Dust collector

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment includes: a suction device for sucking air; and a flow section (120) that forms a flow path (121) through which the air sucked by the suction device flows. In addition, the dust collector is provided with a suction part (130), and the suction part (130) forms a suction space (133) which is provided with a circulation opening (131) serving as the end part of the circulation path (121) and a suction opening (132) opposite to the cleaned surface. In addition, the vacuum cleaner is provided with: a first electrode (141) disposed in the suction unit (130); and a second electrode (142) disposed within the suction unit (130) in a state separated from the first electrode (141). Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner is provided with a through suction hole (150) which sucks in a part of the air sucked by the suction device from the outside of the suction part (130) and enables the part of the air to flow between the first electrode (141) and the second electrode (142).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional technologies exist that incorporate a plasma-generating device in the head of a vacuum cleaner, using the plasma to break down oil and other substances adhering to the surface being cleaned. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology where the vacuum cleaner head includes a plasma-generating device that generates active substances that are directed to the surface being cleaned, such as carpets, and a gas supply unit that supplies gas to the plasma-generating device. Patent Document 2 describes a technology where the vacuum cleaner head includes a suction port for supplying air to the plasma-generating device and an exhaust port for discharging plasma.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-137417

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-513261 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires a plasma generating device and a gas supply unit to be installed in the head, and a device to stop the plasma generating device and gas supply unit when cleaning stops, etc., thus increasing the size and weight of the head. Additionally, the technology described in Patent Document 2 has the problem of ozone gas generated by the plasma leaking from the exhaust port.

[0008] This disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner that, without the need for special devices, can stop the supply of plasma gas when the air suction for the vacuum cleaner stops, and can also suppress the increase in head size and weight.

[0009] One aspect of the vacuum cleaner disclosed herein includes: a suction device for suctioning air; a circulation section forming a circulation path for the air suctioned by the suction device to circulate; and a suction section forming a suction space having a circulation opening at the end of the circulation path and a suction port opposite to the surface being cleaned. Additionally, another aspect of the vacuum cleaner disclosed herein includes: a first electrode disposed within the suction section; and a second electrode disposed within the suction section in a state separate from the first electrode. Furthermore, another aspect of the vacuum cleaner disclosed herein includes a through-hole configured to draw in a portion of the air suctioned by the suction device from outside the suction section, allowing it to circulate between the first and second electrodes.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner can stop the supply of plasma gas when the air suction for the vacuum cleaner stops without the need for a special device, and can also suppress the increase in head size and weight. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the structure of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the suction section of a vacuum cleaner.

[0013] Figure 3 It means to use Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the suction section after it has been cut along line AA.

[0014] Figure 4 It is simply a representation Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the dust storage section and suction device of a vacuum cleaner.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of another vacuum cleaner, Example 1.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of another vacuum cleaner, Example 2.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the electrodes and the power supply device.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the electrodes and the power supply device in another example. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vacuum cleaner of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely illustrative examples for the purpose of explaining this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, the shapes, structures, materials, constituent elements, relative positional relationships, connection states, numerical values, mathematical formulas, the content of each stage of the method, and the order of each stage shown in the following embodiments are examples, and sometimes include content not described below. Additionally, geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal are sometimes used, but these expressions do not indicate mathematical rigor and include substantially permissible errors and deviations. Furthermore, expressions such as simultaneous and identical also include substantially permissible ranges.

[0020] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams that have been appropriately emphasized, omitted, or proportionally adjusted for the purpose of illustrating this disclosure, and differ from actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions. Additionally, the X, Y, and Z axes sometimes shown in the drawings represent arbitrarily assigned Cartesian coordinates for the purpose of illustrating the drawings. That is, the Z-axis is not limited to an axis along the vertical direction, and the X and Y axes are not limited to existing in the horizontal plane.

[0021] Furthermore, in the following description, multiple disclosures may sometimes be described in general terms as a single embodiment. Additionally, a portion of the content described below is explained as any constituent element relating to this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the structure of the canister vacuum cleaner 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the structure of the suction unit 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Figure 3 It means to use Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the state after the suction section 130 is cut along the AA line. Figure 4 It is simply a representation Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the dust storage section 160 and the suction device 110 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of another example 1, a stick vacuum cleaner 100. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a robotic vacuum cleaner 100, as in Example 2. The vacuum cleaner 100 is a device that sucks up dust and air together and retains the separated dust within the vacuum cleaner body 101. The type of vacuum cleaner 100 is not limited; as an example, [example 100 is shown]. Figure 1 The vacuum cleaner 100 shown is a canister vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a suction device 110, a flow section 120, a suction section 130, a first electrode 141, a second electrode 142, and a suction port 150. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, the vacuum cleaner 100 is equipped with a trap filter 163 (details are described below).

[0023] The suction device 110 is a device that draws air from the suction section 130 through the circulation section 120, and is housed within the vacuum cleaner body 101. The type of suction device 110 is not limited; for example, examples include... Figure 4 The suction device 110 shown is equipped with a fan 111 that draws air from the flow section 120 through a dust storage section 160 having a dust collection filter 161, and an electric motor 112 that rotates the fan 111. Furthermore, the dust collection filter 161 is shown as a device for separating dust and air, but other devices may also be used. Figure 5 The cyclone-type particle separator 162 shown separates dust and air.

[0024] The flow section 120 is a portion that forms a flow path 121 for the air drawn in by the suction device 110. The construction of the flow section 120 is not limited, but in the case of the canister vacuum cleaner 100, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the flow section 120 includes a rigid tube 124 and a flexible tube 122. Furthermore, the flow section 120 can also be like... Figure 5 The stick vacuum cleaner 100 shown does not have a hose 122. Alternatively, it can be like... Figure 6 The robotic vacuum cleaner 100 shown has a flow section 120 inside the vacuum cleaner body 101.

[0025] The suction unit 130 is the part that, during cleaning, contacts or approaches the surface being cleaned and sucks in dust along with air. The suction unit 130 forms a suction space 133, which has a flow opening 131 at the end of a flow path 121. Figure 3 (represented by a single-dot dash) and the suction port 132 that is opposite to the surface being cleaned during cleaning. Figure 3 (Used as a double-dotted line in Chinese). Figure 1 The canister vacuum cleaner 100 shown Figure 5 In the case of the stick vacuum cleaner 100 shown, the suction unit 130 is a separately existing so-called head. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the case of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 shown, the suction unit 130 is inserted into the vacuum cleaner body 101. The suction port 132 is rectangular or a shape similar to a rectangle. In this embodiment, the suction port 132 is rectangular, and the opening area of ​​the suction port 132 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow section 120. Furthermore, as a shape similar to a rectangle, a quadrilateral shape with at least a portion of the four corners rounded or chamfered with straight lines can be exemplified.

[0026] In this embodiment, the suction part 130 is a hollow rectangular box-shaped part with a suction port 132 as an opening on its lower surface, and a flow opening 131 is provided at the center of the length direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) and at a position biased to one side in the short side direction (X-axis direction in the figure).

[0027] In addition, it can also be like Figure 3As shown, a rotating member 134 is provided inside the suction section 130. The rotating member 134 is a member on which a friction body (not shown) is mounted to a surface that contacts the surface being cleaned and rotates at the suction port 132. The rotating member 134 is a cylindrical, conical, or rod-shaped member disposed within the suction section 130 such that at least a portion of the friction body protrudes outward from the suction port 132. The rotating member 134 is disposed with its tube axis (central axis) extending along an axis extending along the length direction of the suction section 130 (the Y-axis direction in the figure). By rotating about the tube axis, the friction body scrapes away dust present on the surface being cleaned and sucks the dust into the suction section 130.

[0028] The driving force for rotating the rotating member 134 is not limited. For example, the rotating member 134 can be rotated by a motor provided in the suction section 130, or by friction between the friction body and the surface being cleaned caused by the movement of the suction section 130.

[0029] The friction body rotates together with the rotating member 134, and contacts the surface being cleaned to sweep dust out to the suction port 132. The type of friction body is not limited, and examples include strip-shaped non-woven fabric, porous cloth, sponge-like member, soft striped member made of rubber or the like, resin bristles, etc.

[0030] Figure 7 This diagram shows the connection relationship between the first electrode 141, the second electrode 142, and the power supply device 149. Figure 8 It means and Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the connection relationships between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 and the power supply device 149 in different examples. The first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 are conductors arranged at a predetermined interval within the suction section 130. That is, the second electrode 142 is arranged within the suction section 130 in a state separate from the first electrode 141. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 are electrically connected to a power supply device 149 disposed on the vacuum cleaner body 101. By applying a DC voltage or an AC voltage (including pulse output) between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 through the power supply device 149, plasma is formed between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142. In this embodiment, at least one of the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 is covered by a dielectric film (insulating film). Furthermore, by applying an AC voltage between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 through the power supply device 149, a dielectric barrier discharge is generated between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142, generating localized plasma at least in a portion of the second electrode 142. The plasma generated in the air produces reactive species such as free radicals, high-energy ions, and electrons. Through dielectric barrier discharge, plasma can be generated while improving safety by suppressing the generation of sparks between the electrodes.

[0031] The shapes of the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 are not limited. For example, in this embodiment, such as Figure 3 , Figure 7 As shown, the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 are rectangular plates (strips), and both the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 extend continuously along the length of the rectangular suction port 132. Alternatively, they can be arranged as follows... Figure 8 As shown, at least one of the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 is separated into multiple parts, which are arranged intermittently along the length direction of the suction port 132 at predetermined intervals. In addition, the opposing portions of the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 may also be sharp or dome-shaped, etc.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 are disposed inside the suction section 130 at the position furthest from the flow opening 131 formed in the suction section 130. Depending on the extension direction and arrangement of the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142, a relatively long plasma extending along the length direction of the suction port 132 can be generated within the suction section 130, allowing the active species generated by the plasma to act on the surface being cleaned over a larger area.

[0033] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 are respectively fixed and held by the first holding portion 143 and the second holding portion 144 of the suction portion 130. A suction flow path 145 communicating with the suction port 150 (details to be described later) is formed between the first holding portion 143 and the second holding portion 144. The opening of the suction flow path 145 on the side opposite to the suction port 150 is arranged along the suction port 132 near the suction port 132. Thus, air drawn in from the suction port 150 can pass through the suction flow path 145, and the active species generated between the electrodes can be discharged to the vicinity of the suction port 132.

[0034] The suction port 150 is a through-hole provided in the suction section 130, configured to draw in a portion of the air drawn by the suction device 110 from the outside of the suction section 130, allowing it to flow between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142. The shape of the suction port 150 is not limited; in this embodiment, it is a slit that extends vertically (axially in the figure) through the suction section 130, positioned directly above (on the Z+ side) the portion between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142. At least one of the opening area and cross-sectional area of ​​the suction port 150 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the suction port 132 and smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow section 120.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the trapping filter 163 is a filter positioned downstream of the dust storage section 160 in the airflow generated by the suction device 110, trapping harmful gases such as ozone generated by the discharge between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142. The type of trapping filter 163 is not limited; for example, an activated carbon filter can be used. Furthermore, the dust storage section 160 includes a dust collection filter 161, which separates and stores dust from the harmful gases and dust that are drawn in along with the air drawn in by the suction device 110 via the suction section 130 and the flow section 120.

[0036] Next, an example of the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100 will be described. By driving the suction device 110 of the vacuum cleaner 100, air is drawn from the circulation section 120, such as... Figure 3 As shown by the hollow arrow, dust and air are drawn together from the suction port 132 of the suction section 130. On the other hand, air is also drawn from the suction port 150 using the suction force of the suction device 110, as... Figure 3 As indicated by the arrow, the drawn-in air flows between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142.

[0037] The power supply device 149 applies a voltage between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 to generate plasma. The active species generated by the plasma, along with the air drawn in from the suction port 150, are transported to the vicinity of the suction port 132 and act on the surface to be cleaned. As a result, the active species can decompose grease and other substances adhering to the surface to be cleaned.

[0038] Dust adhering to the cleaned surface, grease components decomposed by active species, and residual active species, along with air drawn from the suction port 132, flow through the flow opening 131 in the flow path 121 within the flow section 120. Additionally, harmful gases generated by the plasma also flow through the flow opening 131 in the flow path 121 within the flow section 120, along with the air drawn from the suction port 132.

[0039] The dust and air that arrive at the dust storage section 160 via the flow section 120 are separated by the dust collection filter 161, and the dust is stored in the dust storage section 160. In addition, active species and harmful gases that arrive at the dust storage section 160 may sometimes inactivate bacteria or other organisms that have been generated in the dust storage section 160.

[0040] Air and harmful gases passing through dust collection filter 161 reach capture filter 163, where harmful gases are captured by capture filter 163 and air is released outside vacuum cleaner 100.

[0041] In the event that air cannot be drawn from the suction port 132 due to a large blockage of the flow path 121 or a stoppage of the suction device 110, the suction unit 130 is also designed to prevent air from being drawn from the suction hole 150. Therefore, even if plasma is generated between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142, it is possible to prevent harmful gases from spreading due to airflow.

[0042] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, embodiments of this disclosure may also be other embodiments achieved by arbitrarily combining and excluding some of the constituent elements described in this specification. In addition, modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, i.e., the meaning of the statements in the claims, are also included in this disclosure.

[0043] For example, the suction hole 150 is described as a slit-shaped hole, but the suction hole 150 may also be a plurality of circular through holes arranged in the length direction of the suction section 130, or the opening may be covered by a grid-like component.

[0044] (Summarize)

[0045] The vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment includes: a suction device 110 for suctioning air; and a flow section 120 forming a flow path 121 through which the air suctioned by the suction device 110 flows. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment includes a suction section 130, which forms a suction space 133 having a flow opening 131 as the end of the flow path 121 and a suction port 132 opposite to the surface being cleaned. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment includes: a first electrode 141 disposed within the suction section 130; and a second electrode 142 disposed within the suction section 130 in a state separate from the first electrode 141. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment includes a through-hole 150, which is configured to draw in a portion of the air suctioned by the suction device 110 from outside the suction section 130 and allow it to flow between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142.

[0046] According to the first method, the active species generated by the plasma produced between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 can be transported to the suction port 132 by the airflow generated by the suction device 110. This allows for the rapid decomposition and removal of dirt, such as highly viscous oil, adhering to the cleaned surface while the vacuum cleaner 100 is cleaning. Furthermore, the active species can be used to deodorize and sterilize the interior of the vacuum cleaner 100, including the inside of the suction section 130, the inside of the flow section 120, and the inside of the dust storage section 160, thereby reducing dirt adhesion. Additionally, since the plasma generated between the electrodes is not discharged from a dedicated exhaust port but travels along a relatively long flow path 121 with dust, the problem of harmful gases such as ozone leaking from the exhaust port is solved. Furthermore, when air is stopped from the suction device 110, air is also stopped from the suction port 150, thus preventing the diffusion of harmful gases by airflow even when plasma is generated between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142. That is, according to the first method, without setting a special device, the supply of plasma gas can be stopped when the air suction of the vacuum cleaner 100 stops, and the increase in the size and weight of the head can be suppressed.

[0047] The second type of vacuum cleaner 100 includes the first type, wherein the suction port 132 is rectangular or similar in shape, and the first electrode 141 extends continuously or is arranged intermittently along the length direction of the suction port 132. Additionally, the second electrode 142 extends continuously or is arranged intermittently along the length direction of the suction port 132.

[0048] According to the second method, plasma can be generated from one end of the suction section 130 along its length to the other end, enabling the active species to act on the surface being cleaned over a larger area.

[0049] The third type of vacuum cleaner 100 includes either the first type or the second type, wherein the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 are disposed at the position furthest from the flow opening 131.

[0050] According to the third method, the active species generated between the electrodes can act on the surface being cleaned for a longer period of time.

[0051] The fourth type of vacuum cleaner 100 includes any one of the first to third types, and includes a trapping filter 163 for trapping harmful gases generated by the discharge between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142. Additionally, the fourth type of vacuum cleaner 100 includes a dust storage section 160 for separating and storing dust from harmful gases and dust that are drawn in along with the air drawn in by the suction device 110. The trapping filter 163 is positioned downstream of the dust storage section 160 in the flow of air drawn in by the suction device 110.

[0052] Therefore, if the concentration of harmful gases is not sufficiently reduced before reaching the dust storage section 160, the concentration of harmful gases can be reduced to a safe level by using the trapping filter 163 for exhaust.

[0053] Industrial availability

[0054] This disclosure applies to vacuum cleaners that collect dust by suction, whether for domestic or commercial use.

[0055] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0056] 100. Vacuum cleaner; 101. Vacuum cleaner body; 110. Suction device; 111. Fan; 112. Electric motor; 120. Flow section; 121. Flow path; 122. Hose; 124. Tube; 130. Suction section; 131. Flow opening; 132. Suction port; 133. Suction space; 134. Rotating component; 141. First electrode; 142. Second electrode; 143. First holding part; 144. Second holding part; 145. Suction flow path; 149. Power supply device; 150. Suction hole; 160. Dust storage part; 161. Dust collection filter; 162. Particle separation device; 163. Collection filter.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, wherein, This vacuum cleaner features: A suction device used to draw in air; The circulation section forms a circulation path for the air drawn in by the suction device to circulate. The suction section forms a suction space having a flow opening at the end of the flow path and a suction port opposite to the surface being cleaned. The first electrode is disposed within the suction section; A second electrode, disposed within the suction section in a state separate from the first electrode; and A through-hole is configured to draw in a portion of the air drawn by the suction device from the outside of the suction section and allow it to circulate between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The suction port is rectangular or similar in shape. The first electrode extends continuously or is arranged intermittently along the length of the suction port. The second electrode extends continuously or is arranged intermittently along the length direction of the suction port.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned at the location furthest from the flow opening.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, This vacuum cleaner: A trap filter for trapping harmful gases generated by discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode; as well as A dust storage section for separating and storing the dust from the harmful gases and dust that are drawn in along with the air drawn in by the suction device. The trapping filter is positioned downstream of the dust storage section in the flow of air drawn by the suction device.

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