Cleaning system and vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a cleaning system and a vacuum cleaner capable of eliminating the time and efforts to discard dust while suppressing a cost.SOLUTION: A cleaning system includes: a vacuum cleaner including an electric blower 14 and a first dust collection part 30 for collecting dust 80 by suction force of the electric blower 14; and a mounting table 20 including a second dust collection part 22a, on which the vacuum cleaner can be mounted. The first dust collection part 30 includes an inflow port 31a through which dust flows in, a bottom lid 33 for discharging dust, and a flow channel switching mechanism for switching flow channels between a flow channel for collecting dust in the first duct collection part 30 and a flow channel through which air flows in from the mounting table 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system and a vacuum cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] The vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 includes a mechanism for recovering dust collected in a first dust collecting section of the vacuum cleaner in a second dust collecting section of the device body when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the device body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-79922 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it is difficult to collect dust from the first dust collection section to the second dust collection section because it uses the suction force of the electric blower of the vacuum cleaner. In addition, there is a problem that providing a power source and a motor in the device main body increases costs.

[0005] The present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional technology, and has an object to provide a cleaning system and a vacuum cleaner that can reduce costs and eliminate the hassle of disposing of garbage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cleaning system of the present invention comprises an electric vacuum cleaner having an electric blower and a first dust collecting unit that collects dust by the suction force of the electric blower, and a base on which the vacuum cleaner can be placed, the base having a second dust collecting unit, the first dust collecting unit comprising an inlet through which dust flows in, a bottom cover through which dust is discharged, and a flow path switching mechanism that switches between a flow path that collects dust in the first dust collecting unit and a flow path through which air flows in from the base. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaning system and a vacuum cleaner that can reduce costs and eliminate the hassle of disposing of garbage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaning system in which a vacuum cleaner is placed on a placement stand of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner in the cleaning system of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a first dust collecting section. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first dust collecting section. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the structure of an inner cylinder. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the vacuum cleaner is placed on a stand. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a first dust collecting section. [Figure 8] 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before a first dust collecting unit is placed on a placement table. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a process from before the first on-off valve is opened to when it is fully opened. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a process from before the first on-off valve is opened to when it is fully opened. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first on-off valve when fully open. [Figure 12] 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a locking and unlocking mechanism for the bottom cover of the first dust collecting section. FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the bottom cover from a closed state to an open state. [Figure 14] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lid lock releasing unit. [Figure 15] 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the bottom cover from an open state to a closed state. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 15 a. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 15 c. [Figure 18A] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of switch buttons of an operation switch section. [Figure 18B] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating other examples of switch buttons of the operation switch section. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the cleaning system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 6A to 6C are process diagrams showing the dust collecting operation of the first dust collecting section. [Figure 21] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining problems with an inner tube of a conventional structure in which a cylindrical portion is separated from a cap portion. [Figure 22A] FIG. [Figure 22B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inner cylinder as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 22C] FIG. [Figure 22D] FIG. [Diagram 23] 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining the effect when the inner cylinder of FIG. 22 is applied. FIG. [Figure 24] 23 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the effect when the inner cylinder of FIG. 22 is housed in the outer cylinder. FIG. [Figure 25A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inner cylinder of a modified example. [Figure 25B] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an inner cylinder of a modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a process diagram showing automatic cleaning control according to the remaining battery charge. [Figure 27] 11 is a graph showing the relationship between input power and elapsed time in automatic cleaning control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that like components are given like reference numerals and similar descriptions will not be repeated. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaning system in which a vacuum cleaner is placed on a stand of the present embodiment. 1, the cleaning system 1 is configured to include a vacuum cleaner 10 and a stand 20 that supports the vacuum cleaner 10. The stand 20 also serves as a charging stand for the vacuum cleaner 10. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is not in use, it is placed on the stand 20 for charging.

[0010] The vacuum cleaner 10 is configured to include a vacuum cleaner body 11, an extension tube 12, and a suction body 13. One end of the extension tube 12 is connected to an inlet 11a of the vacuum cleaner body 11. The suction body 13 is connected to the other end of the extension tube 12. The vacuum cleaner 10 is supported on the mounting base 20 by inserting the vacuum cleaner body 11 from the upper side of the mounting base 20. The vacuum cleaner 10 can be used (cleaned) in a stick state, and can also be used in a handheld state by removing the extension tube 12 and the suction body 13 from the vacuum cleaner body 11.

[0011] The mounting table 20 is configured by combining a base portion 22 placed on the floor surface, a stand portion 23 provided on the upper portion of the base portion 22, and a holding portion 24 provided on the upper portion of the stand portion 23 and holding the vacuum cleaner body 11. The mounting table 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular prism shape. The vacuum cleaner 10 is held on the mounting table 20 such that the inlet 11a faces downward, the axial direction of the extension tube 12 faces the up-down direction, and the suction body 13 is positioned above the floor surface. The mounting table 20 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner in the cleaning system of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner body 11 with the extension tube 12 and the suction body 13 removed from the vacuum cleaner 10. 2, the vacuum cleaner body 11 includes a motor case 15 that houses the electric blower 14 that generates suction force, a first dust collecting section 30 that collects dust sucked in by the suction force of the electric blower 14, a handle section 16 that is gripped by the user, and a storage battery 17 that supplies power to the electric blower 14. The handle section 16 includes an operation switch section 18.

[0013] The vacuum cleaner body 11 is also formed with a body passage 11b that communicates with the inlet 11a. The body passage 11b is configured to communicate with the first dust collecting section 30, so that dust sucked in from the inlet 11a passes through the body passage 11b and is introduced into the first dust collecting section 30.

[0014] The first dust collecting section 30 includes an outer cylinder 31 forming an outer shell, an inner cylinder 41 provided inside the outer cylinder 31, a bottom cover 33 (cover portion) provided at the tip (lower end) of the outer cylinder 31, and a filter 34 provided in front (upstream) of the electric blower 14. The filter 34 is, for example, a high-density HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter).

[0015] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the first dust collecting section. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer cylinder 31 is formed with an inlet 31a through which air containing dust flows in. The inlet 31a is located at the center of the outer cylinder 31 in the axial direction and is formed to open in the tangential direction. This inlet 31a communicates with the main body passage 11b (see FIG. 2) of the vacuum cleaner main body 11. In addition, the outer cylinder 31 is provided with a pressing part 35 that presses down the filter 34 on the opposite side of the bottom cover 33 in the axial direction. The pressing part 35 is formed with a circular opening 35a so that the air purified by the filter 34 passes through. In addition, the pressing part 35 is supported by the outer cylinder 31 so as to be freely rotatable, and by opening the pressing part 35, the filter 34 can be removed from the first dust collecting part 30, and the filter 34 can be cleaned or replaced.

[0016] A first on-off valve 36 (first flow path switching member) is provided on the side wall (circumferential wall) of the outer cylinder 31. The first on-off valve 36 is rotatably supported by a pair of support plates 37a protruding from the side wall of the outer cylinder 31 via hinges 37b (axis). A spring (not shown) is provided on the hinge 37b to constantly bias the first on-off valve 36 in a direction to close the valve. The first on-off valve 36 is provided at a position higher than the inlet 31a.

[0017] The first dust collecting section 30 is provided with a lid lock button 38 for locking the bottom lid 33 to the outer cylinder 31. The lid lock button 38 is rotatably supported by the outer cylinder 31 via a shaft 38a. The lid lock button 38 is biased by a spring (biasing member) (not shown) in a direction to lock the bottom lid 33.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first dust collecting section, and Fig. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the structure of the inner cylinder. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view cut at the center in the width direction of the first on-off valve 36, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view cut at a position off-center from the center of the inner cylinder 41. 4, an inner cylinder 41 having a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder 31 is provided inside the outer cylinder 31. The inner cylinder 41 is disposed so as to be substantially concentric with the outer cylinder 31. The inner cylinder 41 has a cylindrical portion provided at an upper portion thereof and an umbrella portion 43 provided at a lower portion of the cylindrical portion .

[0019] A circular dust-collection unit communication opening 42b is formed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 42. The cylindrical portion 42 is supported by a ring-shaped support plate 31b formed inside the outer cylinder 31. A mesh-shaped inner cylinder filter 42a is provided on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 42 (only a portion of it is shown in FIG. 4).

[0020] The umbrella portion 43 is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 42 below the inner cylinder filter 42a. A second on-off valve 44 (second flow path switching member) is provided inside the cylindrical portion 42. The second on-off valve 44 includes a valve body 44a and a shaft portion 44b that supports the valve body 44a, and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction (axial direction). The valve body 44a is configured to be able to open and close the dust collection unit communication opening 42b of the cylindrical portion 42. Note that FIG. 4 shows a state in which the valve body 44a moves upward to open the dust collection unit communication opening 42b, and the inside of the cylindrical portion 42 communicates with the space Q (flow path switching chamber) on the filter 34 side. The first on-off valve 36 is provided at a position communicating with the space Q.

[0021] 5, the inner tube 41 is provided with a support member 41b that supports the shaft portion 44b. The support member 41b has a tube body 41c into which the shaft portion 44b is inserted, and a support plate 41d that extends from the lower end of the tube body 41c to the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 42. The support plate 41d is formed with a communication hole 41e that communicates between the umbrella portion 43 and the inside of the cylindrical portion 42. The communication hole 41e is formed in a fan shape, and multiple communication holes 41e are formed in the circumferential direction.

[0022] The umbrella section 43 has a cylindrical body 43a (cylinder) and a top surface section 43b that slides in the vertical direction (axial direction) inside the cylindrical body 43a. An umbrella section filter 43c is provided on the top surface section 43b. The umbrella section 43 also has an umbrella shaft section 45 that protrudes downward from the center of the cylindrical body 43a. The umbrella shaft section 45 moves in the vertical direction (axial direction) integrally with the top surface section 43b.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 4, a coil spring 46 is provided between the umbrella shaft portion 45 and the support member 41b, and when the bottom cover 33 is closed, the coil spring 46 biases the umbrella shaft portion 45 upward (toward the filter 34). FIG. 4 shows a state in which the umbrella shaft portion 45 is pushed upward by the bottom cover 33 while receiving the biasing force of the coil spring 46, and the second opening / closing valve 44 is pushed up. As a result, the second opening / closing valve 44 operates in a direction to open the dust collection unit communication opening 42b. When the bottom cover 33 is opened from the state shown in FIG. 4, the umbrella shaft portion 45 is pushed downward by the biasing force of the coil spring 46. Furthermore, the second opening / closing valve 44 is pulled downward by the biasing force of the coil spring 46 in conjunction with the umbrella shaft portion 45, and the dust collection unit communication opening 42b is closed by the second opening / closing valve 44.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum cleaner placed on a stand. Fig. 6 shows the vacuum cleaner body 11, from which the extension tube 12 and the suction body 13 have been removed, placed on a stand 20. For ease of explanation, the stand 20 is shown in a simplified form. 6, a first flow path R1 is formed in the stand 23 of the mounting table 20. The first flow path R1 is formed in a conical cylindrical shape so that the diameter of the first flow path R1 decreases downward. The first dust collecting section 30 is located above the first flow path R1.

[0025] The stand portion 23 is provided with a second dust collecting portion (collection container) 22a that collects dust 80. A communication hole 22b that communicates with the base portion 22 is formed in the second dust collecting portion 22a. A second dust collecting filter 22c is provided in the communication hole 22b. Note that the communication hole 22b is not limited to being provided on the bottom surface side of the second dust collecting portion 22a, and may be provided on the side surface side of the second dust collecting portion 22a.

[0026] A second flow passage R2 communicating with the communication hole 22b is formed in the base portion 22. This second flow passage R2 extends vertically upward and is formed to extend to the first on-off valve 36 of the first dust collecting portion 30. Note that the second flow passage R2 is not limited to being formed integrally with the stand portion 23 in a rectangular tubular shape, and may be configured in a tube shape with one end connected to the second dust collecting portion 22a at the bottom and the other end connected to the first on-off valve 36 at the top.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the first dust collecting section, with outer cylinder 31 seen through. 7, the first dust collecting section 30 is provided with a hinge 39 that rotatably supports the bottom lid 33 on the outer cylinder 31. The hinge 39 is provided with a receiving portion 39a that protrudes greatly. The receiving portion 39a protrudes radially outward and downward beyond the hinge 39. The first dust collecting section 30 is also provided with a lid lock button 38 on the opposite side to the hinge 39 that engages and locks the bottom lid 33 to the outer cylinder 31.

[0028] The first on-off valve 36 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a convex portion 36a is formed on the inner side (the side facing the outer cylinder 31) of the lower end portion. This convex portion 36a is formed in a substantially semicircular shape and is formed to extend in the width direction. The shape of the convex portion 36a is not limited to a semicircular shape, and may be a shape with an inclined surface. Furthermore, the convex portion 36a extends to the outside in the width direction beyond the support plate 37a that supports the first on-off valve 36. Furthermore, the first on-off valve 36 is provided at a position that does not overlap with either the cover lock button 38 or the hinge 39 in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 31.

[0029] Fig. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the state immediately before the first dust collecting unit is placed on the placement stand, Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the process of the first on-off valve from before it is opened to fully open, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of the first on-off valve from before it is opened to fully open, and Fig. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view when the first on-off valve is fully open. Note that in Figs. 8 to 11, illustration of the vacuum cleaner body 11 except for the first dust collecting unit 30 is omitted. 8, an opening 24a into which the first dust collecting unit 30 is inserted is formed on the upper surface of the holding unit 24 of the mounting base 20. The holding unit 24 also has an accommodating unit 24b into which the first dust collecting unit 30 is accommodated. The holding unit 24 also has a recessed notch 24c on the front surface into which the cleaner body 11 is inserted.

[0030] In addition, the mounting table 20 is provided with a guide member 25 that opens the first on-off valve 36 when the vacuum cleaner 10 (vacuum cleaner body 11) is placed on the mounting table 20. In addition, the mounting table 20 is provided with centering rollers 26 at multiple locations that position the first dust collecting section 30 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting table 20. In addition, the mounting table 20 is provided with hinge rollers 27.

[0031] As shown in the state before insertion in Fig. 9, the guide member 25 is formed with a first guide portion 25a extending linearly in the up-down direction (axial direction). The first guide portions 25a are formed as a pair spaced apart in the width direction. The first guide portions 25a are located outside the support plate 37a of the first on-off valve 36 in the width direction. The first guide portion 25a is formed at a position where it comes into contact with a protrusion 36a located at an end in the width direction.

[0032] A second guide portion 25b that is inclined in a direction away from the outer cylinder 31 is formed at the lower end of the first guide portion 25a so as to be continuous with the first guide portion 25a.

[0033] A guide surface 25c is formed at the lower end of the second guide portion 25b. This guide surface 25c is formed over the entire width direction.

[0034] In the "before insertion" state of FIG. 9, the first on-off valve 36 is located above the guide member 25. Then, when the first dust collecting unit 30 descends, the left and right ends of the convex portion 36a of the first on-off valve 36 slide on the first guide portion 25a and descend, as shown in the "contact at the first stage" state diagram of FIG. 9. Then, when the first dust collecting unit 30 further descends, the left and right ends of the convex portion 36a slide on the second guide portion 25b, as shown in the "contact at the second stage" state diagram of FIG. 9. As a result, the first on-off valve 36 gradually opens as the first dust collecting unit 30 descends. Also, since the first on-off valve 36 is biased in the closing direction by the spring force, the first on-off valve 36 is pushed open while receiving the biasing force. Then, when the first dust collecting section 30 further descends, as shown in the "fully open" state diagram of FIG. 9, the first on-off valve 36 opens to a fully open state while the convex portion 36a slides along the guide surface 25c.

[0035] As shown in the state diagram of "before insertion" in FIG. 10, the convex portion 36a of the first on-off valve 36 is set at a position where it can slide on the first guide portion 25a. Since the convex portion 36a is formed in a semicircular shape, even if it hits the upper end of the guide member 25, the convex portion 36a rotates to a position where it can slide on the first guide portion 25a, and the movement of the first dust collecting portion 30 to descend is not hindered. Then, as shown in the state diagram of "contact with the first stage" in FIG. 10, the convex portion 36a descends while sliding on the first guide portion 25a. The operation here is a process that triggers the opening of the first on-off valve 36, and the first on-off valve 36 is not open. Then, as shown in the state diagram of "contact with the second stage" in FIG. 10, the convex portion 36a switches from the first guide portion 25a to the second guide portion 25b, and the opening angle of the first on-off valve 36 increases as the first dust collecting portion 30 descends. 10, the protrusion 36a slides on the guide surface 25c. As a result, the opening angle of the first on-off valve 36 increases as the first dust collecting unit 30 descends. When the protrusion 36a slides close to the bottom end of the guide surface 25c, the first on-off valve 36 is fully open.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 11, when the first on-off valve 36 is fully open, the external communication opening 36c formed in the side wall of the first dust collecting section 30 communicates with the second flow path R2. At this time, the external communication opening 36c and the opening 24d formed at the outlet of the second flow path R2 are in surface contact with each other, so that air from the second flow path R2 does not leak out from the gap between the external communication opening 36c and the opening 24d. In other words, as shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 11, all the air flowing from the opening 24d of the second flow path R2 flows into the space Q in which the filter 34 of the first dust collecting section 30 is provided.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a locking and unlocking mechanism for the bottom cover of the first dust collecting section. As shown in FIG. 12, the hinge roller 27 is provided in the holding section 24 at a position overlapping with the receiving section 39a in the vertical direction. The hinge roller 27 includes a roller 27a and an arm 27b supporting the roller 27a, and the arm 27b is rotatably supported by the storage section 24b. The hinge roller 27 is configured to move downward when pressed from above, but not to move upward when pressed from below. After the hinge roller 27 is pressed downward, it is returned to its initial position (the position when the first dust collecting section 30 is not stored) by a spring (biasing member) not shown. A part of the roller 27a is disposed so as to protrude from the inner wall surface of the storage section 24b. The hinge roller 27 is located below the opening 24d formed at the outlet of the second flow path R2 (see FIG. 11). The roller 27a is formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0038] The holder 24 is provided with a lid unlocking portion 28 for unlocking the lid lock button 38 of the bottom lid 33 when the first dust collecting unit 30 is housed in the holder 24. The lid unlocking portion 28 is located below the hinge rollers 27.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the bottom cover from the closed state to the open state, and FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the cover lock release portion. As shown in FIG. 13A, when the first dust collecting unit 30 starts to be inserted, the roller 27a of the hinge roller 27 is positioned at the upper end (initial state) by the biasing force of a spring (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, the first dust collecting unit 30 is further inserted into the storage unit 24b, and the receiving portion 39a of the hinge 39 abuts against the roller 27a. Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the first dust collecting unit 30 is further inserted into the storage unit 24b, the roller 27a is pressed downward by the receiving portion 39a. Since the roller 27a is configured to be able to move only downward from the initial state, the roller 27a is rotated by the receiving portion 39a and operates to retreat into the recess 24e formed in the storage unit 24b. This allows the receiving portion 39a to move below the hinge roller 27, and the first dust collecting unit 30 can be further inserted into the storage unit 24b.

[0040] Then, as shown in FIG. 13d, when the first dust collecting unit 30 is further inserted into the storage unit 24b, the lid lock button 38 comes into contact with the lid lock release unit 28. Then, as shown in FIG. 13e, when the first dust collecting unit 30 is further inserted into the storage unit 24b, the lid lock button 38 operates in a direction to release the lock of the bottom lid 33, and the bottom lid 33 opens via the hinge 39. The bottom lid 33 opens to a position where it does not overlap with the outer tube 31 in the vertical direction. By opening the bottom lid 33 more than 90 degrees in this way, it is possible to prevent the dust discharged from the first dust collecting unit 30 from being obstructed by the bottom lid 33.

[0041] 14, the lid lock button 38 is seesaw-supported by the outer cylinder 31 via a shaft 38a. The lid lock button 38 also includes a claw portion 38b that extends downward from the shaft 38a to lock the bottom lid 33, and an extension portion 38c that extends upward from the shaft 38a. The extension portion 38c also has a protrusion 38d that protrudes toward the storage portion 24b (the side opposite the outer cylinder 31). The lid lock release portion 28 has a convex portion 28a that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the protrusion 38d in the vertical direction when the bottom lid 33 is closed and locked.

[0042] As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 14, before the bottom lid 33 is opened, the lid lock button 38 is located at a position rotated clockwise around the axis 38a, and the bottom lid 33 is locked by the claw portion 38b. In addition, the protrusion portion 38d of the lid lock button 38 has rotated to a position where it overlaps the convex portion 28a vertically. When the first dust collecting unit 30 is inserted from the state shown in the left diagram of FIG. 14, the protrusion portion 38d abuts against the convex portion 28a. Then, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 14, the lid lock button 38 rotates counterclockwise, and the locked state between the claw portion 38b and the bottom lid 33 is released. Then, as shown in FIG. 13e, the bottom lid 33 opens, and the umbrella shaft portion 45 spurts out downwards by the urging force of the coil spring 46 (see FIG. 4).

[0043] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the operation of the bottom cover from the open state to the closed state, Fig. 16 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 15a, and Fig. 17 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 15c. Note that Fig. 15 shows only the first dust collecting section 30 of the vacuum cleaner body 11. As shown in Fig. 15a, in the housing part 24b, a rib 24f is formed below the hinge roller 27, protruding inward from the wall surface of the housing part 24b. The hinge roller 27 is located inward from the rib 24f. Fig. 15a shows the state in which the first dust collecting part 30 is completely housed in the holding part 24, the bottom cover 33 is fully opened in the holding part 24, and the umbrella shaft part 45 protrudes downward from the opening at the lower end of the outer tube 31.

[0044] When the first dust collecting part 30 is pulled upward from the state where it is stored in the holding part 24, the receiving part 39a provided on the hinge 39 of the bottom cover 33 comes into contact with the lower surface of the rib 24f, as shown in Fig. 16. This causes a force f1 that presses the receiving part 39a downward to act, generating a force that rotates the bottom cover 33 around the hinge 39 in the counterclockwise direction w2.

[0045] When the first dust collecting section 30 is lifted up from the state shown in Fig. 15a as indicated by the outline arrow, the bottom lid 33 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction in which the bottom lid 33 closes) about the axis of the hinge 39 as shown in Fig. 15b. In addition, the lid lock button 38 passes through the lid lock release section 28, and the lid lock button 38 rotates clockwise (in the direction in which the bottom lid 33 is locked) due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown).

[0046] When the first dust collecting unit 30 is further raised from the state shown in FIG. 15b, the receiving portion 39a is pushed by the rib 24f, and the bottom cover 33 further rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Then, the bottom cover 33 abuts against the lower end (tip) of the umbrella shaft portion 45. Then, the umbrella shaft portion 45 is pushed up against the biasing force by the rotational force of the bottom cover 33 rotating in the counterclockwise direction, and reaches the state shown in FIG. 15c. In this state, as shown in FIG. 17, the receiving portion 39a abuts against the roller 27a, and the bottom cover 33 is in a state immediately before being locked by the lid lock button 38. In addition, by pushing up the umbrella shaft portion 45, the second opening / closing valve 44 is pushed up, and the dust collecting unit communication opening 42b is opened. In addition, since the roller 27a is formed of an elastic material, it is possible to prevent the operating force required when lifting the first dust collecting unit 30 from becoming too large, and also to prevent damage to the receiving portion 39a.

[0047] Furthermore, the lid lock button 38 rotates clockwise around the shaft 38a due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown), and returns to a locked state in which the claw portion 38b locks the bottom lid 33.

[0048] When the first dust collecting section 30 is further raised from the state shown in FIG. 15c, as shown in FIG. 17, the receiving section 39a is pressed by the roller 27a, and a force f2 in the direction of the arrow acts on the receiving section 39a. Note that the roller 27a is a mechanism that does not move upward, so the force f2 acts on the roller 27a. The force f2 acts to rotate the lid lock button 38 in the counterclockwise direction w2, and a force to rotate the bottom lid 33 in the counterclockwise direction acts. The claw portion 38b of the lid lock button 38 is pushed out in the w3 direction by the bottom lid 33, and the state shown in FIG. 15d is reached.

[0049] When the first dust collecting unit 30 is further raised from FIG. 15d, the bottom lid 33 is completely closed. The lid lock button 38 then rotates clockwise due to the biasing force, and the bottom lid 33 is locked by the lid lock button 38. The umbrella shaft 45 is also pushed up to its maximum, reaching the state shown in FIG. 15e.

[0050] FIG. 18A is a diagram showing an example of a switch button of the operation switch section, and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing another example of the switch button of the operation switch section. As shown in FIG. 18A, the operation switch section 115 is provided with an operation control button 1151a for selecting the operation of the electric blower 14, an automatic cleaning control button 1151b (manual start button) for performing automatic cleaning of the dust collection chamber U, an off button 1152 for stopping the operation of the electric blower 14, and a display section 1153a for displaying the remaining charge of the storage battery 17, filter maintenance, and the automatic cleaning state of the dust collection chamber U. In this embodiment, the operation control button 1151a has two modes, "strong" and "standard". In addition, the operation control button 1151a also serves as the automatic cleaning control button 1151b (manual start button and ON / OFF switching button for automatic cleaning operation), and when the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting base 20 and in a charging state, pressing the "standard" button executes automatic cleaning, which will be described later. Furthermore, pressing and holding the "standard" button for three seconds allows the automatic cleaning operation to be switched ON / OFF. It is also possible to eliminate the automatic cleaning control button 1151b and have the dust inside the dust collection section cleaned at the same time as the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the stand 20.

[0051] In Fig. 18A, the operation control button 1151a and the automatic cleaning control button 1151b are configured to serve as both buttons, but as shown in Fig. 18B, the operation control button 1151a and the automatic cleaning control button 1151b may be configured separately. In Fig. 18B, the automatic cleaning control button 1151b is configured independent of the operation control button 1151a. Furthermore, in Fig. 18B, a display unit 1153b is provided around the automatic cleaning control button 1151b.

[0052] FIG. 19 is a control block diagram of the cleaning system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, an AC adapter 121 is connected to the mounting table 20, and the AC adapter 121 converts alternating current into direct current. A female connector 123 is electrically connected to the AC adapter 121 via a power cord 122. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting table 20, it includes a male connector 116 that connects to the female connector 123 of the mounting table 20, and a control unit 118 connected to the male connector 116 via a power cord 117. The control unit 118 includes a storage unit storing a control program necessary for the operation, charging, etc. of the vacuum cleaner 10, and a central processing unit that executes the control program. Further, a storage battery 17 and an electric blower 14 are connected to the control unit 118 and are controlled by the control unit 118. The storage battery 17 is electrically connected to the male connector 116 via the control unit 118.

[0053] FIG. 20 is a process diagram showing the dust collection operation of the first dust collection unit. Note that FIG. 20 shows the air flow in the usage form of the vacuum cleaner 10. Also, in FIG. 20, the extension pipe 12 and the suction port body 13 connected to the vacuum cleaner 10 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 20(a), when cleaning the floor surface, the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the mounting table 20. At this time, the first on-off valve 36 operates to close the external communication opening 36c, and the second on-off valve 44 operates to open the dust collection unit communication opening 42b. The arrow shown in FIG. 20(a) is a flow path for collecting dust 80 in the first dust collection unit 30.

[0054] When the operation control button 1151 (see FIG. 18A) of the operation switch unit 115 is pressed, the electric blower 14 starts operating and generates suction force. The suction body 13 is in contact with the floor surface, and dust on the floor surface is sucked in together with air. The air and dust sucked in from the suction body 13 flow into the dust collection chamber U via the extension tube 12 and the inlet 11a. The air and dust 80 that flow into the dust collection chamber U become an airflow around the central axis of the outer cylinder 31 and revolve around the central axis inside the outer cylinder 31. The dust 80 contained in the air is separated by centrifugal force due to this revolving airflow, and the dust 80 is collected in the dust collection space U1 of the dust collection chamber U. The air that has passed through the umbrella filter 43c passes through the inside of the inner cylinder 41 and the dust collection unit communication opening 42b, is sucked into the electric blower 14, and is exhausted to the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 11. The air that has passed through the inner cylinder filter 42a passes through the inside of the inner cylinder 41, the dust-collection-part communication opening 42b, and the filter 34 provided in the flow path switching chamber U2, is sucked into the electric blower 14, and is exhausted to the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 11. The flow path switching chamber U2 is a space in which the filter 34 is provided.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 20b, after cleaning is completed, the vacuum cleaner body 11 is placed on the placement stand 20. A flow path switching mechanism for switching the flow path in the flow path switching chamber U2 is composed of the first opening / closing valve 36 and the second opening / closing valve 44. In FIG. 20b, the first opening / closing valve 36 opens and the second opening / closing valve 44 closes. As described above, the first opening / closing valve 36 opens due to the operating force when the vacuum cleaner body 11 is placed on the placement stand 20. The second opening / closing valve 44 closes in conjunction with the operation of opening the bottom cover 33, as described above. In this way, both the first opening / closing valve 36 and the second opening / closing valve 44 can perform opening and closing operations without requiring power.

[0056] When the vacuum cleaner body 11 is placed on the stand 20, the bottom lid 33 opens and the umbrella shaft portion 45 is pushed downward. This causes dust 80 in the dust collection chamber U to fall toward the first flow path R1. In this way, since the bottom lid 33 opens while the vacuum cleaner body 11 is placed on the stand 20 (held by the holding portion 24), it is possible to prevent dust from flying up and also to allow the user to cleanly dispose of the dust.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 20c, the electric blower 14 is started to operate using the power remaining in the storage battery 17. As a result, air is introduced from the inlet 11a of the vacuum cleaner body 11, and the air is taken into the dust collection chamber U. Then, the air in the dust collection chamber U passes through the first flow path R1 and is sent to the second dust collection section 22a. As a result, the dust 80 sent to the first flow path R1 is transported to the second dust collection section 22a. In addition, the dust adhering to the inner cylinder filter 42a, the wall of the dust collection chamber U, etc. can be sucked and collected in the second dust collection section 22a by driving the electric blower 14 to generate a suction force. The arrow in FIG. c indicates the flow path through which the air flows in from the mounting table 20. In this way, the dust in the first dust collection section 30 can also be removed.

[0058] Dust 80 is trapped in a second dust collection filter 22c serving as a dust collection means provided in a flow path formed by the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2.

[0059] The air filtered by the second dust collection filter 22c is sucked into the second flow path R2, moves up through the second flow path R2, and is sucked into the flow path switching chamber U2 of the first dust collection section 30 through the external communication opening 36c. The air sucked into the flow path switching chamber U2 is filtered by the filter 34, sucked into the electric blower 14, and discharged outside the vacuum cleaner body 11.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 20d, when starting cleaning again, the vacuum cleaner body 11 is removed from the stand 20. At this time, the first dust collecting part 30 is pulled upward to close the bottom lid 33. In conjunction with the closing operation of the bottom lid 33, the second opening / closing valve 44 rises, the dust collecting part communication opening 42b opens, and the first opening / closing valve 36 closes the outside communication opening 36c.

[0061] The second dust collecting section 22a may be configured to have breathability, or a paper pack filter having a similar effect may be used. The paper pack filter is detachable from the mounting base 20, and when the paper pack filter becomes full of collected dust, it can be replaced with a new paper pack filter to restore the dust collecting performance.

[0062] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a problem with an inner tube of a conventional structure in which the cylindrical portion is separated from the umbrella portion. However, the conventional inner cylinder in which the cylindrical portion 310 and the umbrella portion 320 are separate has the following problems. The left diagram of FIG. 21 shows the state during suction, and the right diagram of FIG. 21 shows the state during dust discharge. (1) During suction, hair 80a and dust 80b connected to dust 80b in the umbrella portion 320 and wound around the cylindrical portion 310 are likely to become entangled and pinched between the umbrella portion 320 and the cylindrical portion 310. (2) If the entire umbrella portion 320 slides, dust 80b compressed within the umbrella portion 320 is difficult to discharge. (3) If there is a step portion 321 (convex portion) at the boundary between the cylindrical portion 310 and the umbrella portion 320, hair 80a and dust 80b wound around the step portion 321 cannot be discharged. (4) Hair 80a is likely to be tightly wound around the rod portion 322 of the umbrella portion 320.

[0063] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an inner cylinder having a structure shown in Fig. 22A to Fig. 22D can be applied. Fig. 22A to Fig. 22D are a perspective view of the inner cylinder, a perspective view of the inner cylinder seen from the bottom side, a side view of the inner cylinder, and a cross-sectional view of the inner cylinder. Note that Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B only show a part of the inner cylinder filter 42a. Fig. 22C and Fig. 22D omit the illustration of the inner cylinder filter 42a. Also, Fig. 22A to Fig. 22D show the inner cylinder 41A in a state where the second opening / closing valve 44 is closed.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 22A, the inner cylinder 41A includes a cylindrical portion 42A and an umbrella portion 43A. A plurality of windows 42s are formed in the cylindrical portion 42A in the circumferential direction, and a mesh-shaped inner cylinder filter 42a is provided in each window 42s. A second opening / closing valve 44 that opens and closes the dust collection portion communication opening 42b is provided inside the cylindrical portion 42A.

[0065] The umbrella portion 43A has a cylinder 43a with a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 42A. The umbrella portion 43A also has an umbrella shaft portion 45 that protrudes downward from the center of the cylinder 43a. A plurality of ribs 47 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the umbrella shaft portion 45. The ribs 47 extend along the axial direction of the umbrella shaft portion 45. The ribs 47 are formed in four locations every 90 degrees, but the number is not limited to this, and may be three or less, or five or more.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 22B, the umbrella portion 43A has a top surface portion (dish portion) 43b that slides in the vertical direction (axial direction) inside the cylinder 43a. The umbrella shaft portion 45 is fixed to the center of the top surface portion 43b. The top surface portion 43b has a plurality of circumferentially extending windows 43b1 formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Each window 43b1 is provided with a mesh-shaped umbrella portion filter 43c. The top surface portion 43b slides inside the cylinder 43a in conjunction with the umbrella shaft portion 45 protruding downward, and the top surface portion 43b moves to the lower end of the cylinder 43a.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 22C, an inclined portion 42c that gradually increases in diameter from cylindrical portion 42A toward umbrella portion 43A is formed between cylindrical portion 42A and umbrella portion 43A. In other words, step portion 321 shown in Fig. 21 is not formed between cylindrical portion 42A and umbrella portion 43A.

[0068] The rib 47 is formed in a plate shape, and a tapered portion 47a is formed so as to move away from the tip (lower end) of the shaft portion 45 in an upward direction.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 22D, the umbrella shaft portion 45 is formed to extend upward beyond the top surface portion 43b. The shaft portion 44b of the second on-off valve 44 is supported by a support member 41b provided in the cylindrical portion 42A. The support member 41b is cylindrical, and the shaft portion 44b is inserted into it. The shaft portion 44b and the umbrella shaft portion 45 are screwed together, and the second on-off valve 44 and the top surface portion 43b operate as a unit. The support member 41b is provided with a coil spring 46 that urges the top surface portion 43b and the umbrella shaft portion 45 downward, and is configured to urge the umbrella shaft portion 45 in a direction that protrudes downward.

[0070] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining the effect when the inner cylinder of Fig. 22 is applied. The left diagram of Fig. 23 shows during suction, and the right diagram of Fig. 24 shows during dust discharge. As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 23, top surface portion 43b is located at the top end of cylinder 43a. As a result, during suction, dust 80b is located inside cylinder 43a, and hair 80a connected to dust 80b wraps around cylinder 42A and umbrella shaft 45. In this way, cylinder 42A and umbrella portion 43A are integrally formed, and step portion 321 (see Fig. 21) is not formed between cylinder 42A and umbrella portion 43A, so dust 80b and hair 80a are less likely to get caught and are easier to discharge when discharging garbage.

[0071] As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 23, the cylinder 43a of the umbrella part 43A does not move, and only the top surface part 43b slides up and down, so that there is no gap between the parts when discharging the dust. As a result, dust is less likely to get caught, and dust in the umbrella part 43A is easily discharged. In addition, by forming the inclined part 42c between the cylinder part 42A and the umbrella part 43A, the internal volume and diameter of the umbrella part 43A can be enlarged, and the increase in the amount of air passing through the umbrella part filter 43c can reduce dust from flying up, and hair entangled in the cylinder part 42A can be easily discharged. In addition, since only the top surface part 43b slides up and down, the top surface part 43b is exposed from the inside of the cylinder 43a, and dust 80 attached to the umbrella part filter 43c of the top surface part 43b can be easily removed. In addition, the tapered rib 47 formed on the umbrella shaft part 45 makes it easier to discharge hair wrapped around the umbrella shaft part 45.

[0072] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the effect when the inner cylinder of FIG. 22 is housed in the outer cylinder. As shown in FIG. 24, the inner cylinder filter 42a is disposed at a position higher than the bottom surface 31a1 of the inlet 31a formed in the outer cylinder 31. The difference S between the bottom surface 31a1 and the inner cylinder filter 42a is set to, for example, 5 mm or more. This is because the hair 80a can easily enter the outer cylinder 31 from the bottom surface 31a1 side of the inlet 31a, and the hair 80a can easily pierce the mesh portion of the inner cylinder filter 42a. Therefore, by arranging the inner cylinder filter 42a so as not to face the bottom surface 31a1 side of the inlet 31a, it is possible to reduce the hair 401 from piercing the mesh portion of the inner cylinder filter 42a.

[0073] Also, instead of the inner cylinder 41A described above, the inner cylinder 41B shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B may be used. FIG. 25A is a perspective view of the inner cylinder of the modified example, and FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view of the inner cylinder of the modified example. As shown in FIG. 25A, the inner cylinder 41B includes a cylindrical portion 42B and an umbrella portion 43B. A plurality of windows 42s are formed in the circumferential direction in the cylindrical portion 42B, and a mesh-shaped inner cylinder filter 42a is provided in each window 42s. Further, inside the cylindrical portion 42A, a second on-off valve 44 for opening and closing the dust collecting portion communication opening 42b is provided.

[0074] The umbrella portion 43B has a cylindrical portion 43d having substantially the same diameter as the cylindrical portion 42B. This cylindrical portion 43d has no step portion and is linearly formed with the same diameter from the upper end to the lower end. Further, the umbrella portion 43B has an umbrella shaft portion 45 protruding downward from the center of the umbrella portion 43B. A plurality of ribs 47 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the umbrella shaft portion 45. The ribs 47 are formed along the axial direction of the umbrella shaft portion 45.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 25B, the umbrella shaft portion 45 extends upward from the top surface 43b and is fixed to the shaft portion 44b of the second on-off valve 44. The shaft portion 44b is inserted into and supported by the support member 41b.

[0076] By applying the inner tube 41B configured in this manner, the step 321 (see FIG. 21) is not formed between the cylindrical portion 42B and the umbrella portion 43B, so that the dust 80b and the hair 80a are not easily caught and are easily discharged when discharging the garbage. In addition, since only the top surface portion 43b slides up and down, there is no gap between the parts when discharging the garbage. As a result, the garbage is not easily caught and the garbage in the umbrella portion 43B is easily discharged. In addition, since there is no step, the hair entangled in the cylindrical portion 42B is easily discharged. In addition, since only the top surface portion 43b slides up and down, the top surface portion 43b is exposed from the inside of the cylindrical portion 43d, so that the umbrella portion filter 43c of the top surface portion 43b can be easily cleaned. In addition, since the tapered rib 47 is formed on the umbrella shaft portion 45, the hair wrapped around the umbrella shaft portion 45 is easily discharged.

[0077] Next, automatic cleaning control according to the remaining battery charge of the vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to Fig. 26 and Fig. 27. Fig. 26 is a process diagram showing automatic cleaning control according to the remaining battery charge, and Fig. 27 is a graph showing the relationship between input power and elapsed time in automatic cleaning control. As shown in FIG. 26, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement stand 20, a cleaning mode determination is performed. The placement of the vacuum cleaner 10 on the placement stand 20 can be determined, for example, by detecting a charging mode determination in which an input terminal provided on the vacuum cleaner 10 and an output terminal of an AC adapter installed on the placement stand 20 are electrically connected. The cleaning mode determination is a determination of the remaining capacity of the storage battery 17 and a determination of the type of cleaning (strong, medium, weak, etc.). After the cleaning mode determination, an automatic cleaning 1 (variable input control) is performed, and then an automatic cleaning 2 (constant input control) is performed. Then, normal charging is performed on the vacuum cleaner 10. The placement stand 20 of this embodiment does not have a charging circuit or a power supply circuit mounted thereon, but an output terminal of an AC adapter is attached to the placement stand 20, and an input terminal is provided on the vacuum cleaner 10. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement stand 20, the output terminal and the input terminal are connected to each other to charge the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0078] After the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is set on the stand 20, if the control unit 118 determines in the cleaning mode determination that the remaining battery charge is high, it sets the mode to strong mode. Strong mode is a mode in which the input power to the electric blower 14 is increased to increase the suction power. Then, in automatic cleaning 1, for example, the vacuum cleaner is operated at 200 W for 5 seconds, and then in automatic cleaning 2, the vacuum cleaner is operated at 50 W for 5 seconds.

[0079] Furthermore, when the control unit 118 determines that the remaining battery level is medium in the cleaning mode determination, it sets the mode to medium. The medium mode is a mode weaker than the strong mode, and the input power to the electric blower 14 is made weaker than that in the strong mode. Furthermore, the medium mode is divided into two cases, the medium 1 mode and the medium 2 mode, and is operated. In the medium 1 mode of the automatic cleaning 1, for example, the operation is performed at 150W for 5 seconds, and in the medium 2 mode, for example, the operation is performed at 100W for 5 seconds. Note that the medium 1 mode is a mode that can obtain a stronger suction force than the medium 2 mode. In the automatic cleaning 2, in both the medium 1 mode and the medium 2 mode, the operation is performed at 50W for 5 seconds, as in the strong mode.

[0080] Furthermore, when the control unit 118 determines that the remaining battery power is low in the cleaning mode determination, it sets the mode to low. In the low mode, the input power to the electric blower 14 is made weaker than in the medium modes (medium 1 mode, medium 2 mode). Then, the input variable control of the automatic cleaning 1 is not performed, and in the automatic cleaning 2, the device is operated at 50 W for 10 seconds.

[0081] Also, when the control unit 118 determines that the battery level is zero in the cleaning mode determination, it charges the battery for a short time and operates in the same manner as in the weak mode. In other words, the automatic cleaning 1 is not performed, and the automatic cleaning 2 is operated at 50 W for 10 seconds.

[0082] When automatic cleaning 1 and automatic cleaning 2 are completed, storage battery 17 is normally charged. In this way, by changing the strength of suction power based on the remaining charge of storage battery 17, first dust collection section 30 can be cleaned with the remaining power when vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on stand 20, reducing the effort of emptying the trash after each cleaning.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 27, in the strong mode, automatic cleaning 1 is performed at 200W for 5 seconds, in the medium 1 mode at 150W for 5 seconds, and in the medium 2 mode at 100W for 5 seconds, and then automatic cleaning 2 is performed at 50W for 5 seconds. Also, in the weak mode and when the remaining power is zero, automatic cleaning 2 is performed at 50W for 10 seconds.

[0084] In this way, the device is operated at power equivalent to standard operation to strong operation according to the remaining battery level. In the case of the strong mode or the medium mode where the remaining battery level is judged to be high, the input is variable controlled at 100 to 200 W for the first 5 seconds, and thereafter, the input is constant controlled at the standard 50 W. In the case of the weak mode where the remaining battery level is judged to be low or when the remaining battery level is zero, the input is constant controlled at the standard (50 W) for 10 seconds. In addition, when it is desired to operate as quietly as possible, such as at night, the input variable control is turned off as the silent mode, and only the input is constant controlled at the standard 50 W (same operation as the weak mode). Note that the method of switching to the silent mode can be set so that the automatic cleaning operation can be switched to three operation modes of "ON / OFF / silent mode" by, for example, pressing and holding the automatic cleaning control button 1151b (standard button) in FIG. 18A for 3 seconds.

[0085] As described above, the cleaning system 1 of the present embodiment includes the electric vacuum cleaner 10 including the electric blower 14 and the first dust collecting section 30 that collects dust 80 by the suction force of the electric blower 14, and the mounting base 20 including the second dust collecting section 22a and on which the electric vacuum cleaner 10 can be mounted. The first dust collecting section 30 includes an inlet 31a through which the dust 80 flows in, a bottom cover 33 through which the dust 80 is discharged, and a flow path switching mechanism that switches between a flow path that collects the dust 80 in the first dust collecting section 30 and a flow path through which air flows in from the mounting base 20 (see FIG. 20). With this, it is possible to switch between a normal cleaning flow path that collects dust in the first dust collecting section 30 and a flow path through which air flows in from the mounting base 20, so that it is possible to collect dust from the first dust collecting section 30 to the second dust collecting section 22a by using the suction force of the electric blower 14 of the vacuum cleaner 10, thereby reducing the effort required for garbage disposal. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a power source or a motor on the mounting table 20, costs can be reduced.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, when placed on the placement table 20, the electric blower 14, the first dust collecting section 30, and the second dust collecting section 22a are arranged in this order from the top in the vertical direction (see FIG. 6). This makes it possible to prevent dust from flying up when the dust in the first dust collecting section 30 is disposed of.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the flow path switching mechanism is configured by the first on-off valve 36 and the second on-off valve 44, and the first on-off valve 36 is provided on the side wall of the first dust collecting section 30. This makes it easier to cause air to flow from the mounting table 20 into the first dust collecting section 30.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first dust collecting section 30 has an inner cylinder 41 that is in fluid communication with the electric blower 14, and the second on-off valve 44 is provided in the inner cylinder 41 (see FIG. 4). This makes it possible to operate the second on-off valve 44 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the bottom lid 33.

[0089] In this embodiment, the inner cylinder 41 further has an umbrella portion 43 at the bottom, and the second on-off valve 44 is provided at the top of the inner cylinder 41 and is at least partially fixed to the umbrella portion 43, and operates in conjunction with the opening of the bottom lid 33 (see FIG. 4). This allows the second on-off valve 44 to operate in response to the operation of the bottom lid 33 without using electricity.

[0090] In this embodiment, the inner tube 41 includes a cylindrical portion 42 provided at the upper portion and an umbrella portion 43 provided at the lower portion of the cylindrical portion 42, and the cylindrical portion 42 and the umbrella portion 43 are integrally formed (see FIG. 5). This prevents dust from getting caught between the cylindrical portion 42 and the umbrella portion 43, and the dust can be easily discharged without getting caught.

[0091] In this embodiment, the umbrella part 43 has a cylinder 43a, an umbrella shaft part 45 extending from inside the cylinder 43a toward the bottom cover 33, and a top surface part 43b provided on the ceiling of the cylinder 43a, and the top surface part 43b slides in the cylinder 43a in the axial direction of the umbrella shaft part 45 (see FIG. 23). As a result, no gap is formed between the cylinder part 42 and the umbrella part 43, so that dust 80 is not trapped and dust in the umbrella part 43 is easily discharged. Also, since the top surface part 43b is exposed from the cylinder 43a, the wind easily hits the umbrella part filter 43c of the top surface part 43b, and dust is easily removed.

[0092] In this embodiment, ribs 47 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of umbrella shaft portion 45. Ribs 47 have tapered portions 47a that are inclined from the tip to the base end of umbrella shaft portion 45 in a direction away from said umbrella shaft portion 45 (see FIG. 22C). This makes it easier for hair 80a wrapped around umbrella portion 43 to be removed.

[0093] In this embodiment, an inclined portion 42c that expands in diameter from the cylindrical portion 42 toward the umbrella portion 43 is formed between the cylindrical portion 42 and the umbrella portion 43 (see FIG. 23). This allows the internal volume and diameter of the umbrella portion 43 to be expanded, and the increase in the amount of air passing through the umbrella portion filter 43c reduces the flying up of dust, and also makes it easier to expel hair 80a tangled in the cylindrical portion 42.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the inner cylinder filter 42a provided in the inner cylinder 41 is provided at a position higher than the bottom surface 31a1 of the inlet 31a. This reduces the chance of hair 80a getting stuck in the inner cylinder filter 42a from the inlet 31a.

[0095] In this embodiment, the mounting table 20 includes a first flow path R1 located below the first dust collecting unit 30 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed thereon, and a second flow path R2 adjacent to the first flow path R1 and connected to the first flow path R1 at one end. The second dust collecting unit 22a is provided in a flow path formed by the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 (see FIG. 6). This makes it easier for dust to be collected in the second dust collecting unit 22a.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the mounting table 20 includes a guide member 25 that guides the first on-off valve 36 in a direction to open when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting table 20. This allows the first on-off valve 36 to be opened by the operating force applied when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting table 20.

[0097] In this embodiment, the mounting base 20 includes a lid lock release unit 28 that operates a lid lock button 38, which locks the bottom lid 33, in a direction to unlock the lid lock button 38 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting base 20. This allows the lid lock button 38 to be unlocked by the operating force applied when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting base 20.

[0098] In this embodiment, the mounting table 20 includes a hinge roller 27 against which a receiving portion 39a protruding from a hinge for opening and closing the bottom cover 33 comes into contact when the vacuum cleaner 10 is mounted on the mounting table 20. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is moved in a direction in which the vacuum cleaner 10 is mounted on the mounting table 20, the receiving portion 39a comes into contact with the hinge roller 27, causing the hinge roller 27 to retract, and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the mounting table 20, the hinge roller 27 does not retract when the receiving portion 39a comes into contact with the hinge roller 27, but presses the receiving portion 39a to bias the bottom cover 33 in a direction to close the bottom cover 33. This allows a force to be applied in a direction to close the bottom cover 33 only when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the mounting table 20.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement stand 20, variable input control is performed to vary the input to the electric blower 14 according to the remaining battery charge of the storage battery 17 provided in the vacuum cleaner 10. This enables control according to the remaining charge of the storage battery 17, and even if an abnormal amount of dust is clogged in the first dust collecting section 30, it can be dropped into the second dust collecting section 22a.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement stand 20, if the remaining battery charge of the storage battery 17 is low, the input variable control is turned off (input variable control is not performed), and constant control is performed to keep the input to the electric blower 14 constant. This can reduce the operating noise of the electric blower 14, so that dust can be collected from the first dust collecting section 30 to the second dust collecting section 22a even at night, etc.

[0101] The vacuum cleaner 10 of this embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner body 11 including an electric blower 14 and a first dust collecting section 30 that collects dust by the suction force of the electric blower 14, and the vacuum cleaner body 11 can be placed on a mounting table 20 including a second dust collecting section 22a. The first dust collecting section 30 includes an inlet 31a for sucking in dust, a bottom cover 33 for discharging dust, and a flow path switching mechanism for switching between a flow path for collecting dust in the first dust collecting section 30 and a flow path for air flowing in from the mounting table 20. This allows switching between a normal cleaning flow path for collecting dust in the first dust collecting section 30 and a flow path for air flowing in from the mounting table 20, so that dust can be collected from the first dust collecting section 30 to the second dust collecting section 22a by using the suction force of the electric blower 14 of the vacuum cleaner 10, thereby reducing the effort required for garbage disposal. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a power source or a motor on the mounting table 20, costs can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Cleaning system 10. Vacuum Cleaner 11 Vacuum cleaner body 11b Main passage 12 Extension tube 13 Mouthpiece 14 Electric blower 17 Storage battery 20 Placement table 22 Base 22a 2nd dust collection section 22c Second dust collection filter 23 Stand section 24 Holding part 25 Guide member 27 Hinge roller 28 Lid lock release part 30 First dust collection section 33 Bottom lid 31 Outer cylinder 31a Inlet 31a1 Bottom 36 First opening / closing valve (first flow path switching member, flow path switching mechanism) 36c External communication opening 38 Lid lock button 39 Hinge 39a Receiving part 41,41A,41B Inner cylinder 42, 42A, 42B Cylindrical part 42a Inner cylinder filter 42b Dust collection part communication opening 42c Slope 43,43A,43B Umbrella section 43a Cylindrical body (cylindrical body) 43b Top section 43c Umbrella filter 44 Second on-off valve (second flow path switching member, flow path switching mechanism) 45 Umbrella shaft 47 Ribs 47a Tapered section 80 Dust 118 Control Unit R1 First flow path R2 Second flow path U Dust collection room U1 Dust storage space

Claims

1. an electric vacuum cleaner including an electric blower and a first dust collecting unit that collects dust by the suction force of the electric blower; a second dust collecting unit; and a stand on which the vacuum cleaner can be placed, A cleaning system characterized in that the first dust collecting unit comprises an inlet through which dust flows in, a bottom cover through which dust is discharged, and a flow path switching mechanism that switches between a flow path that collects dust in the first dust collecting unit and a flow path through which air flows in from outside the first dust collecting unit.

2. 10. The cleaning system of claim 1, a cleaning system characterized in that, when the electric vacuum cleaner is placed on the stand, the electric blower, the first dust collecting unit, and the second dust collecting unit are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the vertical direction.

3. 3. The cleaning system according to claim 1 or claim 2, the flow path switching mechanism has a first flow path switching member, A cleaning system, characterized in that the first flow path switching member is provided on a side wall of the first dust collecting section.

4. A cleaning system according to claim 1, the first dust collecting unit has an inner cylinder fluidly connected to the electric blower, the flow path switching mechanism has a first flow path switching member, A cleaning system, characterized in that the first flow path switching member is disposed above the inner cylinder.

5. A cleaning system according to claim 1, the flow path switching mechanism has a first flow path switching member, A cleaning system, characterized in that the first flow path switching member is positioned above the inlet.

6. A cleaning system according to claim 1, A cleaning system characterized in that the flow path switching mechanism is a first opening / closing valve, and by opening the first opening / closing valve, air flows into the first dust collecting unit from outside the first dust collecting unit.

7. A cleaning system according to claim 6, The cleaning system, wherein the mounting base includes a guide member that guides the electric vacuum cleaner in a direction that opens the first on-off valve when the electric vacuum cleaner is mounted on the mounting base.

8. A cleaning system according to claim 6, The first dust collecting unit includes an outer cylinder that forms an outer shell, and a lid lock button for locking the bottom lid to the outer cylinder. A cleaning system characterized in that the first opening / closing valve is provided at a position that does not overlap with the lid lock button in the axial direction of the outer cylinder.

9. A cleaning system according to claim 6, the first dust collecting unit includes an outer cylinder forming an outer shell, and a hinge that rotatably supports the bottom cover on the outer cylinder, A cleaning system characterized in that the first on-off valve is provided at a position that does not overlap with the hinge in the axial direction of the outer cylinder.

10. 4. The cleaning system of claim 3, the first dust collecting unit has an inner cylinder fluidly connected to the electric blower, the flow path switching mechanism has a second flow path switching member, The cleaning system is characterized in that the second flow path switching member is provided in the inner cylinder.

11. 11. The cleaning system of claim 10, Furthermore, the inner cylinder has a cap portion at the bottom, A cleaning system characterized in that the second flow path switching member is provided at the top of the inner tube, at least a portion of which is fixed to the umbrella portion, and operates in conjunction with the opening of the bottom cover.

12. 12. The cleaning system of claim 11, The inner cylinder includes a cylindrical portion provided at an upper portion and a cap portion provided at a lower portion of the cylindrical portion, A cleaning system, wherein the cylindrical portion and the umbrella portion are integrally formed.

13. 12. The cleaning system of claim 11, the umbrella portion has a cylindrical body, an umbrella stem portion extending from inside the cylindrical body toward the bottom cover, and a top surface portion provided on a ceiling inside the cylindrical body, The cleaning system is characterized in that the top surface portion slides within the cylindrical body in the axial direction of the umbrella shaft portion.

14. 10. The cleaning system of claim 1, the mounting base includes a first flow path located below the first dust collecting unit when the vacuum cleaner is placed thereon, and a second flow path adjacent to the first flow path and one end of which is connected to the first flow path, The cleaning system, wherein the second dust collecting unit is provided in a flow path formed by the first flow path and the second flow path.

15. a vacuum cleaner body including an electric blower and a first dust collecting unit that collects dust by the suction force of the electric blower; The vacuum cleaner body can be placed on a stand having a second dust collecting unit, The first dust collecting unit comprises an inlet for sucking in dust, a bottom cover for discharging dust, and a flow path switching mechanism for switching between a flow path for collecting dust in the first dust collecting unit and a flow path for allowing air to flow in from outside the first dust collecting unit.

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