Recovery device

Abstract

The recycling device of the present application has a frame body that houses a suction source and a dust flow channel, the suction source generates suction force for suctioning dust in the vacuum cleaner, and the dust flow channel allows the dust suctioned by the suction source to flow. The frame body has an opening part that communicates with an exhaust port formed on a fan chamber where a suction fan of the vacuum cleaner is arranged, in a state where the vacuum cleaner is connected to the recycling device. The rotating sound of the suction fan discharged from the exhaust port is propagated in the frame body via the opening part. During this period, the rotating sound is attenuated and difficult to be perceived as noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dust collection device for recovering dust from a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner capable of being connected to the dust collection device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a Figure 9 The vacuum cleaner 300 is shown as a stick vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner body 310 and a suction pipe 320 extending downward from the vacuum cleaner body 310. A suction nozzle 330 for sucking up dust is connected to the lower end of the suction pipe 320.

[0003] The frame 311 of the vacuum cleaner body 310 is divided into a fan chamber 316 and a dust collection chamber 317 located below the fan chamber 316, based on a thin-plate filter section 315. The filter section 315 is configured to capture dust on the one hand and allow air to pass through on the other. Therefore, air can travel back and forth between the fan chamber 316 and the dust collection chamber 317.

[0004] A suction fan 312 is disposed in the fan chamber 316 to generate suction force for drawing dust through the suction nozzle 330. The suction fan 312 includes a motor 313 and blades 314 that are driven to rotate based on the motor 313. The blades 314 are configured to generate suction force when rotating based on the motor 313. Figure 9 The upward suction airflow is indicated by the arrow. The suction airflow is exhausted from the exhaust port 301 located in the fan chamber 316.

[0005] Dust captured by the filter unit 315 is stored in the dust storage chamber 317. A dust discharge port 319 with an opening in the rear wall 318 of the frame 311 is provided for discharging dust from the dust storage chamber 317.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, a method is used to recover dust from the dust storage chamber 317. Figure 10 The recycling device 400 is shown. The recycling device 400 is configured to connect to the dust discharge port 319 and suck out the dust in the dust storage chamber 317.

[0007] The recovery device 400 has a rectangular box-shaped frame 410, the front wall 411 of which holds the vacuum cleaner 300. Inside the frame 410 of the recovery device 400 is a suction source 420 that generates suction force to draw out dust from the dust collection chamber 317 of the vacuum cleaner 300. The suction source 420 is positioned on a recovery chamber 440 that stores dust drawn from the dust collection chamber 317 of the vacuum cleaner 300, and is configured to draw out air from the recovery chamber 440. One end of a dust flow channel 430 is connected to the recovery chamber 440, and the other end of the dust flow channel 430 opens in the front wall of the frame 410.

[0008] If the vacuum cleaner 300 is connected to the recycling device 400, the dust flow channel 430 of the recycling device 400 is connected to the dust collection chamber 317 of the vacuum cleaner 300. If the suction source 420 of the recycling device 400 is operating in this state, the suction force of the suction source 420 acts on the dust in the dust collection chamber 317 of the vacuum cleaner 300 via the dust flow channel 430. Based on this suction force, the dust in the dust collection chamber 317 flows sequentially through the dust outlet 319 and the dust flow channel 430 into the recycling chamber 440.

[0009] Since the filter section 315 allows air to pass through, if the suction source 420 of the recovery device 400 draws out the air and dust from the dust storage chamber 317, the air in the fan chamber 316 above the dust storage chamber 317 is drawn into the dust storage chamber 317. As air is drawn from the fan chamber 316 into the dust storage chamber 317, outside air flows into the fan chamber 316 through the exhaust port 301.

[0010] At this time, if the torque of the motor 313 inside the fan chamber 316 is zero (for example, when no power is supplied to the motor 313), the blades 314 will rotate based on the airflow of external air into the fan chamber 316. Since the rotation sound of the blades 314 will be discharged outside the frame 311 through the exhaust port 301, the user will perceive the rotation sound as noise.

[0011] Existing technical documents

[0012] Patent documents

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-267032 Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technique for recovering dust from a vacuum cleaner while suppressing noise during the recovery of dust from the vacuum cleaner to the recovery device.

[0015] The recycling device of the present invention is configured to be connected to a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a fan chamber and a dust collection chamber. The fan chamber houses a suction fan with blades that generate a suction airflow for drawing in dust and has an exhaust port for discharging the suction airflow. The dust collection chamber houses a filter that allows the suction airflow to flow into the fan chamber and captures dust contained in the suction airflow. The recycling device includes: a frame configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and having an opening facing the exhaust port when the vacuum cleaner is connected; a dust flow channel configured to communicate with the dust collection chamber when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the frame; and a suction source disposed within the frame, which operates when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the frame to draw air from the dust collection chamber and the fan chamber, as well as dust from the dust collection chamber, into the dust flow channel. The frame is configured to allow the rotational sound of the blades, generated by the suction of air from the fan chamber, to propagate through the opening within the frame, wherein the air from the fan chamber is sucked out based on the suction source operating with the vacuum cleaner connected to the frame.

[0016] The vacuum cleaner of the present invention is configured to be connected to the aforementioned recycling device. The vacuum cleaner includes: a fan chamber housing a suction fan having blades that generate a suction airflow for drawing in dust, and having an exhaust port for discharging the suction airflow; and a dust collection chamber housing a filter section that allows the suction airflow to flow into the fan chamber and captures dust contained in the suction airflow. The dust collection chamber is configured to communicate with the dust flow channel of the recycling device when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the recycling device. The exhaust port is configured to communicate between the fan chamber and the opening of the recycling device when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the recycling device.

[0017] This invention enables the recovery of dust from a vacuum cleaner while suppressing noise during the dust recovery process from the vacuum cleaner to the recovery device.

[0018] The objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will become clearer from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner.

[0020] Figure 2 This is the front view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the perimeter of the dust collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner and its recycling device.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and recycling unit as seen from above.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a side view of the recycling device.

[0025] Figure 7 This is the front view of the recycling device.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the perimeter of the dust collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a traditional vacuum cleaner.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a simplified 3D diagram of a previous recycling device. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repetitive descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described herein.

[0030] (The overall structure of a vacuum cleaner)

[0031] Figure 1 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the stick vacuum cleaner 100. Figure 2 This is the front view of vacuum cleaner 100. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 Let's explain vacuum cleaner 100.

[0032] The vacuum cleaner 100 includes: a nozzle 130 for sucking up dust on the ground; a vacuum cleaner body 110 that is tiltably mounted on the nozzle 130 in the front-rear direction; and a gripping part 140 that extends upward from the upper end 112 of the vacuum cleaner body 110. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vacuum cleaner body 110 and gripper 140 shown are in an upright position relative to the nozzle 130 and will not tilt forward from this upright position. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in use, the vacuum cleaner body 110 and gripper 140 are held by the user in a position that tilts backward relative to the nozzle 130.

[0033] The nozzle 130 has a nozzle housing 132 that is wider than the vacuum cleaner body 110 in order to form a wide suction space 131 for sucking up dust. The suction space 131 opens to the ground at the front portion of the nozzle housing 132. At the rear of this opening, the suction space 131 is closed based on the bottom 134 of the nozzle housing 132. A rotating cleaning brush 133 is disposed in the suction space 131, and the cleaning brush 133 protrudes from the nozzle housing 132 through the opening of the suction space 131 and is in contact with the ground.

[0034] The vacuum cleaner body 110 has a frame 111 that is elongated in the vertical direction. The lower end of the frame 111 is mounted to the rear of the nozzle housing 132 in a manner that allows the vacuum cleaner body 110 to tilt in the front-to-back direction. The upper part of the frame 111 tapers towards the upper end 112 of the frame 111, and a gripping part 140 extends upward from the upper end 112. The gripping part 140 is a rod-shaped portion of a thickness for the user to hold. Figure 2 As shown, an operation section 141 (operation button) for user operation is provided on the gripping section 140.

[0035] The frame 111 is configured to house various components for sucking up dust from the ground and storing the sucked-up dust. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, a suction pipe 113 extending vertically is disposed inside the lower part of the frame 111. Furthermore, a dust collection chamber 152 is disposed above the suction pipe 113, and a filter 115 is disposed in the dust collection chamber 152 to capture dust while allowing air to pass through. A fan chamber 153 communicating with the dust collection chamber 152 is disposed above the dust collection chamber 152, and a suction fan 116 is disposed in the fan chamber 153 to generate suction force for lifting dust from the ground and to generate an upward suction airflow. A battery 117 supplying power to the suction fan 116 is disposed above the suction fan 116.

[0036] The suction fan 116 inside the fan chamber 153 includes a motor 161 and blades 162 configured to generate an upward suction airflow by rotating based on the motor 161. The motor 161 of the suction fan 116 is configured to operate or stop according to the operation of the operation unit 141. Furthermore, when the suction fan 116 is stopped, no power is supplied from the battery 117 to the suction fan 116, and at this time, the torque of the motor 161 of the suction fan 116 is zero. That is, when the suction fan 116 is stopped, the blades 162 of the suction fan 116 can rotate freely.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the fan chamber 153 housing the suction fan 116 has an exhaust port 151 that opens in the front wall of the frame 111, through which the suction airflow generated by the suction fan 116 is discharged.

[0038] To capture dust sucked up by the suction fan 116 and prevent it from flowing into the fan chamber 153, a filter section 115 is provided in the dust storage chamber 152 on the lower side of the fan chamber 153. The filter section 115 has the shape of a container with a downward opening. The filter section 115 has: a mesh filter 118 that allows the suction airflow generated by the suction fan 116 to pass through on the one hand, and captures the dust contained in the suction airflow on the other hand; and a retaining frame 119 configured to maintain the container shape of the mesh filter 118. The dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction fan 116 is stored in the space surrounded by the mesh filter 118. Since the dust is captured by the mesh filter 118, the suction airflow flowing to the fan chamber 153 through the mesh filter 118 contains almost no dust.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the dust storage chamber 152 housing the filter section 115 has a dust discharge port 124 opening in the front wall of the frame 111, through which dust captured in the dust storage chamber 152 by the filter section 115 can be discharged. The dust discharge port 124 is opened and closed by the cover 121. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cover 121 shown is in an upright position, forming a closed posture that seals the dust outlet 124. On the other hand, Figure 3 The cover 121 shown swings downward from the closed position by a specified angle (swing angle of less than 90°) to the open position where the dust outlet 124 is opened.

[0040] The suction pipe 113, which is built into the lower part of the frame 111, is fixed inside the frame 111. If the vacuum cleaner body 110 is in an upright position ( Figure 1 When the vacuum cleaner body 110 is tilted backward (as shown in the diagram), it tilts backward along with the frame 111. When the vacuum cleaner body 110 is in an upright position, the lower end of the suction pipe 113 is in contact with the bottom 134 of the nozzle housing 132. That is, when the vacuum cleaner body 110 is in an upright position, the lower end of the suction pipe 113 is closed based on the bottom 134 of the nozzle housing 132. If the vacuum cleaner body 110 tilts backward from an upright position, the lower end of the suction pipe 113 tilts backward from the upright position. Figure 1 The suction tube 113 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A. As a result, the internal space of the suction tube 113 becomes connected to the suction space 131 of the mouthpiece housing 132.

[0041] A check valve 114 is installed at the upper end of the suction pipe 113 to close the upper end of the suction pipe 113 when the suction fan 116 is not operating. Specifically, only the rear end of the check valve 114 is fixed to the suction pipe 113, while the remaining portion is allowed to be disengaged from the upper end of the suction pipe 113 when subjected to the suction force of the suction fan 116. The check valve 114 can also be made, for example, of a thin rubber sheet. In this case, if the suction fan 116 is operating, the check valve 114 bends upwards based on the upward suction force of the suction fan 116, thereby opening the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 113.

[0042] (Overall structure of the recycling device)

[0043] The dust stored in the dust storage chamber 152 can be... Figure 4 The shown recycling device 200 is configured to connect to a vacuum cleaner 100. Specifically, the recycling device 200 includes: a frame 210; and a base plate 220, with the frame 210 mounted at the front and the vacuum cleaner 100 placed at the rear. A dust flow channel 230, with one end opening to the outside of the frame 210, is provided within the frame 210 to allow dust collected from the vacuum cleaner 100 to flow into it. The other end of the dust flow channel 230 is connected to a recycling chamber 240 for storing dust collected from the vacuum cleaner 100, and a suction source 250 is disposed on the underside of the recycling chamber 240. The suction source 250 is electrically connected to a control unit 260 within the frame 210 and operates under the control of the control unit 260. In detail, the suction source 250 is configured to generate suction force under the control of the control unit 260 and generate a recovery airflow for recovering dust in the dust collection chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0044] The frame 210 has: an upper part 212, which, when connected to the vacuum cleaner 100, provides... Figure 4 The rear wall 214, which abuts against the vacuum cleaner body 110 as shown, and the lower part 211, are formed to be smaller in the front-rear direction than the upper part 212.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper part 212 includes a front wall 217, a right wall 218, and a left wall 219, which together with the rear wall 214 form an interior space that is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Figure 4As shown, the generally rectangular internal space, surrounded by the rear wall 214, front wall 217, right wall 218, and left wall 219, is closed from the top based on the upper wall portion 272. The upper portion 212 houses a dust channel 230, a collection chamber 240, and a suction source 250. With the upper portion 212 abutting against the rear wall 214, the dust channel 230 communicates with the dust collection chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The lower portion 211 is recessed forward relative to the rear wall 214 of the upper portion 212, and a receiving space 213 for receiving the suction nozzle 130 is formed at the rear of the lower portion 211. A control unit 260 is disposed within the lower portion 211.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, an air inlet 234 and an exhaust outlet 235 are formed at the corner of the upper portion 212 formed by the front wall 231 and the right wall 232. The air inlet 234 is provided to allow external air to flow into the frame 210. The exhaust outlet 235 is provided to discharge the reclaimed airflow generated by the suction source 250 and is formed at a height corresponding to the suction source 250. The air inlet 234 and the exhaust outlet 235 are composed of multiple small holes. In addition, the air inlet 234 and the exhaust outlet 235 can also be formed at the corner of the upper portion 212 formed by the front wall 231 and the left wall 233.

[0047] The rear wall 214 of the upper part 212 is formed to connect with the vacuum cleaner body 110. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, a recessed portion 215 complementary to the front portion of the vacuum cleaner body 110 is provided on the rear wall 214. Figure 7 As shown, the recess 215 extends vertically. The front portion of the upright vacuum cleaner body 110 is inserted into the recess 215. In this state, the vacuum cleaner body 110 is positioned in the width direction of the recess 215.

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, a rectangular opening 236 is formed on the rear wall 214 and within the recess 215. The opening 236 is provided to allow external air flowing in from the air inlet 234 to flow out of the frame 210.

[0049] The opening 236 is formed in the following position: when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the base plate 220 with the vacuum cleaner body 110 in an upright position, and when the front part of the vacuum cleaner body 110 is embedded in the recess 215, it is in contact with... Figure 2 The exhaust ports 151 shown coincide in the front-to-back direction. That is, as... Figure 4As shown, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recycling device 200, the opening 236 faces the exhaust port 151 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The opening 236 has a wider opening area than the exhaust port 151, and when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recycling device 200, the exhaust port 151 is completely overlapped with the opening 236.

[0050] Below the opening 236, one end of the dust channel 230 opens as a rectangular collection port 216. That is, the collection port 216 and the opening 236 are arranged vertically on the rear wall 214. The collection port 216 is formed in the position where, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the base plate 220 with the vacuum cleaner body 110 in an upright position, and when the front portion of the vacuum cleaner body 110 is embedded in the recess 215, it is in contact with... Figure 3 and Figure 8 The dust discharge ports 124 shown coincide in the front-to-back direction. That is, as... Figure 8 As shown, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recycling device 200, the recycling port 216 faces the dust outlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The recycling port 216 is sized to allow the cover 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to enter the recycling port 216 when the cover 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the open position.

[0051] A pair of small holes are formed on the upper side of the opening 236, and as shown... Figure 7 As shown, a pair of detection plates 261 protrude from the outer side of the rear wall 214 through these small holes. These detection plates 261 are used to detect whether the vacuum cleaner body 110 is embedded in the recess 215.

[0052] The detection piece 261 is subjected to a force protruding from the rear wall 214, and when the vacuum cleaner body 110 is inserted into the recess 215, it is pressed into the small hole by the vacuum cleaner body 110, thus becoming submerged in the small hole. A signal generation unit 262 is disposed within the frame 210, configured to detect whether the detection piece 261 is submerged in the small hole and to generate a start signal when the detection piece 261 is detected to be submerged in the small hole. The signal generation unit 262 and... Figure 4 The control unit 260 shown is electrically connected.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the dust channel 230 is disposed within the upper part 212 of the frame 210 and extends upward from the aforementioned collection port 216. The end of the dust channel 230 opposite to the collection port 216 is connected to the collection chamber 240. As described above, since the collection port 216 faces the dust outlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the collection device 200, when the cover 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 opens the dust outlet 124, the dust channel 230 connects to the dust outlet 124 and the dust collection chamber 152.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the recovery chamber 240 is configured as a rectangular space in plan view, and includes a rear wall 241, a front wall 242, a right wall 243, a left wall 244, and a bottom wall 245. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the recovery chamber 240 includes an upper wall 248 disposed opposite to the bottom wall 245.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the rear wall 241 of the recovery chamber 240 is erected at a distance from the rear wall 214 of the frame 210, and the dust channel 230 extends through the space between these rear walls 241 and 214. An opening is formed in the rear wall 241 of the recovery chamber 240, and the upper end of the dust channel 230 (the end of the dust channel 230 opposite to the recovery port 216) is connected to the opening in the rear wall 241.

[0056] The front wall 242 of the recovery chamber 240 is erected at a position rearward of the front wall 231 of the frame 210, separated by a gap. The right wall 243 of the recovery chamber 240 is erected at a position leftward of the right wall 232 of the frame 210, separated by a gap. The left wall 244 of the recovery chamber 240 is erected at a position rightward of the left wall 233 of the frame 210, separated by a gap. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the upper wall 248 of the recovery chamber 240 is positioned at a distance downward relative to the upper wall 272 of the frame 210. Therefore, a space is formed around the perimeter of the recovery chamber 240. Within this space, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As indicated by the arrow, external air flows in through the air inlet 234. Furthermore, the external air flowing into this space exits through the opening 236. That is, an air intake channel 246 is formed based on the recovery chamber 240 and the frame 210, with the air inlet 234 as the upstream end and the opening 236 as the downstream end.

[0057] A circular opening is formed in the bottom wall 245 of the recycling chamber 240, such as... Figure 5 As shown, a dust filter 247 is installed at the opening. The dust filter 247 is configured to capture dust on the one hand and allow air to pass through on the other. A [missing information - likely a device or structure] is arranged on the lower side of the dust filter 247. Figure 4The suction source 250 shown is configured to draw air into the recovery chamber 240 via the dust filter 247. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recovery device 200, the suction force of the suction source 250 acts on the cover 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the recovery chamber 240 and the dust flow channel 230. The suction source 250 is configured to generate a suction force large enough to tilt the cover 121 from a closed position to an open position and draw dust from the dust collection chamber 152. For example, the suction source 250 may include a fan and a motor.

[0058] (Instructions for the operation of a vacuum cleaner during cleaning)

[0059] During cleaning operations, the vacuum cleaner 100 is held by the user with the vacuum cleaner body 110 and gripping part 140 tilted rearward relative to the nozzle 130. By tilting the vacuum cleaner body 110 and gripping part 140 rearward relative to the nozzle 130, it is easy to push the nozzle 130 forward. In this state, the internal space of the suction tube 113 is connected to the suction space 131 of the nozzle 130.

[0060] Subsequently, if the user operates the operating unit 141 to activate the suction fan 116, the suction fan 116 generates an upward suction force. Based on this suction force, the check valve 114 bends and deforms upward. As a result, the upper end of the suction tube 113 is opened.

[0061] If the upper end of the suction pipe 113 is opened, the suction force of the suction fan 116 generates a suction airflow that draws dust through the suction space 131 of the nozzle 130. The suction airflow flows into the dust collection chamber 152 through the nozzle 130 and the suction pipe 113. Dust on the ground is carried into the dust collection chamber 152 by the suction airflow and is captured by the filter section 115 disposed in the dust collection chamber 152. The dust captured by the filter section 115 is stored in the dust collection chamber 152. On the other hand, the suction airflow passes through the filter section 115 and is discharged from the exhaust port 151.

[0062] When the cleaning operation is completed, the user operates the control unit 141 to stop the suction fan 116. As a result, the suction force of the suction fan 116 disappears, and the check valve 114 is reset to close the upper end of the suction pipe 113. Therefore, the dust captured by the filter unit 115 will not fall into the suction pipe 113 but will remain in the dust storage chamber 152.

[0063] (Instructions for the operation of the dust recovery device)

[0064] The user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 to collect the dust accumulated in the dust chamber 152. Specifically, the user places the vacuum cleaner 100 on the base plate 220 of the collection device 200, so that the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the gripping part 140 are in an upright position. When the upright vacuum cleaner body 110 is inserted into the recess 215 of the collection device 200, the cover 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 faces the collection port 216 of the collection device 200 in the front-back direction. In addition, the fan chamber 153 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the air intake passage 246 of the collection device 200 through the exhaust port 151. In this state, the detection plate 261 of the collection device 200 is pressed forward based on the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the detection plate 261 is inserted into the small hole in the rear wall 214.

[0065] The detection unit 262 detects that the detection piece 261 has entered the small hole. The signal generation unit 262 generates a start signal based on the detection of the detection piece 261 entering the small hole. The start signal is transmitted from the signal generation unit 262 to the control unit 260, and the control unit 260 causes the suction source 250 to operate for a specified period based on the receipt of the start signal.

[0066] If the suction source 250 is operational, its suction force is applied to the cover 121 facing the collection port 216 via the recovery chamber 240 and dust channel 230. The cover 121 receives the suction force from the suction source 250 and... Figure 8 As shown, the dust discharge port 124 tilts downward from its closed position to become its open position.

[0067] If the cover 121 swings downwards, the dust outlet 124 is opened. As a result, the dust collection chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 becomes connected to the interior space of the recovery chamber 240 through the dust flow channel 230. Since the dust collection chamber 152 is also connected to the fan chamber 153, and the fan chamber 153 is connected to the air intake channel 246 through the exhaust port 151, the dust flow channel 230 becomes connected to the dust collection chamber 152, the fan chamber 153, and the air intake channel 246. Therefore, the suction force of the suction source 250 acts on the air intake 234 of the air intake channel 246 through the recovery chamber 240, the dust flow channel 230, the dust collection chamber 152, the fan chamber 153, and the air intake channel 246. As a result, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown by the arrow, external air is drawn into the intake passage 246 through the intake port 234, and a recirculated airflow is generated in the intake passage 246 from the intake port 234 to the opening 236.

[0068] Since the opening 236 faces the exhaust port 151 of the vacuum cleaner 100, the recirculated airflow in the intake air passage 246 is drawn into the fan chamber 153 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the exhaust port 151. At this time, since no power is supplied to the suction fan 116 in the fan chamber 153, the torque of the motor 161 of the suction fan 116 is zero. Therefore, the blades 162 of the suction fan 116 can rotate based on the recirculated airflow through the fan chamber 153. Based on the rotation of the blades 162 of the suction fan 116, a rotational sound may be generated from the suction fan 116. Since the exhaust port 151 is formed in the fan chamber 153, the rotational sound can easily escape to the outside of the frame 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the exhaust port 151. In order to suppress the sound leakage, the opening 236 of the intake air passage 246 is connected to the exhaust port 151. That is, the rotational sound emanating from the exhaust port 151 propagates in the air within the intake duct 246 formed within the housing 210, and is released from the housing 210 of the recovery device 200 via the intake port 234 of the intake duct 246. Because the rotational sound attenuates during its propagation within the housing 210, the noise level of the rotational sound released via the intake port 234 is reduced.

[0069] The recirculated airflow from the suction fan 116 passes through the filter section 115 below the suction fan 116. At this time, the recirculated airflow causes dust in the dust collection chamber 152 to flow out through the dust discharge port 124. The dust flowing out from the dust discharge port 124 is carried by the recirculated airflow through the recovery port 216 and into the dust flow channel 230. Thereafter, the dust flows in the dust flow channel 230 and flows into the recovery chamber 240. In the recovery chamber 240, on the one hand, the dust is captured by the dust removal filter 247, and on the other hand, the recirculated airflow passes through the dust removal filter 247. Thereafter, the recirculated airflow is discharged through the exhaust port 235.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the air inlet 234, which constitutes one end of the air intake channel 246, is formed at a corner on the front wall 231 side of the frame 210. Alternatively, the air inlet 234 may be formed in other parts of the frame 210, provided that the air intake channel 246 has a length sufficient to reduce the noise level of rotational sounds emitted from the air inlet 234.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the recovery device 200 is configured to recover dust from the stick vacuum cleaner 100. Alternatively, the recovery device 200 may also be configured to recover dust from the canister vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, the opening 236 and the recovery port 216 of the recovery device 200 are provided according to the positions of the exhaust port 151 and the dust discharge port 124 of the canister vacuum cleaner 100.

[0072] (Effects, etc.)

[0073] The recycling device 200 and vacuum cleaner 100 described in the above embodiments have the following features and the following effects.

[0074] The recovery device according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to be connected to a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a fan chamber and a dust collection chamber. The fan chamber houses a suction fan with blades that generate a suction airflow for drawing in dust and has an exhaust port for discharging the suction airflow. The dust collection chamber houses a filter that allows the suction airflow to flow into the fan chamber and captures dust contained in the suction airflow. The recovery device includes: a frame configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and having an opening facing the exhaust port when the vacuum cleaner is connected; a dust flow channel configured to communicate with the dust collection chamber when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the frame; and a suction source disposed within the frame, which operates when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the frame to draw air from the dust collection chamber and the fan chamber, as well as dust from the dust collection chamber, into the dust flow channel. The frame is configured to allow the rotational sound of the blades, generated by the suction of air from the fan chamber, to propagate through the opening within the frame, wherein the air from the fan chamber is sucked out based on the suction source operating with the vacuum cleaner connected to the frame.

[0075] According to the above configuration, if the vacuum cleaner is connected to the recovery device, the dust flow channel of the recovery device is connected to the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner. In this state, if the suction source of the recovery device generates suction force, this suction force acts on the dust collection chamber through the dust flow channel. The dust in the dust collection chamber flows into the dust flow channel along with the air in the dust collection chamber. If the air in the dust collection chamber is sucked out into the dust flow channel, air from the fan chamber flows into the dust collection chamber because the filter in the dust collection chamber allows air to pass through. The airflow from the fan chamber to the dust collection chamber causes the blades of the suction fan in the fan chamber to rotate. The sound of the blades rotating may escape from the exhaust port; however, since the exhaust port is connected to the opening of the frame of the recovery device, the sound of rotation escaping from the exhaust port propagates within the frame of the recovery device. Since the sound of rotation does not escape from the exhaust port but propagates within the frame, it can be trapped within the frame. Therefore, the user is unlikely to perceive the sound of rotation.

[0076] In the above configuration, the dust flow channel can be opened on the frame in a manner that is aligned vertically with the opening of the frame.

[0077] In a vertically elongated vacuum cleaner (so-called a stick vacuum cleaner), the fan chamber and dust collection chamber can be arranged vertically. According to the above configuration, in order to communicate with the fan chamber and dust collection chamber arranged vertically, the opening of the frame and the dust flow channel collection port are arranged vertically and open on the frame.

[0078] Another aspect of the above-described embodiments relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising: a fan chamber housing a suction fan having blades that generate a suction airflow for drawing in dust, and having an exhaust port for discharging the suction airflow; and a dust collection chamber housing a filter that allows the suction airflow to flow into the fan chamber and captures dust contained in the suction airflow. The dust collection chamber is configured to communicate with the dust flow channel of the recycling device when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the recycling device. The exhaust port is configured to communicate between the fan chamber and an opening of the recycling device when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the recycling device.

[0079] Industrial availability

[0080] The recycling device and vacuum cleaner described above are well applicable to devices used for cleaning operations.

Claims

1. A recycling device, characterized in that, It is configured to connect to a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a fan chamber and a dust collection chamber. The fan chamber houses a suction fan with blades that generate a suction airflow for drawing in dust and has a first exhaust port for discharging the suction airflow. The dust collection chamber houses a filter that allows the suction airflow to flow into the fan chamber and captures dust contained in the suction airflow. The recycling device includes: The frame is configured to connect to the vacuum cleaner and has an opening facing the first exhaust port when the vacuum cleaner is connected. The dust flow channel is configured to communicate with the dust collection chamber when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the frame; and... A suction source, disposed within the frame, operates when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the frame to draw air from the dust collection chamber and the fan chamber, as well as dust from the dust collection chamber, into the dust flow channel; wherein... The frame includes: an air inlet for receiving external air outside the frame and the vacuum cleaner when the suction source draws dust into the dust flow channel; a second exhaust port for discharging air blown from the suction source into the external air outside the frame and the vacuum cleaner; and an air intake channel for receiving external air flowing in from the air inlet toward the opening. The frame is configured to allow the rotational sound of the blades, generated by the suction of air from the fan chamber, to propagate through the opening within the frame, wherein the air from the fan chamber is sucked out based on the suction source operating with the vacuum cleaner connected to the frame.

2. The recycling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust flow channel opens on the frame in a manner that is aligned vertically with the opening of the frame.

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