Dust collecting device, and vacuum cleaner provided with the dust collection device

Abstract

To provide an art suppressing clogging of a filter part.SOLUTION: A dust collection device includes: a dust storing container having a peripheral wall part where an inflow port allowing dust-containing air to flow in is formed; a filter part structured to enable dust to be caught in the dust reserving container while allowing the air in the dust reserving container to flow in, and also disposed in the dust reserving container so as to form an annular space with the peripheral wall part; a partition part provided below the inflow port and vertically partitioning the annular space ranging to a peripheral length segment having a prescribed length; and a guide part changing the direction of the air passing through an upstream space as the upper side space of the partition part to an obliquely downward direction, and guiding the air and the dust to the dust reserving space as a space below the partition part. The filter part is structured so that an intake air amount at the lower part of a guide space as a space to which the air and the dust are guided by the guide part is larger than an intake air amount at the upper part of the guide space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dust collecting device that collects dust, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with the dust collecting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner 300 shown in Fig. 9. This vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner body 310 incorporating a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, and a dust collecting device 320 attached to the underside of the vacuum cleaner body 310. A suction pipe 330 is disposed in front of the dust collecting device 320, forming a flow path through which dust flows.

[0003] 10, the dust collecting device 320 has a dust container 321 that opens upward, and a filter plate 322 that is provided to close the opening at the upper end of the dust container 321. The dust container 321 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall portion 324, and a bottom portion 325 that is configured to be able to open and close the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 324. The peripheral wall portion 324 is formed with an inlet 323 that opens in the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 324. The dust collecting device 320 is connected to the suction pipe 330 via the inlet 323 so that the internal space of the dust container 321 communicates with the flow path of the suction pipe 330.

[0004] The air that flows from the suction pipe 330 into the dust storage container 321 through the inlet 323 contains dust. Since the inlet 323 opens in the tangential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 324, the air flows along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 324 and becomes a swirling flow. At this time, the dust contained in the air is centrifuged by the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, and accumulates on the bottom portion 325 while flowing near the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 324. The bottom portion 325 is configured so that it can tilt downward from a closed position that closes the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 324 to open the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 324, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11.

[0005] A cylindrical filter portion 326 that tapers downward is housed in dust storage container 321. Filter portion 326 is disposed below filter plate 322, and receives the suction force of the suction source through filter plate 322.

[0006] An annular space is formed between filter portion 326 and peripheral wall portion 324 of dust storage container 321, and the above-mentioned swirling flow flows through this annular space. As shown in Fig. 12, filter portion 326 is formed with a large number of air vents 327, and when the suction force of the suction source acts on the inside of filter portion 326, air in this annular space is drawn into filter portion 326 through air vents 327. Meanwhile, dust contained in the air flows near the inner circumferential surface of peripheral wall portion 324 of dust storage container 321 rather than near filter portion 326 due to the centrifugal force of the swirling flow. For this reason, dust is less likely to clog air vents 327 of filter portion 326.

[0007] Filter section 326 is provided with guide section 328 that guides dust contained in the swirling flow downward (i.e., toward bottom section 325), and thin plate-like partition section 329 that extends circumferentially from guide section 328 downstream in the flow direction of the swirling flow. Guide section 328 extends circumferentially in an attitude inclined downward in the flow direction of the swirling flow. The space below partition section 329 is a dust storage space for storing dust. No ventilation hole 327 is formed on the lower side of partition section 329, but ventilation hole 327 is formed on the upper side of partition section 329. Partition section 329 prevents dust in the dust storage space from flying up.

[0008] When the swirling flow reaches guide portion 328, it flows according to the inclination of guide portion 328 and flows into the dust storage space. Then, the dust contained in the swirling flow is accumulated in the dust storage space. The dust accumulated in the dust storage space is discarded from dust storage container 321 by opening bottom portion 325. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-42477 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The higher the speed of the swirling flow, the stronger the centrifugal force of the swirling flow acts on the dust in the swirling flow. Therefore, the dust circulates at a position radially away from the filter portion 326, and the air hole 327 of the filter portion 326 is less likely to become clogged. However, when the speed of the swirling flow increases, the swirling flow collides strongly with the guide portion 328, and a part of the swirling flow may pass over the guide portion 328 and return to the inlet side. The higher the speed of the swirling flow, the more dust that passes over the guide portion 328 and returns to the inlet side, and this dust may continue to circulate above the partition portion 329 without flowing into the dust storage space. New dust that flows in through the inlet 323 also flows into the space above the partition portion 329. Therefore, if the amount of dust that passes over guide portion 328 and returns to the inlet side increases, it is expected that a situation will arise in which there is so much dust in the space above partition portion 329 that it causes air vent 327 to become clogged.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for suppressing clogging of a filter portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The dust collecting device in the present disclosure is configured to be attached to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust. The dust collecting device includes a dust storage container having a peripheral wall portion formed with an inlet for allowing dust-containing air to flow in when the suction source is activated, and for allowing air to flow in through the inlet, a filter portion configured to capture dust in the dust storage container while allowing air to flow in when the suction source is activated and disposed in the dust storage container to form an annular space between the peripheral wall portion, a partition portion provided below the inlet portion and dividing the annular space into upper and lower portions over a circumferential section of a predetermined length, and a guide portion that guides air and dust to a dust storage space below the partition portion by changing the direction of air that has passed through an upstream space above the partition portion obliquely downward. The filter portion is configured so that the amount of intake air in the lower portion of the guide space, which is the space into which air and dust are guided by the guide portion, is greater than the amount of intake air in the upper portion of the guide space.

[0013] The vacuum cleaner of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned dust collecting device and a suction source that generates a suction force to suck in air from within the dust container. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The above-mentioned technique can suppress clogging of the filter portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] Side view of a vacuum cleaner (first embodiment) [Diagram 2] A perspective view of a dust collecting device of a vacuum cleaner. [Diagram 3] Cross-sectional view of dust collector [Figure 4] Perspective view of the dust collecting device [Diagram 5] Exploded view of the peripheral wall of the filter part of the dust collector [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of a dust collecting device (second embodiment); [Figure 7] Exploded view of the filter part of the dust collector [Figure 8] Perspective view of the dust collecting device [Figure 9] A perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of a dust collecting device of a conventional vacuum cleaner; [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of a conventional dust collector [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter portion of a conventional dust collecting device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the vacuum cleaner will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0017] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a side view of a stick type vacuum cleaner 100. The vacuum cleaner 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0018] (Overall structure of the vacuum cleaner) The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a vacuum cleaner body 110 incorporating a suction source 111 that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, and a dust collecting device 200 attached to the underside of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The suction source 111 is configured to suck air inside the dust collecting device 200, and may have, for example, a motor that generates a rotational force, and a rotating blade configured to generate an upward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0019] A filter 112 that allows air to pass while capturing dust contained in the air is disposed between the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collecting device 200. In addition, a grip part 113 formed so that the user can grip it, and a suction pipe 120 that forms a flow path 123 through which dust flows are disposed on the front side of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collecting device 200.

[0020] The suction tube 120 extends in the vertical direction below the grip part 113. In detail, the suction tube 120 has a base end tube part 121 formed integrally with the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip part 113, and an extension tube part 122 extending downward from the base end tube part 121. In the base end tube part 121, a flow path 123 is bent toward the dust collection device 200. The extension tube part 122 is detachable from the base end tube part 121. A suction nozzle 130 is attached to the lower end of the extension tube part 122, through which dust on the floor surface is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the dust collecting device 200 has a dust container 210 that opens upward, and an upper lid 220 that closes the opening at the upper end of the dust container 210. The upper part of the upper lid 220 is configured so that the filter 112 shown in Fig. 1 can be placed on it. The upper lid 220 has a plurality of through holes 221 that penetrate the upper lid 220 in the vertical direction, and when the suction source 111 shown in Fig. 1 is activated, the air in the dust container 210 flows out through these through holes 221.

[0022] 2 and 3, the dust container 210 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall portion 211 and a bottom portion 212 that closes an opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 211. The peripheral wall portion 211 is formed with an inlet 239 that is connected to the flow path 123 of the base end pipe portion 121 shown in FIG. The inlet 239 opens in the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface 217 of the peripheral wall portion 211. Therefore, the air that flows into the dust container 210 through the inlet 239 flows along the inner peripheral surface 217 and becomes a swirling flow.

[0023] The bottom 212 is connected to the peripheral wall 211 via a rotating shaft 213 shown in Fig. 3. When a user applies a downward external force to the bottom 212, the bottom 212 rotates downward about the rotating shaft 213, and the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 is opened. A torsion spring 214 is attached to the rotating shaft 213, and the bottom 212 is biased by the torsion spring 214 in a direction to close the lower end of the peripheral wall 211.

[0024] On the opposite side to the rotating shaft portion 213, an engagement claw portion 219 formed to be able to engage with the outer circumferential edge portion of the bottom portion 212 is provided. The engagement claw portion 219 is attached to the peripheral wall portion 211 so as to be able to rotate in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 3. When a user rotates the engagement claw portion 219 in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 3, the engagement of the engagement claw portion 219 with the bottom portion 212 is released. The engagement claw portion 219 is biased by a coil spring 215 in a direction in which it engages with the bottom portion 212 (the opposite direction to the arrow in Fig. 3).

[0025] 2, an accommodating recess 216 for accommodating the engaging claw 219 is formed in the lower part of the peripheral wall 211. When the engaging claw 219 is engaged with the bottom 212, the engaging claw 219 is recessed in the accommodating recess 216.

[0026] Dust container 210 accommodates a cylindrical filter portion 230 tapered toward bottom portion 212. Through hole 221 formed in upper lid portion 220 communicates with the internal space of filter portion 230, as shown in FIG.

[0027] The filter unit 230 is disposed approximately coaxially with the dust container 210, and an annular space 232 is formed between the filter unit 230 and the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust container 210. The above-mentioned swirling flow flows through this annular space 232.

[0028] The filter section 230 is formed with a number of vent holes (not shown) that are large enough to allow air to pass through while capturing dust. For example, the filter section 230 may be made of a filter mesh. When the suction source 111 shown in FIG. 1 is operated, air containing dust flows in through the inlet 239, and the air flows through the annular space 232 of the dust storage container 210 to become a swirling flow. Due to the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, the dust contained in the air that has flowed into the dust storage container 210 flows near the inner circumferential surface 217 of the peripheral wall section 211 of the dust storage container 210 rather than near the filter section 230, so that clogging of the filter section 230 is unlikely to occur. The air flowing near the filter section 230 passes through the vent holes of the filter section 230 and flows into the inside of the filter section 230. Then, the air can flow out upward through the through hole 221 of the upper cover section 220.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the filter section 230 is provided with a partition section 233. The partition section 233 extends from the lower edge of the inlet 239 toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the swirling flow over a range of approximately half the circumference of the annular space 232. The partition section 233 is provided at a position spaced above the bottom section 212 and approximately parallel to the bottom section 212, and divides the annular space 232 into upper and lower sections. In the following description, the space below the partition section 233 (i.e., between the partition section 233 and the bottom section 212) is referred to as the "dust storage space 234." The dust storage space 234 is a space for storing dust. In the following description, the space above the partition section 233, extending in the circumferential direction from the inlet 239 to the downstream end 241 of the partition section 233 in the flow direction of the swirling flow, is referred to as the "upstream space 271." The upstream space 271 has a circumferential length long enough for the air flowing in from the inlet 239 to become a swirling flow. The partition portion 233 separates the upstream space 271 and the dust accumulation space 234 into upper and lower portions, and prevents dust accumulated in the dust accumulation space 234 from flying up into the upstream space 271.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 4, a thin plate-shaped guide portion 237 is disposed downstream of the upstream space 271. The guide portion 237 is provided to change the direction of the swirling flow that has passed through the upstream space 271 obliquely downward and guide the swirling flow from the upstream space 271 to the dust accumulation space 234. In the following description, the space in which the swirling flow is guided obliquely downward by the guide portion 237 is referred to as a "guide space 243." The guide portion 237 defines the upper end of the guide space 243.

[0031] An upstream end 238 of the guide portion 237 in the flow direction of the swirling flow is located approximately directly above a downstream end 241 of the partition portion 233 in the flow direction of the swirling flow. The swirling flow generated in the upstream space 271 flows into the region between the upstream end 238 of the guide portion 237 and the downstream end 241 of the partition portion 233.

[0032] The guide portion 237 extends in the circumferential direction around the filter portion 230 while inclining downward (toward the bottom portion 212) from the upstream end 238, and is connected to the partition portion 233 as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the partition portion 233 extends in the circumferential direction from the downstream end of the guide portion 237 in the flow direction of the swirling flow. The swirling flow is guided downward (i.e., toward the bottom portion 212) according to the inclination of the lower surface of the guide portion 237. In the following description, the lower surface of the guide portion 237 is referred to as the "guide surface 242." The above-mentioned guide space 243 is a space between the guide surface 242 and the bottom portion 212, and communicates with the dust storage space 234 below the partition portion 233.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, the guide portion 237 has an opposite surface 263 which is the surface opposite to the guide surface 242. In the following description, a space extending from the opposite surface 263 to the formation position of the inlet 239 is referred to as a "non-air intake space 264." As shown in Fig. 4, the non-air intake space 264 is partitioned from the guide space 243 and the dust storage space 234 by the guide portion 237 and the partition portion 233.

[0034] (Amount of air sucked into the filter) The filter portion 230 defines an inner periphery of the annular space 232. As described above, the annular space 232 has the upstream space 271, the guide space 243, the dust storage space 234, and the non-intake space 264, and the filter portion 230 can be divided into sections corresponding to these spaces as shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 5, filter portion 230 is divided into regions 251 to 255. A boundary line drawn between regions 251 and 253 in Fig. 5 is located at a position that divides annular space 232 into two equal parts in the height direction. Region 251 defines an upper inner circumferential portion of guide space 243, and region 253 defines a lower inner circumferential portion of guide space 243.

[0036] The region 252 defines an inner circumferential portion of the upstream space 271. The region 254 defines an inner circumferential portion of the non-intake space 264. The region 255 defines the internal space of the dust accumulation space 234.

[0037] Filter portion 230 has a plurality of ventilation holes in each of regions 251 to 253, and 255. However, the ventilation holes in region 251 are provided so that the amount of intake air in regions 252, 253, and 255 is less than the amount of intake air in region 251. Note that the ventilation holes in regions 252, 253, and 255 may be provided so that the same amount of intake air is obtained in these regions 252, 253, and 255.

[0038] While the regions 251 to 253 and 255 are provided with ventilation holes, no ventilation hole is provided in the region 254. Therefore, no air flows from the non-air-intake space 264 into the filter portion 230.

[0039] (Vacuum cleaner in action) When the suction source 111 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 111 acts on the dust on the floor surface through the dust collector 200, the flow path 123 of the suction pipe 120, and the suction nozzle 130. Therefore, the dust on the floor surface flows into the suction nozzle 130 together with the air, and flows through the flow path 123 of the suction pipe 120. Then, the air and dust flow into the dust storage container 210 through the inlet 239 of the dust collector 200.

[0040] Since the inlet 239 is open in the tangential direction of the inner circumferential surface 217 of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust storage container 210, the air flowing into the dust storage container 210 from the inlet 239 flows along the inner circumferential surface 217 of the peripheral wall portion 211. Then, this air becomes a swirling flow while flowing through the upstream space 271. Due to the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, dust contained in the swirling flow flows near the inner circumferential surface 217 of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust storage container 210 rather than near the filter portion 230, and the amount of dust adsorbed to the filter portion 230 is reduced. Therefore, the air flowing near the filter portion 230 can flow into the filter portion 230 through the ventilation hole provided in the region 252 of the filter portion 230 without being obstructed by the dust. The air flowing into the filter portion 230 flows out of the dust collector 200 through the through hole 221 formed in the upper cover portion 220. Even if the air passing through the through-holes 221 contains fine dust, the dust is captured by the filter 112 installed on the upper cover portion 220.

[0041] After passing through the upstream space 271, the swirling flow flows into the guide space 243. At this time, the amount of intake air in the region 251 corresponding to the upper part of the guide space 243 is smaller than the amount of intake air in the region 253 corresponding to the lower part of the guide space 243. Therefore, while the inflow of dust from the upstream space 271 to the upper part of the guide space 243 is suppressed, the inflow of dust from the upstream space 271 to the lower part of the guide space 243 is promoted, and the amount of dust that flows into the guide space 243 near the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 210 may increase. In addition, the dust that flows into the upper part of the guide space 243 may be attracted to the lower part of the guide space 243 due to the relatively high suction amount in the region 253 corresponding to the lower part of the guide space 243. Therefore, even before the dust reaches the vicinity of the guide surface 242 of the guide portion 237, the dust is urged toward the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 210.

[0042] When the dust reaches the vicinity of guide surface 242 of guide portion 237, it is guided toward bottom portion 212 of dust storage container 210 according to the inclination of guide surface 242. At this time, in non-intake space 264 separated from guide space 243 by guide portion 237, air is not sucked into filter portion 230. Therefore, the amount of dust that flows into non-intake space 264 beyond guide portion 237 is reduced.

[0043] Since the guide space 243 is in communication with the dust accumulation space 234, dust flows from the guide space 243 into the dust accumulation space 234. At this time, the dust can be sequentially transported by the swirling flow to positions below the non-intake space 264 and the upstream space 271. However, since the non-intake space 264 and the upstream space 271 are separated from the dust accumulation space 234 by the partition portion 233, the dust in the dust accumulation space 234 is prevented from flying up into the upstream space 271.

[0044] When the dust in the dust storage space 234 is further carried by the swirling flow, this dust flows again into the guide space 243, where the air that has newly flowed into the dust storage container 210 forms a swirling flow that faces diagonally downward. Therefore, the swirling flow that has passed through the dust storage space 234 is prevented from flowing upward by the swirling flow that is formed by the air that has newly flowed into the dust storage container 210 and faces diagonally downward. Therefore, the dust contained in the swirling flow continues to circulate below the partition portion 233.

[0045] Thereafter, when the suction source 111 is stopped, the swirling flow in the dust container 210 disappears, and dust accumulates on the bottom 212. In order to discard the dust in the dust container 210, the user can operate the engaging claw portion 219 to release the engagement between the engaging claw portion 219 and the bottom 212. In this state, when the user applies a downward external force to the bottom 212, the bottom 212 rotates downward around the rotating shaft portion 213, and the dust storage space 234 is opened. As a result, the dust accumulated in the dust storage space 234 falls.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the dust in the guide space 243 is urged toward the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 210 due to the difference in the amount of intake air between the upper and lower parts of the guide space 243, even before it reaches the guide portion 237. Therefore, more dust flows into the dust storage space 234 formed on the bottom 212, compared to a case where there is no difference in the amount of intake air between the upper and lower parts of the guide space 243.

[0047] Since the amount of intake air is greater in the lower part of the guide space 243 than in the upper part of the guide space 243, the air that flows in a substantially horizontal direction in the upstream space 271 can flow obliquely downward in the guide space 243. This obliquely downward air flow follows the inclination of the guide surface 242 of the guide portion 237, so the impact force of the air flow against the guide surface 242 is reduced. Therefore, the amount of dust that passes over the guide portion 237 and enters the non-intake space 264, and further the amount of dust that returns to the inlet 239 through the non-intake space 264, is reduced. In this case, even if the dust that returns to the inlet 239 through the non-intake space 264 is combined with the dust that has newly flowed in from the inlet 239, the amount of dust present in the upstream space 271 does not become excessively large. As a result, clogging of the filter portion 230 in the upstream space 271 is less likely to occur.

[0048] In addition, by setting the amount of intake air in the non-intake space 264 to zero, the amount of dust that flows into the non-intake space 264 beyond the guide portion 237 is also reduced. Therefore, clogging of the filter portion 230 in the upstream space 271 is even less likely to occur.

[0049] <Second embodiment> As the speed of the swirling flow increases in the dust storage container 210, the centrifugal force acting on the dust contained in the swirling flow becomes stronger. Therefore, the higher the speed of the swirling flow, the more the dust flows at a position radially farther away from the filter unit 230, and the less likely the air holes in the filter unit 230 are to become clogged. In order to increase the speed of the swirling flow, the dust collecting device 200 may be configured as shown in FIG. 6.

[0050] The dust collecting device 200 of FIG. 6 has a thin plate-shaped speed increasing section 235 provided in the filter section 230 in the upstream space 271 on the upstream side with respect to the guide space 243. The speed increasing section 235 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the partition section 233 on the upper side, and a speed increasing flow passage 236 is formed between the speed increasing section 235 and the partition section 233. In detail, the speed increasing section 235 is extended in the flow direction of the swirling flow while inclining downward from the upper end of the annular space 232. Therefore, the speed increasing flow passage 236 gradually narrows toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the swirling flow. Therefore, the speed of the swirling flow is increased while the swirling flow passes through the speed increasing flow passage 236. Then, on the downstream side of the speed increasing flow passage 236, the swirling flow flows at a high speed.

[0051] Since the speed-increasing section 235 is disposed in the upper part of the upstream space 271, the amount of dust flowing into the upper part of the guide space 243 downstream of the speed-increasing section 235 may be small. On the other hand, the amount of dust flowing into the lower part of the guide space 243 may be large. Therefore, the dust collecting device 200 in FIG. 6 can cause more dust to flow into the lower part of the guide space 243 near the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 210 than the dust collecting device 200 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the dust collecting device 200 in FIG. 6 can cause more dust to flow into the dust storage space 234 through the lower part of the guide space 243.

[0052] When the speed increasing section 235 is provided, the filter section 230 may be divided as shown in Fig. 7. The region 252 of the filter section 230 shown in Fig. 7 is further divided into three regions 256-258.

[0053] Region 256 is a region that defines the inner periphery of annular space 232 in a circumferential section from downstream end 261 of speed increasing section 235 to downstream end 241 of partition section 233. The air holes in region 256 are provided so that the amount of intake air in region 256 is approximately equal to the amount of intake air in regions 253 and 255.

[0054] Region 257 is a region that defines the inner periphery of annular space 232 in a circumferential section from the formation position of inlet 239 to downstream end 261 of speed increasing section 235. In other words, region 257 corresponds to the formation position of inlet 239 to speed increasing flow passage 236. The air holes in region 257 are provided so that the amount of intake air in region 257 is smaller than the amount of intake air in region 256.

[0055] The region 258 is a region that defines the annular space 232 above the speed increasing section 235. No ventilation holes are provided in the region 258.

[0056] The region 257 defines the inner periphery of the speed-up flow passage 236, and the speed-up flow passage 236 gradually narrows toward the downstream side. If dust adheres to the region 257, the speed-up flow passage 236 will be further narrowed, and dust may clog the speed-up flow passage 236. In order to prevent such clogging by dust, the air vent in the region 257 is set so that the amount of intake air in the region 257 is smaller than the amount of intake air in the region 256. Note that a certain amount of air is also sucked into the filter section 230 in the region 257, so that air and dust can be drawn into the dust storage container 210 through the inlet 239.

[0057] Downstream of the downstream end of the speed-up flow passage 236, the annular space 232 expands in the height direction (i.e., in the axial direction of the dust storage container 210). For this reason, dust is unlikely to clog the entire space downstream of the speed-up flow passage 236. Even if dust adheres to a part of the area 256 that defines the inner periphery of this space, the air that has passed through the speed-up flow passage 236 can avoid the dust and flow downstream. For this reason, even if the amount of intake air in the area 256 is larger than the amount of intake air in the area 257, the problem of dust clogging is unlikely to occur. By making the amount of intake air in the area 256 larger than the amount of intake air in the area 257, more air can be sucked downstream from the speed-up flow passage 236.

[0058] The air that has passed through the speed-increasing flow passage 236 is unlikely to flow into the space above the speed-increasing section 235 against the flow direction of the swirling flow, because the intake amount in the region 258 above the speed-increasing section 235 is zero. Therefore, turbulence of the swirling flow around the downstream end 261 of the speed-increasing section 235 is suppressed.

[0059] In the first and second embodiments, the guide portion 237 has a thin plate shape. Alternatively, the guide portion 237 may have a block shape as shown in Fig. 8. Since this guide portion 237 does not form the non-intake space 264 shown in Fig. 4, the amount of dust that passes over the guide portion 237 and returns to the inlet 239 can be further reduced.

[0060] In the first and second embodiments, the amount of intake air in the lower part of the guide space 243 (region 253) and the dust storage space 234 (region 255) is substantially equal to the amount of intake air on the upstream side of the guide space 243 (i.e., regions 252, 256). However, the amount of intake air in the lower part of the guide space 243 and the dust storage space 234 may be greater than the amount of intake air on the upstream side of the guide space 243. In this case, the amount of intake air in the upper part of the guide space 243 (region 251) may be substantially equal to the amount of intake air on the upstream side of the guide space 243.

[0061] In the first and second embodiments, the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 210 is rotatable downward around the rotation shaft 213. Alternatively, the bottom 212 may be configured to be removable from the peripheral wall 211 of the dust storage container 210. In this case, when a user separates the bottom 212 from the peripheral wall 211, the dust storage space 234 is opened, and the dust in the dust storage space 234 can be discarded.

[0062] In the first and second embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a stick type. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be a self-propelled vacuum cleaner (a so-called robot vacuum cleaner), a canister type vacuum cleaner, or a handheld type vacuum cleaner.

[0063] (Effects, etc.) The dust collecting device 200 and the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the above-described embodiment have the following characteristics and provide the following effects.

[0064] The dust collecting device according to one aspect of the above-mentioned embodiment is configured to be attached to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust. The dust collecting device includes a dust storage container having a peripheral wall portion formed with an inlet for allowing dust-containing air to flow in when the suction source is activated, and for allowing air to flow in through the inlet, a filter portion configured to capture dust in the dust storage container while allowing air to flow in when the suction source is activated and disposed in the dust storage container to form an annular space between the peripheral wall portion, a partition portion provided below the inlet and dividing the annular space into upper and lower portions over a circumferential section of a predetermined length, and a guide portion that guides air and dust to a dust storage space that is a space below the partition portion by changing the direction of air that has passed through an upstream space that is a space above the partition portion obliquely downward. The filter portion is configured so that the amount of intake air in the lower portion of the guide space, which is a space into which air and dust are guided by the guide portion, is greater than the amount of intake air in the upper portion of the guide space.

[0065] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the suction source is activated, the air in the dust container flows into the filter section due to the suction force of the suction source. Then, the dust container can receive air containing dust through the inlet port in an amount equal to the amount of air flowing into the filter section. The air flowing into the dust container flows through an annular space formed between the filter section and the peripheral wall section. This annular space is divided into upper and lower sections by a partition section over a predetermined circumferential section. The guide section is configured to change the direction of air that has passed through the upstream space, which is the space above the partition section, diagonally downward. Therefore, the guide section can guide the air that has passed through the upstream space and the dust contained in this air to the dust storage space, which is the space below the partition section. As a result, dust can accumulate in the dust storage space.

[0066] In the dust collecting device configured as described above, if dust is present that is not guided by the guide portion and passes over the guide portion and returns to the position where the inlet is formed, this dust will combine with new dust that has flowed in from the inlet and flow again through the upstream space, which is the space above the partition portion. In this case, the amount of dust flowing through the upstream space will be excessively large, and more dust will become stuck to the filter portion above the partition portion. To avoid this situation, in the above configuration, the filter portion is configured so that the amount of intake air at the lower part of the guide space, which is the space where air and dust are guided by the guide portion, is greater than the amount of intake air at the upper part of the guide space.

[0067] As a result, air that flows into the guide space is more likely to flow toward the lower portion of the guide space. Therefore, more air and dust are guided to the dust storage space before colliding with the guide section. With this increase in air and dust, less air and dust collide strongly with the guide section, and moreover, less air and dust pass over the guide section and return to the inlet. In other words, less dust flows through the upstream space, and clogging of the filter section is suppressed.

[0068] In the above-described configuration, the dust storage container may have a bottom attached to the peripheral wall portion so as to be able to open and close an opening at a lower end of the peripheral wall portion. The dust storage space may be opened by the bottom opening the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion.

[0069] In the above-described configuration, when dust accumulates in the dust storage space, a user can open the bottom portion to release the dust storage space, and the dust in the dust storage space can be discarded.

[0070] In the above-described configuration, the inlet may be open in a direction in which the air that has flowed into the dust container through the inlet flows along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion. The upstream space may have a circumferential length such that the air that has passed through the inlet becomes a swirling flow.

[0071] In the above-described configuration, the air flowing into the dust storage container through the inlet flows along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall. The air then becomes a swirling flow while flowing through the upstream space. The air may flow in various directions immediately after passing through the inlet, but once it flows through the upstream space and becomes a swirling flow, the air flow direction is relatively stable. Since air with a stable flow direction flows into the guide space in this manner, it becomes easier for the guide section to guide the air and dust into the dust storage space.

[0072] In the above-described configuration, the dust collecting device may further include a speed increasing portion provided in the upstream space so as to form, in cooperation with the partition portion, a speed increasing flow passage that narrows toward the downstream in the flow direction of the swirling flow.

[0073] In the above-described configuration, the partition portion and the speed-up portion form a speed-up flow passage in the upstream space. The speed-up flow passage narrows toward the downstream in the flow direction of the swirling flow, so that the speed of the swirling flow is increased in the speed-up flow passage. Therefore, the centrifugal force that the dust contained in the swirling flow receives becomes stronger, and the dust is more likely to flow at a position radially away from the filter portion. As a result, the multiple air holes are prevented from being blocked by dust.

[0074] In the above-described configuration, the speed increasing section may be provided in the upper part of the upstream space so as to reduce the air flowing into the upper part of the guide space and increase the air flowing into the lower part of the guide space.

[0075] In the above-described configuration, since the speed-increasing section is provided in the upper part of the upstream space, the air flowing through the upper part of the upstream space is reduced by the speed-increasing section. Also, the air flowing through the lower part of the upstream space can increase by the amount of the reduction. As a result, the amount of air and dust flowing into the lower part of the guide space downstream of the upstream space increases, and the amount of dust flowing into the dust storage space through the lower part of the guide space also increases.

[0076] In the above-mentioned configuration, the guide portion may include a plate-like member having a guide surface facing the guide space and an opposite surface that is a surface opposite to the guide surface. The filter portion may be configured to not allow air to flow in a circumferential section from the opposite surface to the inlet, and a non-air-intake space may be formed in the circumferential section from the opposite surface to the inlet.

[0077] As the guide part, it is possible to use a block-shaped member that blocks the annular space in the circumferential section from the guide surface facing the guide space to the inlet. However, in this case, the weight of the dust collector increases. In order to reduce the weight of the dust collector, in the above-mentioned configuration, a plate-shaped member is used as the guide part instead of a block-shaped member. In this case, the guide part has an opposite surface that is the surface opposite to the guide surface, and the filter part does not allow the air in the non-intake space to flow in so that a non-intake space is formed in the circumferential section from this opposite surface to the inlet. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the dust that flows into the non-intake space beyond the guide part. As a result, it is possible to increase the dust that flows into the dust storage space from the guide space.

[0078] In the above-described configuration, the partition may separate the dust storage space and the non-intake space into upper and lower spaces so as to prevent dust in the dust storage space from floating up into the non-intake space.

[0079] In the above-described configuration, the partition separates the dust storage space and the non-intake space into upper and lower spaces, so that dust in the dust storage space is prevented from floating up into the non-intake space, and thus the dust is maintained in the dust storage space.

[0080] A vacuum cleaner according to another aspect of the above-described embodiments includes the above-described dust collecting device and a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking air into the dust container. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The dust collecting device and the vacuum cleaner of the above-described embodiment are suitably used as devices for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100··········vacuum cleaner 111...Suction source 200 Dust collection device 210...Dust storage container 211···················································································… 212...Bottom 230 Filter section 232 Annular space 233 Partition 234 Dust accumulation space 235...............Speed ​​increasing section 236 Speed-up flow path 237········································ Information Department 239································Inlet 242 Guideway 243 Guidance space 263... Opposite side 264 Non-intake space 271...Upstream space

Claims

1. A dust collecting device attached to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, a dust storage container having a peripheral wall portion formed with an inlet through which dust-containing air flows when the suction source is activated, the dust storage container allowing the air to flow in through the inlet; a filter section configured to capture dust in the dust container while allowing air to flow into the dust container when the suction source is activated, and disposed in the dust container so as to form an annular space between the filter section and the peripheral wall section; a partition portion provided below the inlet and partitioning the annular space into upper and lower portions over a circumferential section of a predetermined length; a guide section that guides the air and dust to a dust storage space, which is a space below the partition section, by changing the direction of the air that has passed through an upstream space, which is a space above the partition section, obliquely downward; The filter portion is configured so that an amount of intake air in a lower portion of a guide space, which is a space into which air and dust are guided by the guide portion, is greater than an amount of intake air in an upper portion of the guide space.

2. the dust container has a bottom portion attached to the peripheral wall portion so as to be capable of opening and closing an opening at a lower end of the peripheral wall portion; The dust collecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the dust storage space is opened by the bottom opening the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion.

3. The inlet is opened in a direction in which air flowing into the dust container through the inlet flows along an inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion, The dust collecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upstream space has a circumferential length such that air passing through the inlet becomes a swirling flow.

4. The dust collecting device according to claim 3 , further comprising a speed increasing section provided in the upstream space so as to cooperate with the partition section to form a speed increasing flow passage that narrows toward a downstream side in a flow direction of the swirling flow.

5. The dust collecting device according to claim 4 , wherein the speed increasing section is provided in an upper portion of the upstream space so as to reduce air flowing into the upper portion of the guiding space and increase air flowing into the lower portion of the guiding space.

6. The guide portion includes a plate-shaped member having a guide surface facing the guide space and an opposite surface opposite to the guide surface, 3. The dust collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the filter portion is configured to not allow air to flow in a circumferential section extending from the opposite surface to the inlet, and a non-intake space is formed in the circumferential section extending from the opposite surface to the inlet.

7. The dust collecting device according to claim 6 , wherein the partition separates the dust storage space and the non-air intake space into upper and lower spaces so as to prevent dust in the dust storage space from floating up into the non-air intake space.

8. The dust collecting device according to claim 1 or 2, A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking air from within the dust container.

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