Dust storage container storing dust, cleaner including dust storage container, and cleaning tool set including dust storage container or cleaner and collection device collecting dust from dust storage container

Abstract

To provide a technique which prevents dust from being caught between a bottom part and a peripheral wall part of a dust storage container in transfer of the dust from the dust storage container to a collection device.SOLUTION: A dust storage container includes: a peripheral wall part having an inflow port into which air flows formed therein; a bottom part for closing an opening part at a lower end of the peripheral wall part; and a rotating connection part for connecting the bottom part to the peripheral wall part while allowing the bottom part to rotate downward by dust-sucking force of a collection source so as to be an opening attitude which opens the opening part of the peripheral wall part. The peripheral wall part is configured to cause the air flown in through the inflow port by the dust-sucking force of the collection source to become a swirling flow flowing along an inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall part. The dust storage container further includes a flow change part for suppressing dust contained in the swirling flow from being caught in a gap between the bottom part in the opening attitude and a lower end of the peripheral wall part by changing a direction of a flow toward the rotating connection part to another direction in the swirling flow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dust container for storing dust, a vacuum cleaner including the dust container, and a cleaning tool set including the dust container or the vacuum cleaner and a collection device for collecting dust from the dust container. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool set 300 shown in Fig. 28. This cleaning tool set 300 includes a vacuum cleaner 310 and a collection device 320 configured to be able to hold the vacuum cleaner 310.

[0003] Vacuum cleaner 310 has suction source 311 that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, a substantially cylindrical dust storage container 312 provided below suction source 311, and suction pipe 313 that extends in the vertical direction behind dust storage container 312. In addition, a suction nozzle 314 is attached to the lower end of suction pipe 313.

[0004] The suction nozzle 314 is configured so that dust on the floor surface flows in together with air when the suction source 311 is activated. The suction pipe 313 forms a flow path through which the dust and air flowing in from the suction nozzle 314 flow upward, and is connected to the peripheral wall of the dust storage container 312. The connection portion between the suction pipe 313 and the peripheral wall of the dust storage container 312 is formed so as to communicate the flow path of the suction pipe 313 with the internal space of the dust storage container 312. In detail, this connection portion is configured so that the air flowing in from the suction pipe 313 to the dust storage container 312 flows along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 315 of the dust storage container 312 to become a swirling flow.

[0005] As shown in FIG. 29, the dust container 312 has a bottom 316 that closes the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall 315, and a pivotable connection 317 that connects the bottom 316 to the peripheral wall 315 while allowing the bottom 316 to pivot downward.

[0006] 28, the dust container 312 is configured to be attachable to the collection device 320. The collection device 320 has a support tube 321 configured to be able to fit the lower part of the dust container 312, and the support tube 321 is provided to extend in the vertical direction. A collection section 322 that collects dust collected from the dust container 312 is provided at the lower end of the support tube 321, and a collection source 323 that generates a downward dust suction force through the collection section 322 and the support tube 321 is disposed below the collection section 322.

[0007] When a user fits dust container 312 into the upper end of support tube 321 and activates collection source 323, the dust suction force of collection source 323 causes bottom portion 316 of dust container 312 to rotate downward about pivot connection portion 317 as shown in Fig. 30. As a result, the internal space of dust container 312 is opened, and dust in dust container 312 flows into collection portion 322 through support tube 321. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 119097 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] During the transfer of dust from dust storage container 312 to collection section 322, air flows into suction nozzle 314 due to the suction force of collection source 323. This air then flows into dust storage container 312 through suction pipe 313. The air that has flowed into dust storage container 312 flows along the inner circumferential surface of peripheral wall section 315 and becomes a swirling flow, and is caused to flow out from the opening at the lower end of peripheral wall section 315 by the suction force of collection source 323. The swirling flow flowing out from the opening at the lower end of peripheral wall section 315 can cause the following problems.

[0010] That is, at the lower end portion of peripheral wall portion 315, bottom portion 316 rotates downward as shown in Fig. 30, and a gap that narrows toward pivot connection portion 317 is formed between bottom portion 316 and the lower end portion of peripheral wall portion 315. Since the swirling flow flowing through the lower end portion of peripheral wall portion 315 includes a portion that flows toward pivot connection portion 317, dust contained in the swirling flow can become caught in the gap between bottom portion 316 and the lower end portion of peripheral wall portion 315. The dust caught in this gap can prevent bottom portion 316 from closing the opening at the lower end of peripheral wall portion 315 after the transfer of dust from dust storage container 312 to collection portion 322 is completed.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for preventing dust from becoming caught in the gap between the bottom of a dust container and the lower end of a peripheral wall portion when dust is transferred from the dust container to a collection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The dust container in the present disclosure is configured to be attached in a state where dust is contained to a collection device having a collection source that generates a suction force to suck out dust. The dust container includes a peripheral wall portion having an inlet through which air flows in, a bottom portion that closes an opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion, and a rotating connection portion that connects the bottom portion to the peripheral wall portion while allowing the bottom portion to rotate downwardly by the dust suction force of the collection source to an open position that opens the opening of the peripheral wall portion. The peripheral wall portion is configured so that the air that flows in through the inlet by the dust suction force of the collection source becomes a swirling flow that flows along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. The dust container further includes a flow change portion that changes the direction of the swirling flow toward the rotating connection portion to another direction, thereby suppressing dust contained in the swirling flow from being caught in the gap between the bottom portion in the open position and the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0013] The vacuum cleaner of the present disclosure includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, a suction tube that forms a flow path through which dust flows by the suction force of the suction source, and the above-mentioned dust container. The dust container is connected to the suction tube so that when the suction source is activated, the suction force of the suction source acts on the flow path of the suction tube through the dust container, allowing dust flowing through the flow path of the suction tube to flow into the dust container through the inlet.

[0014] The cleaning tool set of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned dust container, and a collection device configured to allow the dust container to be attached and for collecting dust within the dust container when the dust container is attached. The collection device includes a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, and a collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust from the dust container and drops it into the support tube while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position.

[0015] The cleaning tool set of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned vacuum cleaner, and a collection device configured to allow the vacuum cleaner to be attached and for collecting dust in the dust container with the vacuum cleaner attached. The collection device includes a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, and a collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust from the dust container and drops it into the support tube while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The above-described technique can prevent dust from becoming caught in the gap between the bottom of the dust container and the lower end of the peripheral wall when the dust is transferred from the dust container to the recovery device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] Side view of a vacuum cleaner (first embodiment) [Diagram 2] A perspective view of a dust container of a vacuum cleaner [Diagram 3]Vertical cross-sectional view of the dust container [Figure 4] A perspective view of the dust container [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of a portion of the dust container [Figure 6] A perspective view of the dust container [Figure 7] A perspective view of the dust container [Figure 8] Rear view of the filter part of the dust container [Figure 9] Perspective view of cleaning tool set [Figure 10] A perspective view of the dust container [Figure 11] Vertical cross-section of cleaning tool set [Figure 12] Perspective view of the recovery device [Figure 13] A vertical cross-sectional view of the upper part of the support tube of the recovery device [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of dust storage container [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another suction nozzle; [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another suction nozzle; [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a recovery device (second embodiment); [Figure 18] Perspective view of cleaning tool set [Figure 19] Cleaning tool set circuit diagram [Figure 20] Vertical cross-section of the upper part of the support tube [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper part of the support tube (third embodiment); [Figure 22] Vertical cross-section of the upper part of the support tube [Figure 23] Cleaning tool set circuit diagram [Figure 24] 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control circuit for a recovery device. [Diagram 25] Vertical cross-section of the upper part of the support tube [Figure 26] Cleaning tool set circuit diagram [Figure 27] 13 is a side view of the dust container (fourth embodiment); [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional cleaning tool set [Figure 29] A perspective view of a portion of a conventional vacuum cleaner. [Diagram 30] A vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of a conventional cleaning tool set DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the dust container, the vacuum cleaner, and the cleaning tool set will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] (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 container 200 attached to the underside of the vacuum cleaner body 110. A battery 114 is housed above the suction source 111 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110. The battery 114 stores power for operating the suction source 111, and is electrically connected to the suction source 111. The suction source 111 is configured to suck air from inside the dust container 200, and may have, for example, a motor that receives power from the battery 114 and generates a rotational force, and a rotating blade configured to generate an upward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0021] A filter 112 that allows air to pass through while capturing dust contained in the air is disposed between the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust container 200. A grip portion 113 formed so that the user can grip it, and a suction tube 120 that forms a flow path 123 through which dust sucked by the suction source 111 flows are disposed on the front sides of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust container 200. The dust sucked by the suction source 111 flows through the flow path 123 toward the dust container 200.

[0022] The suction tube 120 extends vertically below the grip 113. In detail, the suction tube 120 has a base end tube 121 formed integrally with the cleaner body 110 and the grip 113, and an extension tube 122 extending downward from the base end tube 121. In the base end tube 121, a flow path 123 is bent toward the dust container 200. The extension tube 122 is removable from the base end tube 121. A suction nozzle 130 is attached to the lower end of the extension tube 122. The suction tube 120 extends downward relative to the grip 113, the cleaner body 110, and the dust container 200, and has a length that allows the suction nozzle 130 to be placed on the floor without the user having to bend over. A suction port 131 is formed in the front part of the underside of the suction nozzle 130, through which dust on the floor surface is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111, and a space is formed within the suction nozzle 130 that connects the suction port 131 to the flow path 123.

[0023] The dust storage container 200 is configured to store dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111, and as shown in Fig. 2, has a container part 210 that opens upward, and an upper lid part 220 that closes the opening at the upper end of the container part 210. The upper part of the upper lid part 220 is configured so that the filter 112 shown in Fig. 1 can be placed on it. The upper lid part 220 has a plurality of through holes 221 that penetrate the upper lid part 220 in the vertical direction, and when the suction source 111 shown in Fig. 1 is activated, the air inside the container part 210 flows out through these through holes 221.

[0024] The container part 210 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall part 211, and an inlet 239 is formed in the peripheral wall part 211, which opens in a tangential direction to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall part 211. The inlet 239 is connected to the flow path 123 of the base end pipe part 121 shown in FIG. 1, and when the suction source 111 is operated, air containing dust flows into the container part 210 through the inlet 239. This air becomes a swirling flow that flows along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall part 211.

[0025] The upper end of the peripheral wall 211 is provided with the above-mentioned upper lid 220, while the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 is provided with the bottom 212 via the pivot connector 213, as shown in FIG. 3. The opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 is the dust outlet 217 that opens downward to allow dust accumulated in the dust container 200 to fall, and in FIG. 3, the dust outlet 217 is closed by the bottom 212. The pivot connector 213 allows the bottom 212 to tilt downward around the pivot connector 213 from the closed position shown in FIG. 3 to the open position shown in FIG. 4. When the bottom 212 is in the open position, the dust outlet 217 is opened, and the dust in the dust container 200 can fall through the dust outlet 217. In addition, the suction pipe 120 is extended from the front side of the dust container 200 , so that the tilting of the bottom portion 212 is not hindered by the suction pipe 120 .

[0026] 3, a cylindrical filter part 230 that tapers toward the bottom part 212 is housed in the container part 210. A through hole 221 formed in the upper lid part 220 communicates with the internal space of the filter part 230.

[0027] 5, the filter section 230 is disposed approximately coaxially with the vessel section 210, and has an approximately circular cross section. An annular space 232 is formed between the filter section 230 and the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall section 211 of the vessel section 210, and 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 the air in the annular space 232 to flow in 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 flows in through the inlet 239, and this air becomes a swirling flow that flows through the annular space 232 of the container section 210. Due to the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, dust contained in the air that has flowed into the container section 210 flows near the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall section 211 of the container section 210 rather than near the filter section 230. For this reason, clogging of the vent holes 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. 6, a partition plate 233 is attached to the filter section 230. The partition plate 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 plate 233 is provided at a position spaced above the bottom 212 and approximately parallel to the bottom 212, and divides the annular space 232 into upper and lower parts. In the following description, the space below the partition plate 233 (i.e., between the partition plate 233 and the bottom 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 plate 233, which extends in the circumferential direction from the inlet 239 to the downstream end 241 of the partition plate 233 in the flow direction of the swirling flow, is referred to as the "upstream space 271." The partition plate 233 separates the upstream space 271 and the dust accumulation space 234 into upper and lower spaces, and prevents dust accumulated in the dust accumulation space 234 from flying up into the upstream space 271.

[0030] 7, a guide space 243 is formed downstream of the upstream space 271 to guide dust contained in the swirling flow toward the dust storage space 234. A guide portion 237 is attached to the filter portion 230 to define the upper end of the guide space 243. The guide portion 237 is in the form of a thin plate, and 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 plate 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 plate 233.

[0031] 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 plate 233 as shown in FIG. 8. That is, the partition plate 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 plate 233.

[0032] (Configuration for holding the bottom in a closed position) In order to hold the bottom portion 212 in the closed position, a biasing portion 214 is provided that biases the bottom portion 212 in the closed position, as shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the biasing portion 214 is configured by a torsion spring attached to the rotating connection portion 213, and the rotating connection portion 213 is inserted into the coil portion of the torsion spring.

[0033] An engagement claw 219 for locking the bottom 212 in the closed position is provided on the opposite side of the dust outlet 217 from the pivot connection 213. The engagement claw 219 has a lock operation portion 222 operated by the user, and a lock portion 223 formed to protrude from the lock operation portion 222 and be engageable with the outer edge of the bottom 212. In the following description, the state of the lock portion 223 engaging with the outer edge of the bottom 212 in the closed position to prevent the bottom 212 from tilting downward is referred to as the "locked state."

[0034] The engagement claw portion 219 is attached to the peripheral wall portion 211 so as to be rotatable 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 while pressing the lock operation portion 222 upward from below, the engagement between the bottom portion 212 and the lock portion 223 is released. The state of the lock portion 223 at this time is referred to as the "unlocked state" in the following description. The engagement claw portion 219 is biased by the coil spring 215 in a direction in which it engages with the bottom portion 212 (the opposite direction to the arrow in Fig. 3).

[0035] 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 lock operating part 222 is recessed in the accommodating recess 216, and unintentional contact with the lock operating part 222 is suppressed.

[0036] (Structure for assisting in collection of dust from a dust container) The dust container 200 or the vacuum cleaner 100, together with the collection device 400 shown in Fig. 9, constitutes a cleaning tool set 500. Dust in the dust container 200 is sucked out by the collection device 400 and collected in the collection device 400. While the collection device 400 is collecting dust, the bottom 212 is rotated downward as shown in Fig. 10, and the dust outlet 217 is opened. At this time, the air flowing in from the inlet 239 becomes a swirling flow in the dust container 200.

[0037] In the state shown in FIG. 10, a gap 224 is formed between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211, but the gap 224 narrows as it approaches the rotating connection 213. Therefore, when dust in the dust storage space 234 is discharged from the dust discharge port 217 on the swirling flow, dust contained in the swirling flow toward the rotating connection 213 may become stuck in the gap 224 between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211. In order to prevent dust from being stuck in the gap 224, the dust storage container 200 has a flow changer 225 protruding inward from the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 211. The flow changer 225 is provided to change the flow direction of the swirling flow so that the swirling flow flows at a position upstream of the rotating connection 213 and spaced inward from the gap 224. The flow changing portion 225 is composed of a plate-like member that is inclined in the flow direction of the swirling flow, and thus, dust contained in the swirling flow is prevented from being caught in the flow changing portion 225.

[0038] (Overall structure of the recovery device) The collection device 400 is configured to be able to mount the dust storage container 200 that contains dust, as shown in FIG. 9. In detail, the collection device 400 has a support plate 410 that is substantially rectangular in plan view, a housing 420 provided on the support plate 410, a support tube 430 that extends upward from the upper surface of the housing 420, and a tube holder 440 provided on the front portion of the support tube 430. The upper end of the support tube 430 is configured to be able to mount the dust storage container 200, and the support tube 430 supports the dust storage container 200 during the collection operation of the dust from the dust storage container 200 to the collection device 400. In addition, the support tube 430 forms a flow path 431 that extends in the vertical direction so as to allow the dust discharged from the dust discharge port 217 of the dust storage container 200 to fall, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0039] 12, the tube holding part 440 is formed with a holding groove 441 that opens forward and extends in the vertical direction. The holding groove 441 has a shape complementary to the rear part of the base end tube part 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The provision of the tube holding part 440 encourages the user to place the suction tube 120 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in front of the housing 420 and the support tube 430 of the collection device 400 and fit the base end tube part 121 into the holding groove 441. In other words, the user is encouraged to attach the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400 in a predetermined orientation.

[0040] When the user fits the base end tube portion 121 into the holding groove 441, the suction tube 120 is held in a position extending downward along the front surface of the support tube 430 and the housing 420 as shown in Fig. 11. In order to support the suction nozzle 130 attached to the lower end of the suction tube 120, the front portion of the support plate 410 protrudes forward from the housing 420 as shown in Fig. 12, and a support block 411 is provided on this front portion. The support block 411 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the support plate 410, and the rear portion of the suction nozzle 130 is placed on the support block 411 as shown in Fig. 11. On the front side of the support block 411, the suction port 131 of the suction nozzle 130 opens in the air.

[0041] Inside the housing 420, there are arranged a collection source 421 which generates a suction force for sucking dust out of the dust container 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and a collection section 422 which stores the dust sucked out of the dust container 200. The collection section 422 is arranged above the collection source 421, and a filter 423 which allows air to pass while capturing dust is arranged between the collection section 422 and the collection source 421. The collection source 421 is connected to the collection section 422 via the filter 423.

[0042] The recovery source 421 and the recovery section 422 are disposed in the housing 420 at a rear position relative to the support tube 430. In order to communicate the internal space of the recovery section 422 with the flow path 431 of the support tube 430, a connecting tube 424 is provided extending forward from the front surface of the recovery section 422 in a substantially horizontal position. While the support tube 430 is provided extending in the vertical direction, the connecting tube 424 is provided in a substantially horizontal position, so that a connecting portion 425 between the support tube 430 and the connecting tube 424 has a bent shape. The axial length of the connecting tube 424 is shorter than the axial length of the support tube 430, preventing the housing 420 from becoming larger in the front-rear direction.

[0043] 3 is in an unlocked state, collection source 421 is configured to generate a suction force large enough to suck out dust inside dust storage container 200 while tilting bottom portion 212 downward against the biasing force of biasing portion 214 and keeping it in an open position. Collection source 421 can be composed of, for example, a motor that generates a rotational force, and a rotating blade configured to generate a downward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0044] The support cylinder 430 has an outer cylinder 432 extending in the vertical direction, and an inner cylinder 433 extending in the vertical direction within the outer cylinder 432 to form the above-mentioned flow path 431. The inner cylinder 433 may have a constant inner diameter over its entire length. The axial length of the outer cylinder 432 is set so that the lower end portion of the dust container 200 is fitted in the outer cylinder 432 when the suction nozzle 130 is placed on the support block 411. In this state, the battery 114 and the suction source 111 in the vacuum cleaner body 110 are vertically aligned above the support cylinder 430 and the dust container 200, and are located on the axis of the support cylinder 430.

[0045] The inner cylinder 433 is disposed such that the upper end of the inner cylinder 433 is located lower than the upper end of the outer cylinder 432. In detail, the inner cylinder 433 is provided in the outer cylinder 432 such that a tilting space 434 that allows the bottom 212 to tilt downward is formed between the upper end of the inner cylinder 433 and the upper end of the outer cylinder 432. The lower end portion of the dust storage container 200 is fitted into the upper end portion of the tilting space 434 as shown in FIG.

[0046] By fitting the dust container 200 into the tilting space 434, the dust container 200 and the cleaner body 110 of the vacuum cleaner 100 are supported by the outer tube 432 and the housing 420. At this time, the grip 113 and the suction tube 120 on the front side of the dust container 200 and the cleaner body 110 are supported by the support block 411. Note that the rear part of the suction nozzle 130 is placed on the support block 411, but the front part of the suction nozzle 130 is on the front side of the support block 411 and is in a state of floating above the support plate 410. In order to obtain such a state, the axial length of the outer tube 432 is set so that the suction nozzle 130 is in a state of floating above the support plate 410 when the dust container 200 is fitted into the tilting space 434. The height of the support block 411 is set so that the upper end of the support block 411 comes into contact with the rear part of the suction nozzle 130 when the dust container 200 is fitted into the tilting space 434 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 is configured so that when the user fits the lower end portion of the dust container 200 into the tilting space 434 while holding the suction tube 120 in the tube holding part 440, the engagement claw part 219 is located at the rear end of the tilting space 434. The outer tube 432 has a step part 435 at a position facing the engagement claw part 219 of the dust container 200 fitted into the tilting space 434. A thin plate-shaped release part 436 stands upright from the step part 435. When the lower end portion of the dust container 200 is fitted into the tilting space 434, the release part 436 comes into contact with the lock operation part 222 of the engagement claw part 219 and applies an upward force to the lock operation part 222. As a result, the engagement claw part 219 changes from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 13, and the engagement between the lock part 223 and the bottom part 212 is released. That is, the lock unit 223 is put into an unlocked state by the release unit 436 .

[0048] (Vacuum cleaner in action) When suction source 111 is activated, the suction force of suction source 111 sucks air from dust container 200 through filter portion 230. Air is sucked into suction nozzle 130 in the amount of air sucked out from dust container 200, and dust on the floor surface flows into suction nozzle 130 together with this air. The dust containing the dust then flows through flow path 123 of suction pipe 120 and flows into dust container 200 through inlet 239 of dust container 200.

[0049] Since the inlet 239 is open in the tangential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 211 of the container 210, the air flowing into the container 210 from the inlet 239 flows along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 211. Then, this air becomes a swirling flow while flowing through the upstream space 271 in the container 210. Due to the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, dust contained in the swirling flow flows near the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 211 of the 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 filter portion 230 without being obstructed by dust. The air flowing into the filter portion 230 flows out of the dust storage container 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.

[0050] After passing through the upstream space 271, the swirling flow flows into the guide space 243. When dust contained in the swirling flow reaches the vicinity of the guide surface 242 of the guide portion 237, the dust is guided toward the bottom portion 212 of the container portion 210 according to the inclination of the guide surface 242. Since the guide space 243 is in communication with the dust accumulation space 234, the dust flows from the guide space 243 into the dust accumulation space 234.

[0051] While the user is performing cleaning work using the vacuum cleaner 100 as described above, the engaging claw portion 219 is recessed in the accommodation recess 216, making it difficult for the user to unintentionally come into contact with the engaging claw portion 219. Therefore, the engagement between the bottom portion 212 and the lock portion 223 is difficult to be unintentionally released.

[0052] Even if a user unintentionally contacts engaging claw 219 during cleaning work and the engagement between bottom 212 and locking portion 223 is released, bottom 212 is biased to the closed position by biasing portion 214. This prevents dust accumulated in dust container 200 from falling from dust outlet 217 during cleaning work.

[0053] (Operation of recovery device) After the user finishes the cleaning work, the user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400. That is, the user places the suction tube 120 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in front of the housing 420 and the support tube 430 of the collection device 400. In this state, the user fits the base end tube portion 121 of the suction tube 120 into the holding groove 441 of the tube holding portion 440, while fitting the lower end portion of the dust storage container 200 into the upper end portion of the support tube 430. When the user presses the lower end portion of the dust storage container 200 down into the tilting space 434 at the upper end portion of the support tube 430, the release portion 436 comes into contact with the lock operation portion 222 of the engagement claw portion 219, and the lock operation portion 222 takes the position shown in FIG. 13. As a result, the lock portion 223 of the engagement claw portion 219 is in an unlocked state, and the engagement between the lock portion 223 and the bottom portion 212 is released. In this state, the bottom portion 212 of the dust container 200 is maintained in the closed position by the biasing portion 214.

[0054] Thereafter, when the collection source 421 is operated, the dust suction force of the collection source 421 acts on the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 200 through the collection portion 422, the connecting tube 424, and the support tube 430. The dust suction force of the collection source 421 causes the bottom 212 to tilt downward against the biasing force of the biasing portion 214 and assume an open position. As a result, the dust discharge port 217 of the dust storage container 200 is opened. The dust suction force of the collection source 421 sucks out dust from the dust storage container 200 while maintaining the open position of the bottom 212. The dust flows into the collection portion 422 through the support tube 430 and the connecting tube 424, and is accumulated in the collection portion 422.

[0055] Since the flow path 431 of the support tube 430 extends in the vertical direction, the dust is affected by gravity as well as the suction force of the collection source 421 while passing through the support tube 430. Since gravity is used as well as the suction force of the collection source 421 to discharge dust from the dust storage container 200, an excessively high suction capacity is not required for the collection source 421.

[0056] In the support tube 430, dust is caused to flow downwards not only by the suction force of the collection source 421 but also by gravity, so that dust clogging in the support tube 430 is unlikely to occur. On the other hand, since the connection tube 424 is in a substantially horizontal position, the direction of dust flow does not coincide with the direction of gravity, and dust needs to be drawn into the collection section 422 only by the suction force of the collection source 421. However, the connection tube 424 is located closer to the collection source 421 than the support tube 430, and the suction force acting on the connection tube 424 is higher than the suction force acting on the support tube 430. For this reason, it is possible to cause the dust in the connection tube 424 to flow into the collection section 422 only by the suction force of the collection source 421. In addition, since the connecting tube 424 has a shorter axial length than the support tube 430, even if the dust inside the connecting tube 424 is drawn into the collection section 422 only by the suction force of the collection source 421, clogging of the connecting tube 424 with dust is unlikely to occur.

[0057] When the collection source 421 sucks out dust in the dust container 200, the suction force of the collection source 421 acts on the suction port 131 of the suction nozzle 130 through the collection section 422, the connection tube 424, the support tube 430, the dust container 200, and the suction pipe 120. At this time, the suction port 131 is not blocked by the support block 411 supporting the suction nozzle 130, and is open in the air. Therefore, resistance to the air flowing into the suction port 131 is small, and a large amount of air flows into the suction nozzle 130. Then, this air flows into the dust container 200 through the suction pipe 120 and the inlet 239. At this time, the inlet 239 opens in the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust container 200, so a swirling flow is generated in the dust container 200.

[0058] The swirling flow travels around the inside of the dust container 200 along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust container 200 toward the dust outlet 217, and reaches the lower portion of the dust container 200. If the flow change portion 225 is not provided at the lower portion of the dust container 200, a part of the swirling flow flows as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 14. In this case, the swirling flow may flow through the gap 224 between the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 211 and the bottom portion 212. This gap 224 narrows as it approaches the rotating connection portion 213. When large dust particles are flowing on the swirling flow, the dust particles may flow through the gap 224 at a position away from the rotating connection portion 213, but may approach the rotating connection portion 213 while being gradually compressed by the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 211 and the bottom portion 212. This dust may become pinched between the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 and the bottom 212 near the pivot connection 213. This dust may prevent the bottom 212 from returning to the closed position after the dust is collected from the dust container 200 to the collection device 400.

[0059] On the other hand, if the flow changer 225 is provided at the bottom of the dust container 200, the swirling flow will flow as shown by the solid line in Fig. 14. The flow changer 225 protrudes inward from the bottom of the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 211 on the upstream side of the gap 224, and therefore can change the flow direction of the swirling flow that flows along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 211 to the inward direction. That is, the swirling flow is deflected by the flow changer 225 to flow inwardly of the dust container 200 on the upstream side of the gap 224. As a result, the swirling flow, and in turn, most of the dust contained in the swirling flow, can flow at a position spaced inward from the gap 224, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 14. This prevents dust from getting caught in the gap 224.

[0060] Although dust flowing with the swirling flow may collide with the flow changing part 225, since the flow changing part 225 is inclined toward the downstream side of the swirling flow, the dust can flow downstream without remaining caught in the flow changing part 225. Therefore, the flow changing part 225 itself is unlikely to hinder the discharge of dust from the dust storage container 200.

[0061] When the user stops collection source 421, the dust suction force acting on bottom 212 disappears. Then, bottom 212 is rotated upward by biasing portion 214 and returns to the closed position. At this time, because flow changing portion 225 prevents dust from getting caught in gap 224 between bottom 212 and the lower end of peripheral wall portion 211, bottom 212 can return to the closed position and close dust outlet 217 without being hindered by such dust.

[0062] The user may maintain the vacuum cleaner 100 attached to the collection device 400 even after stopping the collection source 421. That is, the user can use the collection device 400 to store the vacuum cleaner 100. At this time, the battery 114 and the suction source 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 are arranged on the upper side of the dust container 200 so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the dust container 200 and the support tube 430. Therefore, the weight of the battery 114 and the suction source 111 is unlikely to act to tip over the support tube 430, and therefore the collection device 400.

[0063] While the battery 114 and the suction source 111 are arranged on the axis of the support tube 430, the suction tube 120, the suction nozzle 130, and the grip 113 are arranged on the front side of the support tube 430. Therefore, the weight of the suction tube 120, the suction nozzle 130, and the grip 113 may act to tip the support tube 430, and thus the recovery device 400, forward. However, the recovery unit 422 and the recovery source 421 are arranged on the opposite side of the support tube 430 from the suction tube 120, the suction nozzle 130, and the grip 113 (i.e., the rear side of the support tube 430). Therefore, the weight of the recovery unit 422 and the recovery source 421 prevents the recovery device 400 from tipping forward.

[0064] When the cleaning operation is resumed, the user removes the vacuum cleaner 100 from the collection device 400. At this time, the dust container 200 is separated from the support tube 430. With the separation of the dust container 200 from the support tube 430, the release part 436 is released from the storage recess 216 and is in a non-contact state with the lock operation part 222. In this state, the pressing force from the release part 436 to the lock operation part 222 disappears, so that the release part 436 is pulled back in the opposite direction to the arrow in FIG. 3 by the coil spring 215, and the lock part 223 engages with the outer edge part of the bottom part 212. That is, the lock part 223 is in a locked state in which the bottom part 212 is locked. Therefore, the cleaning operation can be resumed with the bottom part 212 locked in the closed position.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the engaging claw portion 219 is recessed in the storage recess 216, so that it is difficult for a user to unintentionally touch the engaging claw portion 219. However, the storage recess 216 may be omitted. In this case, it is preferable that the engaging claw portion 219 is attached to the dust storage container 200 at a position where it is difficult for a user to touch it.

[0066] 9 has the engaging claw portion 219, but since the bottom portion 212 is biased to the closed position by the biasing portion 214, the engaging claw portion 219 may be omitted. In this case, the collection device 400 does not need to have the releasing portion 436.

[0067] In FIG. 9, the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400 with the suction nozzle 130 placed on the support block 411. However, the user may remove the suction nozzle 130 from the lower end of the suction tube 120 and attach the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400, the lower end of the suction tube 120 is located higher than the suction nozzle 130 and is not blocked by the support block 411. Therefore, even when the suction nozzle 130 is removed from the vacuum cleaner 100, the air can flow into the flow path 123 without encountering high resistance at the lower end of the suction tube 120 and can push the dust in the dust storage container 200 into the collection device 400.

[0068] The vacuum cleaner 100 may be fitted with another suction nozzle having a different shape from the suction nozzle 130 shown in Fig. 9. For example, the suction nozzle 132 shown in Fig. 15 or the suction nozzle 133 shown in Fig. 16 may be fitted to the lower end of the suction tube 120. In this case, it is preferable that the axial lengths of these suction nozzles 132, 133 are set so that the suction ports 131 of these suction nozzles 132, 133 are open in the air above the support block 411 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted to the collection device 400.

[0069] In the collection device 400 of the first embodiment, the collection unit 422 is disposed on the rear side of the support tube 430, and is therefore connected to the support tube 430 via the connecting tube 424. However, the collection unit 422 may be disposed directly below the support tube 430. In this case, the connecting tube 424 is not required, and the support tube 430 may be extended directly upward from the collection unit 422. If the support tube 430 is extended straight upward from the collection unit 422, dust can drop directly from the dust storage container 200 into the collection unit 422.

[0070] In the collection device 400 of the first embodiment, the inner tube 433 of the support tube 430 has a constant inner diameter over the entire length. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the inner tube 433 may be gradually increased downward. In this case, dust that has passed the upper end of the inner tube 433 can fall to the connection part 425 with the connection tube 424 without getting caught in the middle part of the inner tube 433. At this time, the inner diameter of the connection tube 424 may be gradually increased from the connection part 425 toward the collection part 422. In this case, the dust is prevented from clogging the connection tube 424 while moving from the connection part 425 to the collection part 422.

[0071] <Second embodiment> The collection device 400 may be configured to be usable not only for collecting dust from the vacuum cleaner 100, but also for charging the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the collection device 400 has a power cable 450 forming a transmission path of power from an external power source. The collection device 400 also has output terminals 451, 452, and a control circuit 453 electrically connected to the power cable 450, the output terminals 451, 452, and the collection source 421. The control circuit 453 is disposed in the housing 420. The power cable 450 extends outward from the housing 420, and is electrically connected to the control circuit 453 within the housing 420.

[0072] The output terminals 451, 452 are provided in the holding groove 441. In detail, the holding groove 441 has an upper portion 442 extending obliquely downward from the upper end portion of the support tube 430 and a lower portion 443 extending approximately parallel to the support tube 430, and the output terminals 451, 452 protrude upward from the upper portion 442 of the holding groove 441.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 18, input terminals 265, 266 are provided on the outer surface of base end pipe portion 121 of vacuum cleaner 100 at a portion that fits into upper portion 442 of holding groove 441. As shown in Fig. 19, power lines 267, 268 that form a power transmission path to battery 114 in vacuum cleaner body 110 are connected to input terminals 265, 266.

[0074] 20, when the base end tube portion 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted into the holding groove 441, the input terminals 265, 266 push the output terminals 451, 452 downward, and the output terminals 451, 452 retract into the inside of the tube holding portion 440 while elastically deforming. Then, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is removed from the holding groove 441, the output terminals 451, 452 return to their original state and protrude into the holding groove 441.

[0075] 19, the output terminals 451 and 452 are connected to a control circuit 453. The control circuit 453 has a converter 454, a drive circuit 455, and a contact detection circuit 456.

[0076] Converter 454 is connected to power cable 450, and converts AC power transmitted through power cable 450 into DC power. This DC power is transmitted from converter 454 to output terminals 451, 452 through power supply paths 457, 458, and is output from output terminals 451, 452.

[0077] The power supply path 457 is connected to the converter 454 and the output terminal 451. Furthermore, the power supply path 458 is connected to the converter 454 and the output terminal 452. The contact detection circuit 456 is provided on the power supply path 458.

[0078] 19, when the output terminals 451, 452 are in contact with the input terminals 265, 266, power can be supplied from the converter 454 to the battery 114, and a current flows through the power supply paths 457, 458. On the other hand, if the output terminals 451, 452 are not in contact with the input terminals 265, 266, no current flows through the power supply paths 457, 458.

[0079] The contact detection circuit 456 is configured to be able to detect whether or not the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400 based on such a change in current. Furthermore, when the contact detection circuit 456 detects a current flowing through the power supply path 458, it determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400, and outputs a drive command. Conversely, when no current is detected flowing through the power supply path 458, the contact detection circuit 456 determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is not attached to the collection device 400. In this case, the drive command is not output.

[0080] The drive circuit 455 is configured to receive AC power through the power cable 450, and is configured to drive the collection source 421 for a predetermined period of time with this AC power. The drive circuit 455 drives the collection source 421 on the condition that the drive circuit 455 receives a drive command from the contact detection circuit 456. Therefore, when the drive circuit 455 does not receive a drive command, the drive circuit 455 does not drive the collection source 421, and the collection source 421 remains in a stopped state.

[0081] When the user is performing cleaning work using the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 is detached from the collection device 400, and no current flows through the power supply path 458. Therefore, the contact detection circuit 456 does not output a drive command, and the drive circuit 455 does not drive the collection source 421. Therefore, the collection source 421 does not operate while the user is performing cleaning work.

[0082] When a user finishes cleaning work and fits the base end tube portion 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 into the holding groove 441 to attach the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400, the input terminals 265, 266 of the vacuum cleaner 100 come into contact with the output terminals 451, 452 of the collection device 400. In this state, the power output from the converter 454 is input to the input terminals 265, 266 via the power supply paths 457, 458 and the output terminals 451, 452. Then, the power input to the input terminals 265, 266 is supplied to the battery 114 through the power lines 267, 268. As a result, the battery 114 is charged.

[0083] At this time, the contact detection circuit 456 detects the current flowing through the power supply path 458 and outputs a drive command to the drive circuit 455. In response to the drive command, the drive circuit 455 drives the collection source 421 for a predetermined period. When this period ends, the collection source 421 stops.

[0084] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400, the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452 are aligned vertically. Therefore, the weight of the vacuum cleaner 100 acts to strengthen the pressure contact of the input terminals 265, 266 with the output terminals 451, 452. Therefore, even if the housing 420 and the support tube 430 vibrate with the operation of the collection source 421, the contact state of the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452 is easily maintained. Therefore, the charging of the battery 114 is unlikely to be interrupted by the vibration caused by the operation of the collection source 421.

[0085] In the cleaning tool set 500 of the second embodiment, the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452 are configured to be able to be pressed against each other in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452 may be configured to be fitted into each other in the vertical direction. For example, the input terminals 265, 266 may be configured by a terminal plate protruding downward. In this case, the output terminals 451, 452 may have a hole shape recessed downward so that the terminal plate can be inserted. Conversely, the output terminals 451, 452 may be configured by a terminal plate protruding upward, and the input terminals 265, 266 may have a hole shape recessed upward.

[0086] <Third embodiment> The collection source 421 of the collection device 400 of the second embodiment is automatically activated when the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400. In this case, the collection source 421 may be activated even during times when the user does not want it to be activated (for example, late at night). To solve this problem, the collection device 400 may be configured so that the collection source 421 is kept stopped based on the user's will.

[0087] 21, a movable space 461 is formed in the upper end portion of the outer cylinder 432 of the recovery device 400, drilled downward from the step portion 435. The movable space 461 is open not only at the step portion 435 but also on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432.

[0088] The movable space 461 is provided to enable the release portion 436 to be displaced in the up-down direction, and the release portion 436 shown in Fig. 21 protrudes upward from the step portion 435 through an opening of the movable space 461 on the step portion 435. In this state, the release portion 436 can push the lock operation portion 222 of the engagement claw portion 219 upward, and set the lock portion 223 of the engagement claw portion 219 to an unlocked state.

[0089] The vertical length of the movable space 461 is set so that the release portion 436 can be displaced downward from the position shown in Fig. 21 to the position shown in Fig. 22. When the release portion 436 is displaced to the position shown in Fig. 22, the amount by which the release portion 436 protrudes from the step portion 435 becomes smaller, and the release portion 436 does not come into contact with the lock operation portion 222. When the release portion 436 is in the position shown in Fig. 21, the lower end portion of the release portion 436 is at a height position substantially equal to the upper end portion of the opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432.

[0090] An operation selection part 462 is provided at the lower end of the release part 436, which is operated by the user to select whether or not to operate the recovery source 421. The operation selection part 462 is in a substantially horizontal position and protrudes from an opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube 432. The operation selection part 462 is formed integrally with the release part 436, and the operation selection part 462 and the release part 436 form a substantially L-shaped operation piece 463. The user can pinch the tip of the operation selection part 462 protruding from the opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube 432 to displace the release part 436 between the position shown in FIG. 21 and the position shown in FIG. 22.

[0091] A position detection unit 464 that detects the position of operation piece 463 is provided below operation piece 463. Position detection unit 464 may be configured with, for example, a reflective optical sensor. In this case, the optical sensor can receive stronger reflected light when operation piece 463 is in the position shown in Fig. 22 than when operation piece 463 is in the position shown in Fig. 21. This optical sensor is configured to output different signals depending on the intensity of the received reflected light.

[0092] The position detection unit 464 is connected to a drive circuit 455 of the control circuit 453 as shown in Fig. 23. The drive circuit 455 drives or does not drive the collection source 421 based on a signal from the position detection unit 464 as shown in Fig. 24.

[0093] While the user is performing cleaning work using the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 is detached from the collection device 400, and therefore the input terminals 265, 266 are not in contact with the output terminals 451, 452. Therefore, the contact detection circuit 456 does not detect a current flowing through the power supply path 458, and does not output a drive command. Since the drive circuit 455 does not receive a drive command from the contact detection circuit 456 (step S110: No), it does not drive the collection source 421, and the stopped state of the collection source 421 is maintained (step S120).

[0094] When the user finishes cleaning and connects the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400, the input terminals 265, 266 come into contact with the output terminals 451, 452. At this time, power is supplied from the converter 454 to the battery 114, and the battery 114 is charged. As a result of the power supply from the converter 454 to the battery 114, a current flows through the power supply path 458, and the contact detection circuit 456 detects this current. In this case, the contact detection circuit 456 outputs a drive command.

[0095] When the drive circuit 455 receives a drive command from the contact detection circuit 456 (step S110: Yes), the drive circuit 455 executes the following determination process (step S130) based on the signal from the position detection unit 464.

[0096] When a user wishes to collect dust from the dust container 200, the user places the operation piece 463 in the position shown in FIG. 21. In this case, the release portion 436 protrudes largely from the step portion 435. Therefore, when the release portion 436 is inserted into the storage recess 216, it can be pushed upward while contacting the lock operation portion 222 of the engagement claw portion 219. As a result, the engagement claw portion 219 tilts so that the lock portion 223 moves away from the outer edge portion of the bottom portion 212, and the engagement of the lock portion 223 with the bottom portion 212 is released. At this point, the bottom portion 212 is biased by the biasing portion 214 (see FIG. 3) to a closed position, and the dust discharge port 217 is closed by the bottom portion 212. Therefore, discharge of dust from the dust container 200 has not yet started.

[0097] 21 is transmitted to drive circuit 455 by a signal from position detector 464 (step S130: Yes). In this case, drive circuit 455 starts driving collection source 421, and collection source 421 generates a dust suction force for a predetermined period of time (step S140).

[0098] The suction force of the collection source 421 acts on the bottom 212 through the collection section 422, the connecting tube 424, and the support tube 430. This suction force tilts the bottom 212 downward against the biasing section 214. As a result, the dust discharge port 217 is opened, and the dust falls from the dust storage container 200 through the dust discharge port 217. The dust that has fallen from the dust storage container 200 passes through the support tube 430 and the connecting tube 424 in this order, and flows into the collection section 422.

[0099] When generation of operating noise from the collection source 421 is undesirable, the user can push down the operation selection unit 462 with a fingertip to displace the operation piece 463 to the position shown in Fig. 22. The operation piece 463 is exposed from the outer circumferential surface of the support tube 430 at the upper end portion of the support tube 430, and is located at a high position in the collection device 400. Therefore, the user can operate the operation selection unit 462 without bending over significantly.

[0100] 22, the release portion 436 of the operation piece 463 is located at a position spaced downward from the lock operation portion 222 and is not in contact with the lock operation portion 222. Therefore, the lock portion 223 is in a locked state, and the bottom portion 212 is engaged with the lock portion 223 in a closed position in which the dust outlet 217 is closed.

[0101] 22 is transmitted to the drive circuit 455 by a signal from the position detector 464 (step S130: No). In this case, the drive circuit 455 does not drive the collection source 421, and the stopped state of the collection source 421 is maintained (step S120).

[0102] In the third embodiment, an activation selection unit 462 that is operated to determine whether or not to activate the collection source 421 is integrated with the release unit 436. Therefore, the state of the lock unit 223 operated by the release unit 436 (i.e., the locked state and the unlocked state) is associated with the presence or absence of activation of the collection source 421 as follows.

[0103] That is, when the lock unit 223 is in the locked state, the collection source 421 does not operate. This prevents the collection source 421 from operating in a state in which dust cannot be collected from the dust container 200. On the other hand, when the lock unit 223 is in the unlocked state, the collection source 421 operates, so that dust is collected from the dust container 200 to the collection unit 422.

[0104] As described in the first embodiment, dust can be collected from the dust container 200 to the collection section 422 even without providing the lock section 223 (engagement claw section 219). However, if the dust in the dust container 200 is heavy, the bottom section 212 is not locked by the lock section 223, and the dust in the dust container 200 may tilt downward due to its own weight. Then, the dust falls due to the action of gravity and accumulates in the connection section 425 (see FIG. 11) between the inner tube 433 of the support tube 430 and the connection tube 424. If an excessive amount of dust accumulates in the connection section 425, a blockage may occur in the connection section 425. If the blockage is not cleared even after the collection source 421 is operated later, the user needs to disassemble the collection device 400 and remove the dust in the connection section 425.

[0105] Furthermore, if the locking portion 223 is not provided, the following problem may occur. That is, after the bottom 212 tilts downward due to the weight of the dust in the dust container 200 and some of the dust falls as described above, the amount of dust in the dust container 200 decreases. In this case, the downward force that the bottom 212 receives from the dust in the dust container 200 decreases. Since the bottom 212 is biased by the biasing portion 214 to the closed position, the bottom 212 can gradually return to the closed position as the downward force that the bottom 212 receives from the dust in the dust container 200 decreases. At this time, if dust about to fall from the dust container 200 is between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust container 200, the dust is sandwiched between the bottom 212 and the peripheral wall portion 211. If a user starts cleaning work with dust sandwiched between the bottom portion 212 and the peripheral wall portion 211, the dust outlet 217 of the dust container 200 will not be completely closed, and dust may leak out of the dust container 200.

[0106] On the other hand, in the third embodiment, when the locking portion 223 is in the unlocked state, the collection source 421 operates, so that the dust that has fallen from the dust storage container 200 passes through the connection portion 425 between the inner tube 433 of the support tube 430 and the connection tube 424 by the suction force of the collection source 421. Therefore, clogging of the connection portion 425 with dust is suppressed.

[0107] In addition, by configuring the drive circuit 455 that drives the collection source 421 so that the collection source 421 operates for a time period long enough to suck out the dust in the dust container 200, the problem of dust getting caught between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 of the dust container 200 is also solved. That is, the bottom 212 can maintain the open position by the suction force of the collection source 421 while dust remains in the dust container 200. Then, when the collection source 421 stops, the bottom 212 is brought to the closed position by the biasing force of the biasing part 214. At this time, the dust has already been sucked out of the dust container 200 by the suction force of the collection source 421, and the dust container 200 is almost empty. Therefore, there is no dust that can get caught between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 of the dust container 200.

[0108] 21 and 22 protrudes from an opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432. Alternatively, the operation selection part 462 may be recessed into the movable space 461. In this case, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the operation selection part 462. As a result, it is possible to avoid erroneous operation of the operation selection part 462.

[0109] The operation selection unit 462 shown in FIG. 21 is integrated with the release unit 436. Alternatively, the operation selection unit 462 may be formed separately from the release unit 436 as shown in FIG. 25. In FIG. 25, the release unit 436 is supported by a coil spring 471 arranged below the release unit 436. An electromagnetic switch 472 configured to generate a magnetic attraction force and a power supply circuit 473 configured to be able to supply power to the electromagnetic switch 472 are provided below the coil spring 471. The release unit 436 is made of a magnetic material so as to be attracted by the magnetic attraction force of the electromagnetic switch 472.

[0110] 25 is a push button, and when a user presses the operation selection unit 462, the power supply circuit 473 is closed. In this state, the power supply circuit 473 supplies power to the electromagnetic switch 472, and the electromagnetic switch 472 generates a magnetic attraction force. This attraction force allows the release unit 436 to be displaced downward while compressing the coil spring 471. In this state, the release unit 436 does not come into contact with the lock operation unit 222.

[0111] When the user presses the operation selection unit 462 again, the power supply circuit 473 is opened. In this state, the power supply to the electromagnetic switch 472 is stopped, and the adhesive force of the electromagnetic switch 472 disappears. In this case, the coil spring 471 expands upward while restoring to its original state, and pushes up the release unit 436. In this state, the release unit 436 can come into contact with the lock operation unit 222.

[0112] 26, the power supply circuit 473 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 455. The drive circuit 455 is configured to be able to detect whether the power supply circuit 473 is closed or not based on the presence or absence of a current flowing through the power supply circuit 473, for example. The drive circuit 455 is configured to maintain the stopped state of the collection source 421 when the power supply circuit 473 is open. On the other hand, when a drive command is output from the contact detection circuit 456 and the drive circuit 455 is closed, the drive circuit 455 activates the collection source 421.

[0113] <Fourth embodiment> The higher the speed of the swirling flow in the dust storage container 200, the stronger the centrifugal force of the swirling flow. As the centrifugal force of the swirling flow becomes stronger, the dust contained in the swirling flow flows at a position farther away from the filter unit 230 provided at the center of the dust storage container 200, so clogging of the filter unit 230 is suppressed. In order to increase the speed of the swirling flow, the dust storage container 200 may have a speed-up plate 235 arranged at a position spaced apart from the upper side of the partition plate 233, as shown in FIG. 27.

[0114] The speed-increasing plate 235 is attached to the filter section 230 in a position inclined downward as it moves downstream in the flow direction of the swirling flow. As a result, a speed-increasing flow passage 236 that gradually narrows as it moves downstream in the flow direction of the swirling flow is formed between the speed-increasing plate 235 and the partition plate 233.

[0115] The speed-up flow passage 236 is formed in the upstream space 271, and the air that has passed through the inlet 239 flows into the speed-up flow passage 236. In the speed-up flow passage 236, the speed of the swirling flow gradually increases, and a high-speed swirling flow flows out of the speed-up flow passage 236. As a result, a strong centrifugal force acts on dust contained in the swirling flow on the downstream side of the speed-up flow passage 236. For this reason, the dust flows at a position radially away from the filter portion 230, and is less likely to cause clogging of the filter portion 230.

[0116] The speed-up flow passage 236 has a positive effect of suppressing clogging of the filter unit 230 during cleaning work. On the other hand, when transferring from the dust storage container 200 to the recovery device 400, it has a negative effect of strengthening the momentum of the swirling flow flowing toward the rotating connection unit 213. However, if the dust storage container 200 is provided with the flow change unit 225 shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to change the direction of the swirling flow accelerated by the speed-up flow passage 236. Therefore, even if the speed-up flow passage 236 is provided, it is possible to prevent dust from being caught in the gap 224 between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall unit 211.

[0117] In the first to fourth embodiments, the flow changer 225 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 211. Alternatively, the flow changer 225 may protrude from another portion as long as it can change the direction of the swirling flow in the dust storage container 200 when transferring dust from the dust storage container 200 to the collection device 400. For example, the flow changer 225 may be configured to protrude from the bottom portion 212 and enter the annular space 232 through the dust discharge port 217.

[0118] In the first to fourth embodiments, the flow changer 225 deflects the swirling flow inward in the dust storage container 200. Alternatively, the flow changer 225 may be configured to deflect the swirling flow in the dust storage container 200 upward or downward to prevent dust contained in the swirling flow from being caught in the gap 224 between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211.

[0119] In the first to fourth embodiments, the user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400. However, the user may attach the dust container 200, which has been removed from the vacuum cleaner 100, to the collection device 400.

[0120] In the first to fourth embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 to which the dust container 200 is attached is a stick type. Alternatively, the dust container 200 may be mounted on a self-propelled vacuum cleaner (a so-called robot vacuum cleaner), a canister type vacuum cleaner, or a handheld type vacuum cleaner.

[0121] (Effects, etc.) The dust container 200, the vacuum cleaner 100 and the cleaning tool set 500 according to the above-described embodiments have the following characteristics and provide the following effects.

[0122] The dust container according to one aspect of the above embodiment is configured to be attached in a state where dust is contained to a collection device having a collection source that generates a suction force to suck out dust. The dust container includes a peripheral wall portion having an inlet through which air flows in, a bottom portion that closes an opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion, and a rotating connection portion that connects the bottom portion to the peripheral wall portion while allowing the bottom portion to rotate downwardly by the dust suction force of the collection source to an open position that opens the opening of the peripheral wall portion. The peripheral wall portion is configured so that the air that flows in through the inlet by the dust suction force of the collection source becomes a swirling flow that flows along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. The dust container further includes a flow change portion that changes the direction of the swirling flow toward the rotating connection portion to another direction, thereby suppressing dust contained in the swirling flow from being caught in the gap between the bottom portion in the open position and the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0123] In the above-mentioned configuration, a user can attach the dust container containing dust to the collection device and use the suction force of the collection source of the collection device to suck out the dust inside the dust container. That is, when the bottom of the dust container rotates downward to an open position due to the suction force of the collection source, the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall is opened. At this time, air flows into the dust container from the inlet due to the suction force of the collection source. This air becomes a swirling flow that flows along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall.

[0124] When the bottom of the dust container rotates downward to the open position, a gap is formed between the bottom and the lower end of the peripheral wall, narrowing toward the pivot connection. If the flow changer is not provided, the swirling flow flows toward this gap, and dust contained in the swirling flow may become trapped in the gap. It is assumed that such dust cannot be sucked out by the suction power of the collection source. To avoid such a situation, in the above-mentioned configuration, the flow changer is provided to change the direction of the flow that is about to flow toward the pivot connection.

[0125] In the above-described configuration, the flow change section is configured to deflect the swirling flow that is heading toward the rotating connection section toward the inside of the dust storage container, thereby encouraging the swirling flow to flow inside the gap between the bottom in the open position and the lower end of the peripheral wall section.

[0126] In the above-mentioned configuration, the swirling flow heading toward the rotating connection part is deflected inward by the flow changing part, so that the swirling flow flows inside the gap between the bottom part in the open position and the lower end part of the peripheral wall part, thereby preventing dust from being trapped in the gap.

[0127] In the above-described configuration, the flow change portion may protrude inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0128] Although it is possible to provide the flow changer at the bottom, in this case, the flow changer must protrude from the bottom in the open position to change the direction of the swirling flow that flows along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall. A flow changer configured in this way would be unnecessarily large. In order to prevent the flow changer from becoming large, in the above-mentioned configuration, the flow changer protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall, rather than from the bottom.

[0129] In the above-described configuration, the flow changing portion may be provided upstream of the rotary connection portion in the flow direction of the swirling flow, and may protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion at an angle to the flow direction of the swirling flow.

[0130] In the above-described configuration, the flow changing portion is inclined toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the swirling flow, so that less dust can become caught in the flow changing portion.

[0131] In the above-mentioned configuration, the dust container may further include a biasing portion that biases the bottom portion toward a closed position in which the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion is closed.

[0132] In the above-mentioned configuration, since the bottom is biased to the closed position by the biasing portion, even if dust has accumulated in the dust container, the bottom is unlikely to be pushed down by the weight of the dust. Therefore, before the user attaches the dust container to the collection device, the bottom is prevented from rotating downward and the dust in the dust container falls.

[0133] In the above-described configuration, the dust container may further include a locking portion that can be switched between a locked state in which the bottom portion is locked in a closed position that closes the opening of the peripheral wall portion, and an unlocked state in which the lock on the bottom portion is released.

[0134] In the above-described configuration, when dust accumulates in the dust container, the weight of the dust tries to tilt the bottom, which is in a closed position, downward. However, if the bottom is locked by the locking portion at this time, the bottom portion maintains the closed state of the lower end of the peripheral wall portion. Therefore, by locking the locking portion, the bottom portion is prevented from rotating downward and the dust in the dust container falls before the user attaches the dust container to the collection device. On the other hand, if the user unlocks the locking portion, the bottom portion is allowed to rotate downward, and collection of the dust into the collection device is allowed.

[0135] In the above-mentioned configuration, the dust container may further include a lock operation part that is operated to switch the lock part from a locked state to an unlocked state. The dust container may further include a storage recess that stores the lock operation part in a recessed state.

[0136] In the above-mentioned configuration, the user can switch the lock unit from a locked state to an unlocked state by operating the lock operation unit. The lock operation unit is accommodated in the accommodation recess in a state where it is immersed in the accommodation recess, making it difficult for unintentional contact with the lock operation unit to occur. Therefore, the lock unit is prevented from being unintentionally put into the unlocked state.

[0137] A vacuum cleaner according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, a suction tube that forms a flow path through which dust flows by the suction force of the suction source, and the above-described dust container. The dust container is connected to the suction tube such that when the suction source is activated, the suction force of the suction source acts on the flow path of the suction tube through the dust container, allowing dust flowing through the flow path of the suction tube to flow into the dust container through the inlet.

[0138] In the above-described configuration, when the suction source is activated, the suction force of the suction source acts on the flow path of the suction tube through the dust container, causing dust to flow through the flow path of the suction tube and into the dust container.

[0139] In the above-mentioned configuration, the vacuum cleaner is housed in the dust container so that a ring-shaped space through which the swirling flow flows is formed between the container and the peripheral wall portion, and may further include a filter portion that allows air in the annular space to flow in when the suction source is activated while capturing dust contained in the air, and a speed-up flow path configured to increase the speed of the swirling flow.

[0140] In the above-described configuration, when the suction source is activated, air in the annular space formed between the filter section and the peripheral wall section flows into the filter section. Air containing dust flows in from the inlet in an amount equal to the amount of air that flows into the filter section. This air flows through the annular space and becomes a swirling flow. Since the speed of this swirling flow is increased in the speed-up flow passage, the centrifugal force of the swirling flow is increased, and the dust contained in the swirling flow flows away from the filter section. As a result, clogging of the filter section is less likely to occur.

[0141] In this way, the speed-up flow passage has a positive effect of suppressing clogging of the filter unit when the suction source is operating. However, when the dust container is attached to the collection device, the speed-up flow passage may cause a negative effect of strengthening the flow toward the rotating connection part. However, since the dust container is provided with a flow change part, even if the momentum of the swirling flow is strengthened in the speed-up flow passage, the direction of the flow toward the rotating connection part is changed by the flow change part. Therefore, dust is prevented from being caught in the gap between the bottom part in the open position and the lower end part of the peripheral wall part.

[0142] In the above-mentioned configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a battery that stores power for operating the suction source.

[0143] In the above-described configuration, the suction source can generate suction force by utilizing power stored in the battery.

[0144] In the above-mentioned configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a suction nozzle configured to be attachable to a lower end of the suction pipe. The suction nozzle may be formed with a suction opening through which dust is sucked by the suction force of the suction source.

[0145] In the above-mentioned configuration, the user can attach a suction nozzle to the lower end of the suction tube according to the size of the cleaning area. For example, if the user wants to suck dust from a large floor area, the user can attach a suction nozzle having a wider suction opening than the suction tube to the lower end of the suction tube. Conversely, if the user wants to remove dust from a small space, the user can attach a suction nozzle having a narrower suction opening than the suction tube to the lower end of the suction tube.

[0146] A cleaning tool set according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes the above-described dust container, and a collection device configured to allow the dust container to be attached and for collecting dust within the dust container when the dust container is attached. The collection device includes a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, and a collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust from the dust container and drops it into the support tube while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position.

[0147] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the collection source is operated while the dust container is supported by the support tube of the collection device, the bottom is kept in an open position by the suction force of the collection source. At this time, the support tube forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction, and the dust in the dust container can fall into the support tube. Since the dust is acted on by gravity as well as the suction force of the collection source, the suction capacity required of the collection source is not excessively large.

[0148] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes the above-described dust container, and a collection device configured to allow the dust container to be attached and for collecting dust within the dust container when the dust container is attached. The collection device includes a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, and a collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust from the dust container and drops it into the support tube while maintaining the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position against a biasing part.

[0149] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the collection source is operated while the dust container is supported by the support tube of the collection device, the suction force of the collection source resists the biasing portion to keep the bottom in an open position. As a result, the dust in the dust container can fall into the support tube. At this time, the dust is subjected to not only the suction force of the collection source but also gravity, so the suction capacity required of the collection source is not excessively large.

[0150] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes the above-described dust container, and a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust container and to collect dust in the dust container when the dust container is attached. The collection device includes a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, a release unit that sets the lock unit of the dust container supported by the support tube in an unlocked state, a collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust from the dust container while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position when the lock by the lock unit of the dust container is released, and an operation selection unit that is operated to select whether or not to operate the collection source. The collection source is configured to operate on the condition that the operation selection unit is selected to operate the collection source. The release unit is configured to set the lock unit in an unlocked state on the condition that the operation selection unit is selected to operate the collection source.

[0151] In the above-mentioned configuration, when a user wishes to empty the dust container, the user operates the operation selection unit to select operation of the collection source while the dust container is supported on the support tube. At this time, the release unit sets the lock unit to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operation selection unit. When the collection source is activated in this state, the bottom is kept in an open position by the suction force of the collection source, and dust is sucked out of the dust container.

[0152] On the other hand, if the operating sound of the collection source is undesirable, the user can select not to operate the collection source by operating the operation selection unit. In this case, the release unit does not put the lock unit in the unlocked state, so the bottom is kept in the closed position and dust does not fall into the support tube.

[0153] If the release unit were to release the lock on the bottom when the collection source is not in operation, it is assumed that the weight of the dust in the dust container would push the bottom down. In this case, the dust would fall into the support tube, but would become clogged midway through the support tube due to the lack of suction power of the collection source. To prevent this from happening, the release unit is configured to set the lock unit to an unlocked state on the condition that the operation of the collection source is selected by operating the operation selection unit.

[0154] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes the above-described dust container, and a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust container and to collect dust in the dust container when the dust container is attached. The collection device includes a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, a release unit that unlocks the lock unit of the dust container supported by the support tube, a collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust from the dust container while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position when the lock by the lock unit of the dust container is released, and an operation selection unit that is operated to select whether or not to operate the collection source. The collection source is configured to operate on the condition that the operation of the collection source is selected by operating the operation selection unit. The release unit is configured to be inserted into the storage recess and to come into contact with the lock operation unit when the operation selection unit is operated to select the operation of the collection source when the dust container is supported by the support tube. The lock operation portion is configured to bring the lock portion into an unlocked state when the release portion comes into contact with the lock operation portion.

[0155] In the above-mentioned configuration, when a user operates the activation selection unit to activate the collection source while the dust container is supported on the support cylinder, the release unit is inserted into the accommodation recess and contacts the lock operation unit. When the release unit contacts the lock operation unit, the lock operation unit sets the lock unit to an unlocked state, allowing collection of dust from the dust container.

[0156] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes the above-described vacuum cleaner, and a collection device configured to allow the vacuum cleaner to be attached and for collecting dust in a dust container with the vacuum cleaner attached. The collection device has a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, and a collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust from the dust container and drops it into the support tube while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position.

[0157] In the above-mentioned configuration, a user can attach the vacuum cleaner to the collection device with the dust container supported on the support tube of the collection device. When the collection source is operated in this state, the bottom is kept in an open position by the suction force of the collection source. At this time, the support tube forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction, and the dust in the dust container can fall into the support tube. Since the dust is subjected to not only the suction force of the collection source but also gravity, the suction capacity required of the collection source is not excessively large.

[0158] In the above-described configuration, the recovery device may have a tube holding portion that holds the suction tube in a position extending vertically along the support cylinder with the dust container supported by the support cylinder.

[0159] In the above-described configuration, when the dust container is supported on the support tube, the suction tube is held by the tube holding portion in a position extending vertically along the support tube, so that the cleaning tool set does not require large space in the front-to-back or left-to-right directions.

[0160] In the above-described configuration, the support cylinder may have an axial length that allows the lower end of the suction tube to be suspended in air when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder.

[0161] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the collection source is operated with the dust container supported on the support tube, the bottom part tilts downward due to the dust suction force of the collection source, and the internal space of the support tube communicates with the dust storage space. Therefore, the dust suction force of the collection source acts on the support tube, the dust container, and the suction tube, and the air around the cleaning tool set is sucked in from the lower end of the suction tube. Since the lower end of the suction tube is suspended in the air, the air can flow into the suction tube without high resistance. Therefore, the suction capacity required for the collection source is not excessively high.

[0162] In the above-mentioned configuration, the collection device may have a connecting tube bent and extended from the support tube, and a collection section connected to the connecting tube and storing dust that has passed through the support tube and the connecting tube. The collection section and the collection source may be disposed on the opposite side of the support tube to the suction tube held by the tube holding section.

[0163] In the above-mentioned configuration, since the tube holder that holds the suction tube is provided, the user can be prompted to attach the vacuum cleaner to the collection device in the orientation in which the suction tube is held by the tube holder. The weight of the suction tube can act to tilt the support tube, but since the collection unit and the collection source are arranged on the opposite side to the suction tube, tilting of the support tube is suppressed.

[0164] In the above-described configuration, the axial length of the support tube may be longer than the axial length of the connection tube.

[0165] In the above-mentioned configuration, the axial length of the support tube is relatively long, so that the dust container can be supported at a high position. Therefore, it is permitted to attach a tall vacuum cleaner to the collection device. In addition, the flow of dust from the dust container to the connection part of the support tube and the connection tube can be assisted by gravity acting on the dust. Therefore, even if the axial length of the support tube is long, dust clogging in the support tube is unlikely to occur. Since the axial length of the connection tube is relatively short, dust that reaches the connection part of the support tube and the connection tube can be subjected to a relatively high dust suction force. Therefore, the dust can flow into the collection part without remaining at the connection part of the support tube and the connection tube.

[0166] In the above-described configuration, the suction source may be disposed above the dust container so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the dust container and the support cylinder when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder.

[0167] In the above-mentioned configuration, the suction source is disposed above the dust container, and when the dust container is supported by the support tube, the suction source is aligned in the axial direction of the dust container and the support tube, so that the weight of the suction source is unlikely to act to tilt the support tube.

[0168] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes the above-described vacuum cleaner and a collection device that is configured to allow the vacuum cleaner to be attached and that collects dust in a dust container when the vacuum cleaner is attached. The collection device has a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, and a collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust out of the dust container and causes it to fall into the support tube while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position. The battery is disposed above the dust container so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the dust container and the support tube when the dust container is supported by the support tube.

[0169] In the above-mentioned configuration, the battery is disposed above the dust container, and when the dust container is supported by the support tube, the battery is aligned in the axial direction of the dust container and the support tube, so that the weight of the battery is unlikely to act to tilt the support tube.

[0170] In the above-mentioned configuration, the collection device may have an output terminal for outputting electric power. The vacuum cleaner may have an input terminal for contacting the output terminal to receive electric power when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the collection device with the dust container supported by the support tube, and a power line forming a transmission path for electric power from the input terminal to the battery. The output terminal and the input terminal may be fitted or pressed against the support tube in the axial direction.

[0171] In the above-mentioned configuration, the power output from the output terminal is supplied to the battery through the input terminal and the power line. The battery can be charged by this power. The output terminal and the input terminal are fitted or pressed against each other in the axial direction of the support tube. Therefore, the weight of the battery can act to maintain the fitted or contact state of the output terminal and the input terminal.

[0172] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment may include the above-described vacuum cleaner, and a collection device that is configured to be able to attach the vacuum cleaner and that collects dust in the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is attached. The collection device may include a support tube that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in the vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow, a collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust out of the dust container and drops it into the support tube while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in an open position, and a tube holding part that holds the suction tube in a position that extends in the vertical direction along the support tube when the dust container is supported by the support tube. The support tube may have an axial length that allows the suction port of the suction nozzle to be open in the air when the dust container is supported by the support tube.

[0173] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the collection source is operated with the dust container supported on the support tube, the suction force of the collection source acts on the suction port of the suction nozzle through the support tube, the dust container, and the suction tube, and the air around the cleaning tool set is sucked in through the suction port. Since the suction port is open in the air, the air can flow into the suction nozzle without encountering high resistance. Therefore, the suction capacity required for the collection source is not excessively high. [Industrial Applicability]

[0174] The dust container, the vacuum cleaner, and the cleaning tool set of the above-described embodiments are suitably used in devices used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 100···············vacuum cleaner 111...Suction source 114 Battery 120...Suction tube 123 Flow path 200······························dust container 211·····················································································································… 212 Bottom 213 Rotating connection 223 Lock section 224...Gap 225...Changes 230 Filter section 232··································· Space 236 Speed-up flow path 239·································Inlet 265, 266 Input terminal 267,268 Power lines 400 Recovery device 421 Recovery Source 430····························· Support tube 431 Flow path 436 Release section 451, 452...Output terminal 462... Operation selection section 500················Cleaning tool set

Claims

1. A dust storage container configured to be attached in a state where dust is stored therein to a collection device having a collection source that generates a suction force for sucking out dust, A peripheral wall portion having an inlet through which air flows in; a bottom portion that closes an opening at a lower end of the peripheral wall portion; a rotational connection portion that connects the bottom to the peripheral wall portion while allowing the bottom portion to rotate downward by the suction force of the dust collection source to assume an open position that opens the opening of the peripheral wall portion, The peripheral wall portion is configured such that the air flowing in through the inlet becomes a swirling flow that flows along an inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion due to the suction force of the dust collection source, The dust storage container further includes a flow change section that prevents dust contained in the swirling flow from becoming trapped in the gap between the bottom portion in the open position and the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion by changing the direction of the swirling flow toward the rotating connection portion in another direction.

2. The dust storage container of claim 1, wherein the flow change section is configured to deflect the swirling flow that is heading toward the rotating connection section toward the inside of the dust storage container, thereby encouraging the swirling flow to flow inside the gap between the bottom section in the open position and the lower end section of the peripheral wall section.

3. The dust container according to claim 2 , wherein the flow change portion protrudes inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion.

4. The dust storage container according to claim 2, wherein the flow change portion is provided upstream of the rotating connection portion in the flow direction of the swirling flow and protrudes inward from the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion at an angle inclined toward the flow direction of the swirling flow.

5. The dust storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a locking portion that can be switched between a locked state in which the bottom portion is locked in a closed position that closes the opening of the peripheral wall portion, and an unlocked state in which the lock on the bottom portion is released.

6. A suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust; a suction pipe forming a flow path through which dust flows by the suction force of the suction source; The dust storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The dust container is connected to the suction tube so that, when the suction source is activated, the suction force of the suction source acts on the flow path of the suction tube through the dust container, allowing dust flowing through the flow path of the suction tube to flow into the dust container through the inlet.

7. a filter section that is accommodated in the dust storage container so that an annular space through which the swirling air flows is formed between the filter section and the peripheral wall section, and that captures dust contained in the air while allowing air in the annular space to flow in when the suction source is activated; 7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, further comprising an acceleration flow path configured to increase the velocity of the swirling flow.

8. 7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, further comprising a battery for storing power to operate the suction source.

9. A dust storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust container and to collect dust in the dust container when the dust container is attached, The recovery device includes: a support cylinder that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in a vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow; and a dust collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust out of the dust container and drops it into the support tube while maintaining the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in the open position.

10. A dust storage container according to claim 5 ; a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust container and to collect dust in the dust container when the dust container is attached, The recovery device includes: a support cylinder that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in a vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow; a release unit that sets the lock unit of the dust container supported by the support cylinder to the unlocked state; a collection source that generates a suction force for sucking dust from the dust container while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support cylinder in an open position in a state in which the locking by the locking portion of the dust container is released; An operation selection unit that is operated to be able to select whether or not to operate the recovery source, The collection source is configured to be activated on the condition that activation of the collection source is selected by an operation on the activation selection unit, The release unit is configured to set the lock unit to the unlocked state on condition that activation of the collection source is selected by operating the activation selection unit.

11. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 6; a collection device configured to be able to attach the vacuum cleaner and to collect dust in the dust storage container when the vacuum cleaner is attached, The recovery device includes: a support cylinder that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in a vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow; and a dust collection source that generates a suction force that sucks dust out of the dust container and drops it into the support tube while maintaining the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in the open position.

12. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 8; a collection device configured to be able to attach the vacuum cleaner and to collect dust in the dust storage container when the vacuum cleaner is attached, The recovery device includes: a support cylinder that supports the dust container and forms a flow path extending in a vertical direction so that dust that has fallen from the dust container can flow; a collection source that generates a suction force for sucking dust out of the dust container and dropping it into the support tube while maintaining the bottom of the dust container supported by the support tube in the open position, The cleaning tool set, wherein the battery is disposed above the dust container so as to be aligned in an axial direction of the dust container and the support cylinder when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder.

13. The recovery device has an output terminal for outputting electric power, the vacuum cleaner has an input terminal that contacts the output terminal to receive power when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the collection device with the dust container supported by the support cylinder, and a power line that forms a power transmission path from the input terminal to the battery, The cleaning tool set according to claim 12 , wherein the output terminal and the input terminal are fitted or pressed into the support cylinder in an axial direction.

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