is a grid-like opening (see Figure 14 Preferably, a filter (not shown) is installed in this grid-like section. This removes fine dust that cannot be removed from the dust collection bag P, and prevents fine dust from flowing towards the second electric suction machine 250, thus reducing the likelihood of malfunctions in the dust collection station 200. Furthermore, by making the filter removable, it can also be washed separately.

[0089] The dust collector 231 preferably includes, in addition to the cylindrical peripheral wall 90 and the second cover 91, a locking part 96 related to the opening and closing of the second cover 91 (see reference). Figure 5 The locking part 96 is provided along the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 90 that constitutes the dust collector 231. When the dust collector 231 is a dust bag type, the locking part 96 is preferably related not only to the opening and closing of the second cover 91, but also to the engagement and disengagement of the dust collection package.

[0090] For example, the locking part 96 has: a first part having a first engaging part 961 that can be engaged and locked to the closed second cover 91; a second part having a pair of second engaging parts (not shown) that can be engaged and locked to the mounting plate of the dust bag; and an operating part 962. The end of the first part opposite to the first engaging part 961 is integrally or linked with the operating part 962. The operating part 962 is operated in a way that links the first part and the second part, and is configured as a button. A force-applying member (e.g., a compression spring) is disposed on the back side of the operating part 962 (i.e., between the operating part 962 and the cylindrical member constituting the surrounding wall 90). The first part can rotate about a second axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis direction (vertical direction Z) of the surrounding wall 90, and the second part can rotate about a third axis parallel to the second axis. Although not shown, a gap (locked state) is provided between the first part and the second part.

[0091] When the user gently presses the operating part 962 with the dust collector 231 positioned with the second cover 91 below, a first action is performed whereby the first part rotates around the second axis, causing the first engaging part 961 to disengage from the second cover 91. For example, with Figure 5 Conversely, the user has the dust collector 231 with the first cover 233 facing downwards. When the operating part 962 is pressed lightly in this state, the first cover 233 opens due to its own weight, and the opening end 90A of the dust collector 231 opens. Because there is a gap between the first part and the second part, the second part will not move or will rotate slightly when the user presses the operating part 962 lightly, but a pair of second engaging parts maintain the state of locking the mounting plate of the dust bag.

[0092] When the user presses the operating part 962 further, the first part rotates further around the second axis, and the first part further presses the second part. This causes a second action: the second part and a pair of second engaging parts rotate further around the third axis, and the pair of second engaging parts disengage from the mounting plate of the dust bag. Through this second action, the dust-laden dust bag falls naturally downwards from the opening end 90A of the dust collector 231 due to its own weight. Thus, after the first engaging part 961 disengages from the second cover 91, the second engaging part disengages from the mounting plate of the dust bag, so that when the dust bag falls freely (also known as falling naturally), the second cover 91 is unlikely to come into contact with the dust bag, allowing it to fall smoothly.

[0093] In the dust collection station 200, a second electric suction unit 250 is disposed below (on the Z2 side) the second dust collection section 230. The second electric suction unit 250 consists of a fan 251 and a motor (also referred to as a second motor) 252 that drives the fan 251, generating a suction force to recover (draw in) dust-containing air from the first dust collection section 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the second dust collection section 230 via the recovery port 220. From the viewpoint of low noise, it is preferable to arrange the sound-absorbing material, described later, around the second motor 252.

[0094] To stably hold the second electric suction unit 250 within the frame 201, it is preferable that the second electric suction unit 250 is housed (configured) within a housing 253. The housing 253 has an opening 253a communicating with the exhaust path 22. The portion consisting of the second electric suction unit 250, or, in the case of the housing 253, the portion consisting of the second electric suction unit 250 and the housing 253, is also referred to as the suction section 254. Furthermore, when a breathable sound-absorbing material is arranged around the second motor 252, it is preferable to house the second electric suction unit 250 together with the sound-absorbing material within the housing 253.

[0095] Air separated from dust in the second dust collection section 230 flows through the exhaust path 22 and is discharged to the outside through the dust discharge port 260 by the suction force of the second electric suction unit 250. The exhaust path 22 is an air passage connecting the suction section 254 equipped with the second electric suction unit 250 and the dust discharge port 260, through which the air separated from dust flows toward the dust discharge port 260. During the operation of the second electric suction unit 250, the air separated from dust flows from the suction section 254 toward the dust discharge port 260 within the exhaust path 22. That is, the airflow within the exhaust path 22 is unidirectional.

[0096] From a noise reduction perspective, a longer exhaust path 22 is preferred. In this embodiment, the exhaust path 22 has a length of approximately half the circumference of the inner perimeter of the frame when viewed from above. Specifically, when the inner perimeter of the frame 201 when viewed from above (from the Z2 side) is set to 100%, the length of the exhaust path 22 is approximately 50% or more. By making the exhaust path 22 a long exhaust path, the dust collection station 200 exhibits excellent quietness, achieving a low noise level.

[0097] Furthermore, in the recycling device described in Patent Document 1, for example, the exhaust direction after dust is attracted by the dust source is uncertain, and it is naturally exhausted, so it is speculated that the recycling device is noisy. The same applies to the recycling device described in Patent Document 2.

[0098] Figures 16-20 This is a schematic diagram showing the interior of the frame 201 of the dust collection station 200 according to this embodiment. Wherein, Figure 16 This is the front view viewed from the side of vacuum cleaner 100 (Y1 side). Figures 17-20 This is a three-dimensional view viewed from above (Z1 direction). Figures 16-20 The diagram shows the part (i.e., the entire holding part 201H) of the frame 201 (outer wall) removed from the dust collection station 200.

[0099] Here, with only the frame 201 removed from the dust collection station 200, the main part of the exhaust path 22 is covered ( Figures 16-20 (Not shown in the image) Covered and cannot be visually confirmed. Figures 16-19 For ease of explanation, the cover is omitted. By covering the exhaust path 22 with the cover, air inside the frame 201 does not flow into the exhaust path 22, thus making the airflow within the exhaust path 22 unidirectional. Furthermore, as described later, when sound-absorbing material (not shown) is placed on the inner wall of the exhaust path 22, by placing sound-absorbing material on the inner wall of the cover of the exhaust path 22, sound-absorbing material is placed on the side near the outside of the frame 201. Additionally, in Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a cover K (reference numerals k1 and k2, located on the rib of frame 201 and connected to the cover K) situated in the Y2 side region within the frame 201 described later. Figure 11 The figure shows a cover K installed in the area where the second control unit 32 (control board) is located.

[0100] The length of the exhaust path 22 refers to the length of the centerline of its cross-section. The starting point of the exhaust path 22 is the end of the exhaust path 22 on the side of the second electric suction machine 250, and the ending point of the exhaust path 22 is the dust outlet 260. The centerline of the cross-section of the exhaust path 22 can be a straight line, or, for example, an imaginary line that is partially or entirely bent or bent when there is a bend or twist in the exhaust path 22. The starting point of the exhaust path 22, i.e., the end on the side of the second electric suction machine 250, is the fan 251 constituting the second electric suction machine 250, provided in the opening 253a of the housing 253 or, if there is no housing 253.

[0101] Here, as an example of a method where the length of the exhaust path 22 is approximately 50% or more when the inner circumference of the frame 201 (outer wall) is set to 100% in a top view, a first method can be described as follows: During the operation of the second electric suction machine 250, the direction of air flowing from the end (starting point) of the second electric suction machine 250 towards the exhaust path 22 in a top view is opposite to the direction of air discharged from the dust outlet 260 (end point) to the outside. For example, during the operation of the second electric suction machine 250, air flows in the X2 direction at the starting point of the exhaust path 22 and in the X1 direction at the end point in a top view. If the inner circumference of the frame 201 (outer wall) is set to 100% in a top view, the length of the exhaust path 22 in this first method is approximately 50% in a top view. However, in the first approach, when the height (i.e., the position in the vertical direction Z) of at least one of the ends of the exhaust path 22 on the side of the second electric suction machine 250 and the dust outlet 260 is set to different heights, the length of the exhaust path 22 becomes approximately more than 50% of the inner perimeter 100% of the frame 201 (outer wall) when viewed from above.

[0102] The exhaust path 22 preferably has a first region 1a and a second region 2a with a smaller cross-sectional area than the first region 1a. In particular, it is preferable to repeatedly and continuously arrange the large cross-sectional area region 1a (also called the expansion region) and the small cross-sectional area region 2a (also called the compression region) in the exhaust path 22. This further improves the sound absorption effect of the exhaust path 22. The cross-sectional area within the exhaust path 22 refers to the area of ​​the cross-section within the exhaust path 22.

[0103] Here, if the direction in which the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the dust collection station 200 is detached is designated as the first direction Y1, then when viewing the frame 201 from above, the first region 1a is preferably located on the second direction Y2 side, opposite to the first direction Y1, compared to the center of the frame 201. That is, the exhaust path 22 is preferably such that the main region on the second direction Y2 side does not have a structure that reduces the cross-sectional area, but the connecting portion of the region in the direction orthogonal to the second direction Y2 (front-back direction X) has a structure that reduces the cross-sectional area (for example, a structure with openings a1 and a2 described later). When viewed from above, the first region 1a is located on the second direction Y2 side closer to the center of the frame 201, thereby enabling stable installation, for example, when the dust collection station 200 is installed with the back side (Y2 side) of the frame 201 facing (contacting) the interior wall.

[0104] The dust discharge port 260 is preferably located at a point where the exhaust path 22 becomes longer. As described above, the recovery port 220 is preferably configured to draw air in a third direction (preferably direction X1 or X2) that is inclined relative to the first direction Y1 when viewed from above the frame 201. However, in this case, the dust discharge port 260 is preferably configured to discharge air in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction when viewed from above the frame 201. When the direction of air intake in the recovery port 220 and the direction of air discharge in the dust discharge port 260 are opposite to each other, the combined length of the dust flow path 21 and the exhaust path 22 is longer, thus the dust collection station 200 has better noise reduction performance. Figure 6 In the above view, the recovery port 220 is configured to draw air in the X2 direction, which is inclined relative to the first direction Y1, and the dust discharge port 260 is configured to discharge air in the X1 direction, which is opposite to the X2 direction. Furthermore, a filter (not shown) is provided in the dust discharge port 260.

[0105] As described later, the dust collection station 200 preferably also includes a second control unit 32, but it is more likely that the second control unit 32 is disposed within the exhaust path 22. Here, the control unit is generally formed as a chip-shaped control component mounted on a substrate. That is, the second control unit 32 is disposed in the dust collection station 200 as a control substrate. In the dust collection station 200 in which the second control unit 32 is disposed within the exhaust path 22, air flows toward the dust discharge port 260 on the control substrate constituting the second control unit 32.

[0106] Reference Figures 16-20 To explain in more detail, the air drawn by the second electric suction unit 250 flows in the X2 direction from the opening 253a of the housing 253 of the second electric suction unit 250 (see reference). Figures 16-17 Afterwards, the air flows in the Y1 direction, and after flowing further in the Z1 direction, it flows towards the Y2 side on the second control unit 32 (control board) provided on the X2 side within the frame 201. Then, as the air flows towards the Z2 side, it passes through the opening a1 provided in the holding part 201H (see reference). Figures 17-18 The opening a1 is an opening for allowing air to flow from the region on the X2 side inside the frame 201 to the region on the Y2 side inside the frame 201. Air flows towards the Y2 side through the opening a1, and after flowing towards the X1 side in the region on the Y2 side inside the frame 201, it passes towards the Y1 side through the opening a2 provided in the holding part 201H (see reference). Figures 18-19 Opening a2 is an opening for allowing air to flow from the Y2 side region within the frame 201 to the X1 side region within the frame 201. Air flows out through opening a2 into the X1 side region within the frame 201 (see reference). Figures 19-20 ).Although Figure 20 Not shown in the diagram, but a dust outlet 260 is provided on the X1 side of the frame 201 (see reference). Figure 6Therefore, air is discharged from the dust outlet 260 in the X1 direction.

[0107] Alternatively, air can be exhausted through opening a2 into the spacious interior of frame 201 (see reference). Figure 20 However, the main airflow through opening a2 is discharged towards dust outlet 260. Additionally, to achieve low noise, a closed path, such as a box-type path, can be provided between opening a2 and dust outlet 260 for the airflow through opening a2. A filter (not shown) can also be installed in opening a2.

[0108] Here, compared to the area in exhaust path 22 where the second control section 32 is located, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust path 2 is smaller at the opening a1 for subsequent airflow, and compared to the opening a1, the area on the Y2 side of the frame 201 for subsequent airflow is larger. Furthermore, compared to the area on the Y2 side of the frame 201, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust path 22 is smaller at the opening a2 for subsequent airflow, and compared to the opening a2, the area on the X1 side of the frame 201 for subsequent airflow is larger. Thus, a first region 1a and a second region 2a with a cross-sectional area smaller than the first region 1a are repeatedly and continuously provided on the exhaust path 22. When viewed from above, the region with a cross-sectional area larger than the preceding and following regions (opening a1 and opening a2) is located on the Y2 side closer to the center of the frame 201. In this configuration, if the inner perimeter of the frame 201 (outer wall) when viewed from above is set to 100%, the length of the exhaust path 22 is at least approximately 50% or more. Furthermore, if the exhaust path 22 passes through the opening 253a, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust path 22 is larger than that of the opening 253a. Consequently, when the exhaust flows from that region to the region where the second control unit 32 is located, it passes through a portion with a smaller cross-sectional area. By repeatedly and continuously arranging regions with large and small cross-sectional areas in these portions, the sound absorption effect of the exhaust path 22 can be improved.

[0109] From the viewpoint of further reducing noise, it is preferable that the exhaust path 22 has a sound-absorbing material (not shown) disposed on its inner wall. The longer the exhaust path 22 with the sound-absorbing material disposed there is, the easier it is to improve the sound absorption characteristics, which is suitable for improving quietness. Therefore, when the exhaust path 22 is formed to be longer as described above, and the sound-absorbing material is disposed within the exhaust path 22, the sound-absorbing material can effectively absorb noise. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the inner wall of the dust flow path 21 is also disposed with sound-absorbing material. In addition, also from the viewpoint of reducing noise, it is preferable that seals are disposed at the joints of the components (piping, etc.) constituting the exhaust path 22.

[0110] The sound-absorbing material only needs to be disposed on at least a portion of the inner wall of the exhaust path 22, but preferably, the sound-absorbing material is disposed on at least one side of the inner wall of the exhaust path 22 near the outside of the frame 201. When the sound-absorbing material is disposed on the inner wall of the dust flow path 21, it is also preferable that the sound-absorbing material is disposed on at least one side of the inner wall of the dust flow path 21 near the outside of the frame 201.

[0111] As the sound-absorbing material in this embodiment, a non-breathable material is used. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving impact resistance, the sound-absorbing material is preferably made of a soft material. For example, a sheet made of a composite of multiple fibers, i.e., woven or non-woven fabric, is preferred. The type of sound-absorbing material is not particularly limited; porous materials such as resin porous materials (sponge) or ceramic porous materials can be used. In addition, as a countermeasure against heat generation of the equipment disposed inside the frame 201, the sound-absorbing material can also be formed from a flame-retardant material.

[0112] From the viewpoint of preventing positional displacement or loss, the sound-absorbing material is preferably fixed within the exhaust path 22. Similarly, the sound-absorbing material is preferably fixed within the dust flow path 21. The ends of the sound-absorbing material and the portions disposed in areas of high wind intensity can also be joined to the frame 201 or the retaining portion 201H using fastening components such as adhesives or screws. To improve sound absorption performance, it is preferable that the sound-absorbing material is fixed more mechanically than with adhesives. The position of the sound-absorbing material can also be restricted by using a locking portion protruding into the inner surface of the frame 201, corresponding to the placement position of the sound-absorbing material. By providing the locking portion, it is possible to prevent the sound-absorbing material from rolling up and peeling off due to the force of suction.

[0113] The lower part of the frame 201 is mounted on the base 202. The base 202 preferably has a mounting surface 203 for mounting the vacuum cleaner 100. The mounting surface 203 is a surface parallel to the setting surface of the dust collection station 200 (for example, a horizontal surface if the setting surface is horizontal).

[0114] Preferably, the mounting surface 203 has a fitting portion (referred to as the first fitting portion) A1, which is configured such that when the vacuum cleaner 100 is mounted (configured), the suction inlet body 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 blocks at least a portion of the suction inlet 120 of the bottom 11a (see reference). Figure 21 Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed in the dust collection station 200, that is, when the suction port 102 is placed on the mounting surface 203, the air path from the suction port 120 when air is drawn in is fully sealed. Thus, when the dust collection station 200 collects dust from the vacuum cleaner 100, it can sufficiently ensure that the airflow from the vacuum cleaner 100's dust collection suction port 182 and / or exhaust port 183 (see reference) is collected. Figure 3 The amount of air drawn in increases, thus improving the dust recovery efficiency based on the dust collection station 200.

[0115] Here, the dust collection suction port 182 is structured such that when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the dust collection station 200, it communicates with the first dust collection section 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100; when the vacuum cleaner 100 is not placed on the dust collection station 200, the first dust collection section 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is not communicated with the dust collection suction port 182. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is cleaning the floor, it does not draw in dust from the dust collection suction port. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 100, which can accommodate such a mounting surface 203, can also effectively suppress the accumulation of uncollected dust (so-called dust residue) inside the vacuum cleaner 100. Figure 21 It is Figure 2 The image shows an enlarged view of the X portion. Furthermore, the first fitting portion A1 is formed in a side-view trapezoidal shape in this embodiment, but it can also be formed in an arc shape.

[0116] Furthermore, conventional dust collection devices, such as the one described in Patent Document 2, are configured such that a suction source generates an attraction force to draw dust out of the vacuum cleaner, provided that the vacuum cleaner body is in an upright position relative to a connecting wall with a dust collection port that allows dust to flow in from the vacuum cleaner. To accommodate this dust collection device, the amount of air drawn in from the vacuum cleaner's suction nozzle is configured to vary depending on the angle between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. In such vacuum cleaners, in conventional vacuum cleaners, when the vacuum cleaner body is in a nearly upright position, the opening area of ​​the suction nozzle narrows, thus raising concerns about increased noise and clogging. The dust collection device described in Patent Document 1 is similar.

[0117] As will be described later, when the suction port body 102 has a rear roller 13 rotatably disposed behind the bottom 11a of the suction port body 102, the mounting surface 203 preferably has a second fitting portion A2 (see reference) that is formed concavely to fit into the rear roller 13. Figure 21 When the suction inlet body 102 is equipped with the rear roller 13, when the user removes the vacuum cleaner 100 from the dust collection station 200, the vacuum cleaner 100 is removed in the Y1 direction while tilted relative to the Z1 direction. At this time, since the rear roller rotates rearward (in the Y1 direction), it is easy for the suction inlet body 102 to detach from the mounting surface 203. On the other hand, with the suction inlet body 102 mounted on the mounting surface 203, the vacuum cleaner 100 is mounted along the Z1 direction, so the load of the entire vacuum cleaner 100 is applied to the second fitting portion A2 located in the Z2 direction, thus sufficiently suppressing the rearward (Y1 direction) movement of the suction inlet body 102. Therefore, the mounting surface 203 with the second fitting portion A2 does not impair the operability of the vacuum cleaner 100 when it is mounted or removed, and can fix the vacuum cleaner 100 in place.

[0118] Thus, the mounting surface 203 preferably has at least one of the first fitting portion A1 and the second fitting portion A2, and more preferably has the first fitting portion A1 and the second fitting portion A2.

[0119] Furthermore, as described later, when the suction inlet body 102 includes a lower housing portion 11 forming the bottom 11a and a rotating cleaning body 12 disposed in the suction inlet 120, it is preferable that the first fitting portion A1 is provided between the wall surface 11d located on the rear side of the rotating cleaning body 12 in the lower housing portion 11 and the rotating cleaning body 12 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the mounting surface 203. In this type of dust collection station 200, the vacuum cleaner 100 is easily placed on the mounting surface 203, and the dust collection efficiency is also sufficiently high.

[0120] The first fitting portion A1 can be formed as concave, but it is preferred to be formed as convex (see reference). Figure 21 ).

[0121] The first fitting portion A1 being formed as a concave part (i.e., a concave fitting portion) means that when viewed from the side of the mounting surface 203 (e.g., from the X2 side), the lower end of the first fitting portion A1 is formed in such a way that it is located below the mounting surface 203 (Z2 side). When the first fitting portion A1 is a concave fitting portion, the length of the lower end of the first fitting portion A1 and the mounting surface 203 along the vertical direction Z can be determined simply by taking into account the structure of the suction port 102. For example, the first fitting portion A1 (concave fitting portion) is constructed by fitting the periphery of the suction port 102 into the concave part.

[0122] The first fitting portion A1 is formed as a convex part (i.e., a convex fitting portion) means that when viewed from the side of the mounting surface 203 (e.g., from the X2 side), the upper end of the first fitting portion A1 is formed in a manner that protrudes upward (Z1 side) from the mounting surface 203. When the first fitting portion A1 is a convex fitting portion, the dust collection station 200 further improves the dust recovery efficiency. In the case that the first fitting portion A1 is a convex fitting portion, the length of the upper end of the first fitting portion A1 relative to the mounting surface 203 in the vertical direction Z (i.e., the height of the upper end of the first fitting portion A1 relative to the mounting surface 203) can be determined by taking into account the structure of the suction port 102, for example, 1 to 10 mm.

[0123] Here, when the suction inlet body 102 is equipped with a rotating cleaning body 12, it is preferable to have a fourth fitting portion A4 (see reference) on the second direction Y2 side of the first fitting portion A1, which is formed in a concave shape to fit with the rotating cleaning body 12. Figure 21 In this case, with the inhalation port 102 placed on the mounting surface 203, movement of the inhalation port 102 can be suppressed.

[0124] Preferably, the mounting surface 203 also has a convex portion A3 on the first direction Y1 side of the second fitting portion A2. The convex portion A3 is formed such that, when viewed from the side (e.g., from the X2 side), the upper end of the convex portion A3 protrudes upwards (to the Z1 side) beyond the mounting surface 203. This further suppresses the rearward (Y1 direction) movement of the suction inlet body 102 when it is mounted on the mounting surface 203. The height of the convex portion A3 relative to the upper end of the mounting surface 203 can be approximately the same as, or different from, the height of the upper end of the first fitting portion A1 when it is a convex fitting portion.

[0125] The dust collection station 200 preferably includes a control unit (also called a second control unit) 32 for controlling various components and functional parts of the dust collection station 200, and a second communication unit (not shown) for communicating information with the vacuum cleaner 100 or a server (not shown). The operation of various components and functional parts can be controlled by receiving action instructions from users. Action instructions from users are not particularly limited, and may include instructions for setting or changing operation start (operation ON), operation stop (operation OFF), or operation mode (e.g., weak suction mode, medium suction mode, strong suction mode, etc. for automatic collection ON / OFF). The second control unit 32 and the second communication unit are, for example, housed in the housing 201. Furthermore, the dust collection station 200 may also include a second connection detection unit (not shown) for detecting the connection of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the dust collection station 200. Additionally, the second control unit 32 can also control the suction force to a certain level.

[0126] The second control unit 32 and the first control unit of the vacuum cleaner 100 (described later) are respectively composed of, for example, a CPU, an MPU, etc., and execute programs recorded in various storage units or external storage devices. Furthermore, the first control unit and the second control unit 32 may also be microcomputers equipped with CPUs and storage devices. Various storage units, such as memory units and time storage units, can be implemented using various ROMs (flash memory ROMs, etc.), RAMs, etc.

[0127] The second communication unit and the first communication unit of the vacuum cleaner 100 described later may be connected to a communication line via a router, gateway, etc., and can communicate with each other via the communication line, or they can communicate directly with each other without the communication line, for example, via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, it may have the following structure: the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection station 200 are each equipped with a communication terminal, for example, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed (connected) to the dust collection station 200, communication is achieved by contacting each other through the terminals.

[0128] The second connection detection unit and the first connection detection unit, which can be included in the vacuum cleaner 100 described later, can be either a contact-type detection unit or a non-contact-type detection unit. A contact-type detection unit may be, for example, a physical switch or a pressure sensor. A non-contact-type detection unit may be, for example, an optical sensor such as an infrared photoelectric sensor, a magnetic sensor, a distance sensor, or a near-field communication (NFC) device.

[0129] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the dust collector 231 is mainly described as a dust collector using a dust bag type with a locking part 96 that is related to the opening and closing of the second cover 91 and the engagement and disengagement of the dust bag. However, a dust collector without such a locking part 96 can also be used. The dust collector 231 can be, for example, a dust collector in which the user opens the second cover 91 by hand or an operating part, and pinches and removes the dust bag stored inside. It can also be a filter type or a cyclone type dust collector.

[0130] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) In the second dust collection unit 230 of the first embodiment, the dust collection bag itself can also be used as the dust collector 231.

[0131] (Modification 3 of the first embodiment) In the second dust collection section 230 of the first embodiment, the mounting section 232 may also be a base with a recess that mounts (configures) the dust collector 231. In this case, the dust collector 231 is not the dust collector itself, but a dust bag type dust collector or a cyclone type dust collector.

[0132] (Second Implementation) In the first embodiment, as described above, the surrounding wall W of the mounting portion 232 is preferably provided with a guide portion R (see reference) to guide the dust collector 231 into the mounting portion 232. Figure 10 In this embodiment, the description focuses particularly on the guide portion R, but the other structures are the same as in the first embodiment (or its variations), so repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0133] In the dust collection station 200 of this embodiment, the mounting portion 232 is cylindrical and has a surrounding wall W. At least one guide portion R (see reference) is provided on the surrounding wall W to guide the dust collector 231 into the mounting portion 232. Figures 22-25 The guide portion R is formed to extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the mounting portion 232 and protrude inward toward the mounting portion 232. The guide portion R is also called a rib, and is formed, for example, from a resin material or a metal material.

[0134] Figures 22-25 This is a diagram that roughly shows the internal structure of the dust collection station 200 in this embodiment. Figure 22This is a view (rear view) of the dust collection station 200 in its uninstalled state, viewed from the Y2 side. Figure 23 This is a view (rear view) of the dust collection station 200 in its installed state, viewed from the Y2 side. Figure 24 This is a front view of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open, viewed from the Y1 side. Figure 25 This is a diagram (right view) of the dust collection station 200 with the first cover 233 open in the installed state, viewed from the X2 side.

[0135] By providing one or more guide portions R on the surrounding wall W of the mounting section 232, the user can easily guide the dust collector 231 to its installation position within the mounting section 232. For example, the user can easily install the dust collector 231 onto the mounting section 232 in such a way that the opening 232a of the mounting section 232 and the opening 231a of the dust collector 231, as well as the opening 232b of the mounting section 232 and the opening 231b of the dust collector 231, are in close contact with each other. Therefore, in the dust collection station 200, the dust storage efficiency and suction efficiency are further improved.

[0136] The shape of the thickness direction of the guide portion R (i.e., the direction in which it protrudes toward the inside of the mounting portion 232) is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferable to have a shape in which the thickness increases from the opening end side of the mounting portion 232 toward the bottom side (e.g., a roughly right-angled triangle or a roughly trapezoidal shape). Figure 22 The guide portion R1 is formed into a generally trapezoidal shape whose thickness increases from the opening end side (above) of the mounting portion 232 toward the bottom side (below).

[0137] An air intake 232a is provided in the surrounding wall W, connecting the collection port 220 to the dust collector 231. However, it is preferable that, when viewed from above, at least one guide portion R is provided in the surrounding wall W (also called the surrounding wall Wx), which is located on the side opposite to the air intake 232a across the central axis of the mounting portion 232. For example, if the mounting portion 232 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above, the surrounding wall Wx is the wall W2 opposite to the wall W1 in the surrounding wall W where the air intake 232a is provided (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0138] The surrounding wall Wx preferably has two or more guide portions R. Any two of the guide portions R provided on the surrounding wall Wx are respectively referred to as the first guide portion R1 and the second guide portion R2. The first guide portion R1 and the second guide portion R2 preferably protrude into the mounting portion 232 by different amounts (referred to as thickness). For convenience, the one with the larger thickness between the first guide portion R1 and the second guide portion R2 is referred to as the first guide portion R1. That is, the first guide portion R1 is formed to protrude further into the mounting portion 232 than the second guide portion R2. The first guide portion R1 preferably contacts the dust collector 231 in the installed state. This makes it easier to guide the dust collector 231 to its installation position within the mounting portion 232. It is preferable to adjust the thickness and shape of the first guide portion R1 so that it contacts the dust collector 231 in the installed state. The second guide portion R2 may or may not contact the dust collector 231 in the installed state. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first guide portion R1 and the second guide portion R2 are arranged such that the hinge portion of the dust collector 231 enters between the first guide portion R1 and the second guide portion R2. However, in this case, the first guide portion R1 and the second guide portion R2 also function as guides when installing the dust collector 231 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0139] Thus, the preferred guide portion R includes a first guide portion R1, which is disposed on the peripheral wall Wx opposite to the air intake 232a on the side of the mounting portion 232 when viewed from above. The first guide portion R1 contacts the dust collector 231 when the dust collector 231 is installed on the mounting portion 232. Particularly preferred, the guide portion R also includes a second guide portion R2, which is disposed on the peripheral wall Wx opposite to the air intake 232a on the side of the mounting portion 232 when viewed from above. The first guide portion R1 is formed to protrude further inward into the mounting portion 232 than the second guide portion R2.

[0140] exist Figure 10 as well as Figure 24 In the roughly rectangular mounting portion 232 viewed from above, a first guide portion R1 and a second guide portion R2 are provided on the wall W2 opposite to the wall W1 where the air intake 232a is provided. Figure 10 as well as Figure 24 In this configuration, the second guide portion R2 is disposed on the first direction Y1 side compared to the first guide portion R1, but it can also be disposed on the second direction Y2 side in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0141] The guide portion R is preferably provided on the surrounding wall W (also called the surrounding wall Wy) on the side of the air intake 232a. The guide portion R provided on the surrounding wall Wy is referred to as the third guide portion R3. That is, the guide portion R preferably also includes the third guide portion R3 provided on the surrounding wall Wy on the side of the air intake 232a. For example, if the mounting portion 232 is approximately rectangular when viewed from above, the surrounding wall Wy on the side of the air intake 232a is the wall W1 in which the air intake 232a is provided (see reference). Figure 10 The third guide section R3 can also be provided in multiples on the surrounding wall Wy.

[0142] The third guide portion R3 preferably extends downward from a position above the air intake 232a. That is, preferably the upper end (Z1 side end) of the third guide portion R3 is located above the upper end of the air intake 232a, and the lower end (Z2 side end) of the third guide portion R3 is located below the lower end of the air intake 232a.

[0143] The guide portion R is preferably also provided on the surrounding wall W (also called the surrounding wall Wz) on the first direction side. The guide portion R provided on the surrounding wall Wz is referred to as the fourth guide portion R4. That is, if the direction in which the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the dust collection station 200 is detached is set as the first direction Y1, the guide portion R preferably also includes the fourth guide portion R4 provided on the surrounding wall Wz on the first direction Y1 side. The surrounding wall Wy on the first direction side, for example, when the mounting portion 232 is approximately rectangular in plan view, is the wall W3 on the first direction Y1 side (see reference). Figure 10 The fourth guide portion R4 can also be provided in multiples on the surrounding wall Wz. Furthermore, the guide portion R can also be provided on the wall on the side opposite to the first direction Y1, in the second direction Y2. For example, in... Figure 25 In the middle, two fourth guide parts R4 are provided on the peripheral wall Wz on the first direction Y1 side, and a guide part R is also provided on the peripheral wall W on the second direction Y2 side.

[0144] Preferably, a filter (not shown) is disposed at the lower part of the mounting section 232. Specifically, it is preferable that, in the installed state, the filter is disposed between the opening 231b of the dust collector 231 and the opening 232b of the mounting section 232. This removes fine dust particles that cannot be removed from the dust collector 231, suppressing the flow of fine dust particles toward the second electric suction unit 250, thus reducing the likelihood of malfunctions in the dust collection station 200. Furthermore, the filter may be disposed at the opening 231b of the dust collector 231, or at both the opening 231b of the dust collector 231 and the opening 232b of the mounting section 232.

[0145] (Third implementation method) The dust collection station 200 of this embodiment also includes a process operation unit 80A for inspection or repair. Except for this point, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment (or its variant) or the second embodiment, so repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0146] The process operation section 80A is operated by the manufacturer or service personnel performing repairs or inspections, and may be a process check switch or a soft rewrite connector. Preferably, the process operation section 80A is equipped with a removable cover 80C (see reference). Figure 26 and Figure 27 Therefore, users who actually handle vacuum cleaners 100 obtained through purchase or other means cannot easily access the process operation section 80A. A removable cover is fixed to the process operation section 80A, for example, by screws.

[0147] Figures 26-28 This is a perspective view of the dust collection station 200 of this embodiment from above, showing the first cover 233 in the open state. Figure 27 It is the cover 80C installed in the process operation section 80A (refer to...) Figure 26 (Image of it being dismantled) Figure 28 This is a diagram showing the top part 201T of the dust collection station 200, which is integrated with the user operation unit 80B described later, being removed.

[0148] The process operation unit 80A is preferably located on the upper surface (Z1 side) of the frame 201 (see reference). Figures 26-28 In conventional dust collection stations, the process operation section was located at the back of the station. Therefore, manufacturers or service personnel accessing the process operation section needed to change the product's orientation, such as turning the station towards the back. Furthermore, flipping the dust collection station over or removing the cover attached to the process operation section required supporting the main body simultaneously. However, with the process operation section 80A located on the upper surface of the frame 201, manufacturers or maintenance personnel can access the process operation section 80A without changing the product's orientation, thus reducing work time and workload.

[0149] From the perspective of not being easily accessible to the user, the preferred process operation unit 80A is positioned in a location that is not visible from the outside through the closed first cover 233. For example, as Figure 26 As shown, the process operation section 80A is located on the upper surface of the holding section 201H inside the frame 201, at approximately the same height as the opening end of the mounting section 232. The first cover 233 is closed together with the mounting section 232 to cover the process operation section 80A from above. When the first cover 233 is closed, the process operation section 80A is not visible from the outside.

[0150] The preferred dust collection station 200 also has a user operation unit 80B (see reference). Figures 26-28The user operation unit 80B is a part where the user operates or notifies the user; it is also called an input unit or a notification unit. Examples of input units include touchscreen displays, momentary contact type push-button switches, or microphones. Examples of notification units include speakers, displays, or LED light sources. The notification unit can also notify the user of the remaining battery level of the vacuum cleaner 100, the amount of dust in the dust collector 231, etc. For example, by operating the user operation unit 80B, the user can set or change the automatic collection on or off state, as described later.

[0151] From a user-friendly perspective, the user operation unit 80B is preferably located on the upper surface (Z1 side) of the frame 201, and more preferably, both the process operation unit 80A and the user operation unit 80B are located on the upper surface of the frame 201. If a substrate 80D integrating the process operation unit 80A and the user operation unit 80B is used, a dust collection station 200 with both the process operation unit 80A and the user operation unit 80B located on the upper surface of the frame 201 can be easily manufactured (see reference). Figure 28 Therefore, manufacturing costs are reduced. In addition, if both the process operation unit 80A and the user operation unit 80B are located on the upper surface of the housing 201, manufacturers or service personnel can operate the process operation unit 80A to perform operations while checking notifications (displays) based on LEDs, etc., in the user operation unit 80B, thereby improving the efficiency of operations required for manufacturing or repair.

[0152] (Fourth Implementation) In this embodiment, a dust collection device 1 comprising a vacuum cleaner 100 and a dust collection station 200 will be described. The dust collection station 200 of the dust collection device 1 is preferably a dust collection station 200 of the first embodiment (or a variation thereof), the second embodiment, or the third embodiment. Hereinafter, features unique to this embodiment will be described, and details that overlap with those described above will be omitted.

[0153] Figures 1-4 This diagram illustrates the dust collection device 1 according to this embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a suction inlet 120 for sucking up dust from the ground, a first electric suction motor 150 for attracting dust, a first dust collection section 130 for storing the dust attracted by the first electric suction motor 150, and a dust discharge outlet 160 for discharging the dust from the first dust collection section 130. For example, Figures 1-4 The vacuum cleaner 100 shown includes: a suction inlet body 102 having a suction inlet 120; a vacuum cleaner body 101 mounted above the suction inlet body 102 and being a generally cylindrical shape that is elongated in the vertical direction; and a handle 103 extending above the vacuum cleaner body 101; and a first electric suction motor 150, a first dust collection section 130, and a dust discharge port 160 are provided on the vacuum cleaner body 101.

[0154] Figure 29 This is a perspective view of the suction inlet 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 according to this embodiment, viewed from the left front. Figure 30 This is a view of the suction inlet 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 of this embodiment, viewed from the bottom 11a side. The details of the suction inlet 102 and the like will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0155] The suction inlet body 102 has a suction port 120 at its bottom 11a. The suction inlet body 102 may also have a rotating cleaning body 12 at its bottom 11a. The rotating cleaning body 12 preferably includes a shaft 12A that is rotatably mounted, and cleaning components (not shown) disposed around the shaft 12A. When the suction inlet body 102 has a rotating cleaning body 12, a motor or similar device for driving the rotating cleaning body 12 is also provided in the suction inlet body 102. The rotating cleaning body 12 rotates by the rotation of this motor. The cleaning component is, for example, a brush.

[0156] More specifically, the suction port body 102 preferably includes a lower housing portion 11 forming the bottom 11a and a rotating cleaning body 12 disposed on the suction port 120, and more preferably also includes an upper housing portion 14 disposed on the lower housing portion 11. The lower housing portion 11 has a front portion 11b extending in the left-right direction and a rear portion 11c protruding rearward from the middle portion in the left-right direction from the rear end of the front portion 11b, and the bottom 11a is formed by the front portion 11b and the rear portion 11c. In the front portion 11b of the lower housing portion 11, the suction port 120 extending in the left-right direction is provided in the approximately front half, and the approximately rear half is the portion where the drive motor, cylindrical connecting portion, etc. are mounted (disposed) are located.

[0157] A bumper is provided at the front end of the front part 11b. The cylindrical connecting part (not shown) is the part that connects and links the connecting part 15 to the vacuum cleaner body 101 and the suction port 120.

[0158] The upper housing portion 14 is composed of one or more components, such as above the suction port 120 and the drive motor or cylindrical connecting portion disposed in the generally rear half of the lower housing portion 11. Part or all of the upper housing portion 14 may also be a rotating cleaning body cover 14 disposed on the lower housing portion 11 to cover the upper periphery of the rotating cleaning body 12. Thus, the suction port body 102 preferably also includes a rotating cleaning body cover 14, which is disposed on the lower housing portion 11 to cover the upper periphery of the rotating cleaning body 12. The rotating cleaning body cover 14 is preferably disposed above the rotating cleaning body 12 and has a curved portion. The middle portion 14a in the left-right direction of the upper housing portion 14 protrudes and accommodates the joint portion 15a of the cylindrical connecting portion and the connecting portion 15.

[0159] A rotating cleaning body 12 is disposed at the suction port 120, which is approximately the front half of the lower housing portion 11. As described above, the rotating cleaning body 12 preferably has a rotatably mounted shaft 12A and a cleaning member (not shown) disposed around the shaft 12A. However, the cleaning member preferably has a length in which the tip of the cleaning member (e.g., the tip of a brush bristle) contacts or approaches the inner wall of the front end of the rotating cleaning body cover 14 or the front portion 11b. For example, when the rotating cleaning body 12 rotates, the tip of the cleaning member can either slide into contact with the inner wall of the rotating cleaning body cover 14 (contacting while moving) or approach a part that does not contact the inner wall. When the cleaning member has such a length, the portion of the suction port 120 that acts as a buffer (i.e., the portion of the bottom 11a that is closer to the front portion 11b than the rotating cleaning body 12) is substantially blocked by the cleaning member. In this state, the amount of air flowing into the connecting portion 15 from the buffer side of the suction port 120 through the space between the rotating cleaning body 12 and the rotating cleaning body cover 14 may be reduced. As a result, air is mainly drawn in from the portion between the rotating cleaning body 12 and the wall surface 11d in the suction port 120, thus improving the floor cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, with the suction port body 102 mounted on the mounting surface 203, when air is drawn in by the second electric suction machine 250, the air path flowing into the connecting portion 15 from the buffer side of the suction port 120 through the space between the rotating cleaning body 12 and the rotating cleaning body cover 14 is more fully closed, thus further improving the dust recovery efficiency from the first dust collection section 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 based on the dust collection station 200.

[0160] As described above, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the mounting surface 203, it is preferable that the first fitting portion A1 in the lower housing portion 11 is located between the wall surface 11d on the rear side of the rotating cleaning body 12 and the rotating cleaning body 12. In this case, the first fitting portion A1 may also be a concave fitting portion, but it is preferable to be a convex fitting portion.

[0161] In the lower housing 11, a pair of raised cloths 11e are preferably provided on the left and right sides of the suction inlet 120. Furthermore, a raised brush (not shown) is preferably provided near the rear of the suction inlet 120 (near the rear wall surface 11d). In such a vacuum cleaner 100, when cleaning the floor, the left, right, and rear sides of the suction inlet 120 are surrounded by the pair of raised cloths 11e and the raised brush, thereby increasing the suction force in front of the suction inlet 120. Furthermore, the dust collection efficiency from the first dust collection section 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the dust collection station 200 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the mounting surface 203 is also improved.

[0162] The connecting portion 15 includes: a joint portion 15a, which is located above the rear portion 11c of the lower housing portion 11 and connected to the rear opening of the cylindrical communicating portion; and a tube portion 15b connected to the joint portion 15a. For example, the joint portion 15a is rotatable in the left-right direction X, and the tube portion 15b is rotatable in the front-back direction Y.

[0163] The suction inlet body 102 preferably includes a rear roller 13, which is rotatably disposed behind (Y1 side) the bottom 11a of the suction inlet body 102. When the rear roller 13 is present, the possibility of damage to the ground due to the suction inlet body 102 can be suppressed. As described above, the second fitting portion A2 that the mounting surface 203 may have is a concave fitting portion that fits into the rear roller 13.

[0164] The vacuum cleaner 100 also includes a battery 170 for supplying power to the first electric suction unit 150, etc. The battery 170 is located, for example, below the first dust collection unit 130 and on the front side (Y2 side) of the suction tube 180. The vacuum cleaner 100 has a charging terminal (not shown) for supplying power to the battery 170, and the dust collection station 200 also has a charging terminal 205 for supplying power to the battery 170. When the user installs the vacuum cleaner 100 into the dust collection station 200, the charging terminals come into contact with each other, and power is supplied from the dust collection station 200 side to the vacuum cleaner 100 side via these charging terminals.

[0165] The first electric suction machine 150 consists of a fan (not shown) and an electric motor (also referred to as the first electric motor) that drives the fan.

[0166] The first dust collection unit 130 is connected to the suction port 120 and the dust discharge port 160. The first dust collection unit 130 can be either a filter-type air containing dust drawn in from the suction port 120 or a cyclone-type air separation method.

[0167] When the first dust collection unit 130 is installed on the vacuum cleaner body 101, it has an opening that communicates with the dust discharge port 160. The opening is provided with a cover 161, which is used to open and close the vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the dust collection station 200, the dust discharge port 160 communicates with the dust collection port 220 of the dust collection station 200.

[0168] The dust exhaust port 160 is positioned opposite the collection port 220 of the dust collection station 200. For example, the dust exhaust port 160 can be located on the front side (Y2 side), the back side (Y1 side), or the side side (X1 or X2 side) of the vacuum cleaner body 101. However, considering the preferred configuration of the collection port 220 described later, the dust exhaust port 160 is preferably located on the side of the vacuum cleaner body 101. For example, if the dust exhaust port 160 is located on the X2 side of the vacuum cleaner body 101, the dust exhaust port 160 can be connected to the collection port 220 located in the X2 direction of the vacuum cleaner body 101 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 6 When the dust outlet 160 is located on the X1 side of the vacuum cleaner body 101, the dust outlet 160 can be connected to the recovery port 220 located in the X1 direction of the vacuum cleaner body 101. Thus, the vacuum cleaner 100 preferably has a dust outlet 160 on the side of the body that can be connected to the recovery port 220 of the dust collection station 200.

[0169] A first operation section 104 (e.g., an operation switch) for user operation is provided on the grip section 103.

[0170] Although not shown, the vacuum cleaner 100 preferably includes a first control unit for controlling various components and functional parts of the vacuum cleaner 100, and a first communication unit for communicating information with the dust collection station 200 or a server (not shown). The operation of various components and functional parts can also be controlled by receiving action instructions from users, for example. The first control unit and the first communication unit are provided, for example, in the vacuum cleaner body 101 or the handle 103. The vacuum cleaner 100 may also include a connection detection unit (also called a first connection detection unit) for detecting the connection of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the dust collection station 200.

[0171] When the user uses the vacuum cleaner 100, firstly, the vacuum cleaner 100 is removed from the dust collection station 200. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is removed from the dust collection station 200, no power is supplied to the first control unit from the battery 170. In order to start the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100, when the user operates the first operation unit 104, power is supplied to the control unit of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the battery 170.

[0172] When the vacuum cleaner 100 starts operating, the first electric suction unit 150 actuates, and the rotating cleaning body 12 rotates when the suction inlet body 102 is equipped with a rotating cleaning body 12. Dust-containing air drawn in from the suction inlet 120 enters the first dust collection unit 130 through the suction pipe 181. The dust-containing air is filtered by the filter 131 if the first dust collection unit 130 is a filter type, or the dust is centrifugally separated by cyclone flow (swirling flow) if the first dust collection unit 130 is a cyclone type. The dust is stored inside the first dust collection unit 130 (more specifically, mainly inside the filter provided in the first dust collection unit 130). The air separated from the dust is drawn in by the first electric suction unit 150, discharged through the exhaust path of the first electric suction unit 150, and discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the exhaust port 183. When the user stops the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100 by operating the first operation unit 104, the first electric suction machine 150 and the rotating cleaning body 12 stop.

[0173] When a user uses the vacuum cleaner 100 and installs (connects) it to the dust collection station 200, the exhaust port 160 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection port 220 of the dust collection station 200. That is, the user installs the vacuum cleaner 100 in the dust collection station 200 with the exhaust port 160 and collection port 220 facing each other. For example, when the first control unit of the vacuum cleaner 100 detects that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the dust collection station 200 while the first electric suction motor 150 is being driven, it stops the first electric suction motor 150 and stops power supply from the battery 170 to itself (the first control unit). Alternatively, the user can stop the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100 by pressing a stop button or similar mechanism, and then install the vacuum cleaner 100 in the dust collection station 200 while power supply from the battery 170 to the first control unit is stopped. In this situation, even if the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed in the dust collection station 200, it will not be powered on, and the power supply will still be cut off.

[0174] The second control unit 32 of the preferred dust collection station 200 charges the battery 170 of the vacuum cleaner 100 when it detects that the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed in the dust collection station 200. As described above, when the user installs the vacuum cleaner 100 in the dust collection station 200, the charging terminal of the vacuum cleaner 100 contacts the charging terminal 205 of the dust collection station 200, and power is supplied from the dust collection station 200 side to the vacuum cleaner 100 side through these charging terminals.

[0175] The second control unit 32 can also control the collection of dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 when it detects that the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed (connected) to the dust collection station 200. The state in which the second control unit performs this control is called the automatic collection on state. On the other hand, the state in which the second control unit 32 does not perform this control is called the automatic collection off state. For example, the user can set or change the automatic collection on state or the automatic collection off state through the input unit (user operation unit 80B) provided in the dust collection station 200.

[0176] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is installed in the dust collection station 200 with automatic collection enabled, the second electric suction unit 250 automatically operates. When the second electric suction unit 250 operates, dust accumulated in the first dust collection section 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 moves sequentially towards the dust discharge port 160, the recovery port 220 of the dust collection station 200, the dust flow path 21, and the second dust collection section 230, accumulating in the dust collector 231 of the second dust collection section 230. The second electric suction unit 250 can automatically stop after a predetermined operating time. For example, if the first dust collection section 130 is full of dust, the preferred operating time for the second electric suction unit 250 is at least the time during which all the dust is collected in the second dust collection section 230 without any dust remaining in the dust flow path 21. After the second electric suction unit 250 stops, the dust collection station 200 enters a standby state. This series of actions is also performed when the vacuum cleaner 100 is temporarily removed from the dust collection station 200 and then reinstalled.

[0177] On the other hand, in the automatic collection off state, even if the user installs the vacuum cleaner 100 on the dust collection station 200, the second electric suction machine 250 will not operate automatically.

[0178] (Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 is mainly described as a vacuum cleaner with a configuration having a rotating cleaning body 12, but a vacuum cleaner without a configuration having a rotating cleaning body 12 can also be used (see [reference]). Figure 31 ). Figure 31 This is a view of the suction inlet body 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in this example, viewed from the bottom 11a side. The first fitting portion A1 of the mounting surface 203 is provided in such a way as to block at least a portion of the suction inlet 120 provided by such suction inlet body 102.

[0179] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the various constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified. For example, a constituent element from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment can be added to the constituent elements of other embodiments, or several constituent elements from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment can be deleted from the embodiments.

[0180] Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings schematically illustrate each component as the main element. The thickness, length, number, and spacing of each component in the drawings may sometimes differ from reality from the perspective of the drawings themselves. Moreover, the structure of each component shown in the above-described embodiments is merely an example and is not particularly limited. It is self-evident that various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the effects of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A dust collecting station comprising a frame to which a vacuum cleaner is attached and detached, the frame having: a recovery port through which air containing dust discharged from the vacuum cleaner flows; and an exhaust port through which air from which the dust has been separated is discharged, the recovery port being formed on one side in a ventilation direction intersecting a direction in which the vacuum cleaner is attached to and detached from the frame with respect to the vacuum cleaner attached to the frame, and the exhaust port being formed on the other side in the ventilation direction with respect to the vacuum cleaner attached to the frame.

2. The dust collecting station according to claim 1, wherein the recovery port flows air from the other side in the ventilation direction toward the one side, and the exhaust port discharges air from the one side in the ventilation direction toward the other side.

3. The dust collecting station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame has: the recovery port to which the vacuum cleaner is connected and through which the air containing the dust is recovered from the vacuum cleaner; a dust collecting portion that stores the dust contained in the air recovered through the recovery port; a suction portion that has an electric suction machine that generates a suction force that suctions the air; the exhaust port through which the air from which the dust has been separated is discharged to the outside; and an exhaust path that is connected to the suction portion and the exhaust port and through which the air from which the dust has been separated flows from the suction portion to the exhaust port, the exhaust path having a length of at least half the inner circumference of the frame in plan view.

4. The dust collecting station according to claim 3, wherein the exhaust path has a first region and a second region inside the exhaust path, the second region having a smaller cross-sectional area than the first region.

5. The dust collecting station according to claim 4, wherein, when a direction in which the vacuum cleaner connected to the frame is detached is defined as a first direction, the first region is located on a side closer to a second direction opposite to the first direction than a center of the frame in plan view of the frame.

6. The dust collecting station according to claim 3, wherein the exhaust path is provided with a sound-absorbing material on an inner wall.

7. The dust collecting station according to claim 6, wherein the sound-absorbing material is provided on at least a side closer to the outside of the frame in the inner wall of the exhaust path.

8. The dust collecting station according to claim 3, further comprising a process operation portion for inspection or repair, the process operation portion being provided on an upper surface of the frame.

9. The dust collecting station according to claim 8, wherein the process operation portion has a detachable cover.

10. The dust collecting station according to claim 3, further comprising a user operation portion, the user operation portion being provided on an upper surface of the frame.

11. The dust collecting station according to claim 3, further comprising a control portion, the control portion being provided inside the exhaust path. a vacuum cleaner; and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12. A dust recovery device characterized by comprising: ​ ​ The dust collecting station according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The dust collecting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The dust collector has a dust discharge port on a side of the main body, and the dust discharge port is connectable to the recovery port.

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