Vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner system

The vacuum cleaner's innovative dust collection structure guides dust away from entanglement, ensuring efficient dust collection and reduced resistance by using an inclined wall to direct airflow in the dust collecting device.

JP2025185635APending Publication Date: 2025-12-22IRIS OHYAMA
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024094003
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-10
Publication Date
2025-12-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional vacuum cleaners face issues with dust such as hair and dirt entangling in the dust collection container due to swirling air currents, leading to increased exhaust resistance and decreased dust collection performance.

Method used

The vacuum cleaner design includes a dust collecting device with a structure that forms a dust collection space between the dust collecting container and an inclined wall, guiding dust towards the bottom of the container to prevent entanglement and maintain airflow efficiency.

Benefits of technology

Prevents dust entanglement in the dust collection device, thereby maintaining optimal dust collection performance and reducing exhaust resistance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner capable of preventing dust such as hair and dirt from being wound around a dust collection device, and to provide a vacuum cleaner system including the vacuum cleaner.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner 1 includes a cleaner main body 10 having an electric blower 14, and a dust collection device 50 for collecting dust. The dust collection device 50 includes a dust collection container 52 having an inflow port 60 through which dust flows in a side wall 58 to store dust, and a structure 54 constituting a dust collection space 56 between the structure 54 and the dust collection container 52 and extending in a direction along a central axis of the dust collection container 52. The structure 54 includes a first side portion 90 having an exhaust port 94 for discharging air to the outside of the dust collection space 56, a second side portion 98 located outside the first side portion 90 in a radial direction orthogonal to the extending direction, and an inclined wall 100 located between the first side portion 90 and the second side portion 98 and inclined in the direction approaching a bottom of the dust collection container 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A conventional vacuum cleaner is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This vacuum cleaner has an inner tube formed with an exhaust port for exhausting air drawn in through an air inlet provided circumferentially around the periphery of a dust collection container, and then has the air swirl along the substantially cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the container, and collects dust contained in the air at the bottom of the dust collection container. Furthermore, the inner tube of the dust collection container in this vacuum cleaner has an outer peripheral wall that is partially configured as an inner tube filter that filters the air passing through. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-26686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional vacuum cleaner disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that dust such as hair and dirt tends to get entangled in the dust collection container due to the swirling air current formed around the inner cylinder. If such dust gets entangled in the dust collection container, there is a concern that the dust collection performance may decrease due to increased exhaust resistance.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner that can prevent dust such as hair and dirt from becoming entangled in a dust collecting device, and a vacuum cleaner system that includes the vacuum cleaner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electric vacuum cleaner of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises a vacuum cleaner body having an electric blower that generates suction force, and a dust collecting device for collecting dust sucked by the electric blower, wherein the dust collecting device has an inlet in the side wall through which dust flows in, a dust collecting container for collecting dust, and a structure that forms a dust collecting space between the dust collecting container and extends in a direction along the central axis of the dust collecting container, with the axis extending in the direction along the central axis of the dust collecting container, and the structure is characterized in that it has a first side portion having an exhaust port for discharging air out of the dust collecting space, a second side portion located outward from the first side portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and an inclined wall located between the first side portion and the second side portion and inclined in a direction approaching the bottom of the dust collecting container.

[0007] In the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, a structure that defines a dust collection space between itself and a dust container has an inclined wall that slopes toward the bottom of the dust container between a first side portion having an exhaust port and a second side portion located radially outward from the first side portion. This configuration of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention allows a swirling airflow formed around the structure to guide dust such as hair and dust to the lower side of the dust container, preventing it from becoming entangled with the structure. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention can prevent an increase in exhaust resistance due to dust becoming entangled with the structure and a resulting decrease in dust collection performance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vacuum cleaner that can prevent dust such as hair and dirt from becoming entangled in a dust collecting device, and a vacuum cleaner system that includes the vacuum cleaner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner system including a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3]3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the electric vacuum cleaner body in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a side view showing the vicinity of the electric vacuum cleaner body shown in FIG. 1 with the dust container removed. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the electric vacuum cleaner body shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collecting device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collecting device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a perspective view showing the structure shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from the bottom end side. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are side views showing a state in which the dust container is removed in an electric vacuum cleaner equipped with a structure according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second filter is attached to the structure shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention and an electric vacuum cleaner system S including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 will be outlined first, followed by detailed descriptions of each part. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships in the up-down direction, front-rear direction, left-right direction (width direction), etc. will be described based on the state in which the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is set upright as shown in FIG.

[0011] <<Overall configuration of vacuum cleaner 1>> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner 1 is a stick-shaped (vertical) vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 1 can be, for example, a rechargeable type or one that receives power from an external power source via a power cord. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 10, a handle 20, a dust collection device 50 (dust collection unit), an extension tube 150, and a suction port body 160. Note that, although the following description will be given taking as an example a stick-shaped (vertical) vacuum cleaner 1 that includes the suction port body 160, a so-called canister-type vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum cleaner may also be configured to include the suction port body 160.

[0012] Vacuum cleaner main body 10 forms the main body of vacuum cleaner 1 and is the part that exerts suction power and performs the function of collecting dust. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, vacuum cleaner main body 10 is provided with, inside housing 12 that forms the housing, electric blower 14 for sucking air and generating airflow, a drive circuit for driving other electronic components, and other components.

[0013] The vacuum cleaner body 10 includes a battery storage section 15, and a battery 15a is stored in the battery storage section 15. The battery 15a (battery storage section 15) is provided in an area of ​​the vacuum cleaner body 10 that is rearward of the position where the handle section 20 is provided. The battery 15a is also provided in an area above the electric blower 14.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , a main body suction port 32 for connecting an extension tube 150 or a suction port body 160 is provided at the lower end of the vacuum cleaner body 10. Dust can be sucked through the main body suction port 32 when the extension tube 150 and the suction port body 160 are detached. The vacuum cleaner body 10 has a main body pipe 30. The main body pipe 30 has the main body suction port 32 at one end and an outlet communicating with the inlet (inlet 60) of the dust collector 50. The main body suction port 32 is provided on the lower side of the vacuum cleaner body 10 in the vertical direction. The battery storage section 15 is arranged alongside the handle section 20 in a direction (front-to-back direction) perpendicular to the axial direction (vertical direction) of the vacuum cleaner body 10. The battery storage section 15 is not limited to being built into the vacuum cleaner body 10, but may also have a configuration in which the battery 15a is exposed on the surface of the vacuum cleaner body 10.

[0015] The handle portion 20 is a portion provided for a user of the vacuum cleaner 1 to grip the vacuum cleaner body 10. The handle portion 20 may have any suitable shape, such as a circular shape, an oval shape such as an ellipse or an oval shape, a polygonal shape, or a rod shape. In this embodiment, the handle portion 20 has an oval shape.

[0016] The dust collecting device 50 is a part where dust sucked by the vacuum cleaner 1 is collected. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dust collecting device 50 is provided so as to be continuous with the vacuum cleaner body 10. The dust collecting device 50 is configured as a cyclone-type dust collecting device. That is, the dust collecting device 50 is configured to collect dust in the process of introducing air from an inlet 60 (see FIG. 6, etc.) provided in the dust collecting container 52, forming a swirling airflow within the dust collecting container 52, and then discharging the air. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, etc., the dust collecting device 50 has the dust collecting container 52 (dust cup) and a structure 54, and a dust collecting space 56 is formed between them. Characteristic parts of the dust collecting device 50 will be described in detail later.

[0017] The extension tube 150 is a cylindrical member that detachably connects the vacuum cleaner body 10 and the suction port body 160. One end of the extension tube 150 is shaped so that it can be inserted into the body suction port 32 provided in the body pipe section 30 of the vacuum cleaner body 10, and the other end is shaped so that it can be connected to the suction port body 160. By connecting the vacuum cleaner body 10 and the suction port body 160 via the extension tube 150, a continuous, communicating path (air passage) can be formed from the suction port body 160 to the vacuum cleaner body 10.

[0018] Suction port body 160 is connected directly to main body suction port 32 of vacuum cleaner main body 10, or indirectly via extension tube 150. Suction port body 160 has suction main body 163 with suction port 162, and tube portion 164. Suction port 162 opens toward the bottom surface of the suction main body. Furthermore, tube portion 164 is rotatably connected to suction main body 163, and is connectable to main body suction port 32 or extension tube 150.

[0019] ≪Support device 200≫ As shown in Figures 1, 2, etc., the stand device 200 supports the vacuum cleaner 1. The stand device 200 may be configured to support the vacuum cleaner 1 and may further include other functions. In this embodiment, the stand device 200 is configured to collect dust collected in the dust collecting device 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 in addition to the function of supporting the vacuum cleaner 1. The stand device 200 has a device main body 220 and a receiving part 250. The device main body 220 is configured to receive the dust collecting device 50 on the receiving part 250 and collect dust from the dust collecting device 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 to a dust collecting part 230 provided in the device main body 220 while supporting the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0020] Specifically, stand device 200 has an engaging portion 210 for engaging vacuum cleaner 1 with the outside of box-shaped device body 220. Dust collection portion 230 is engageable with engaged portion 166 provided on either or both of suction port 162 and pipe portion 164 (suction port 162 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, engaged portion 166 is hook-shaped, and engaging portion 210 is hook-holder shaped to receive hook-shaped engaged portion 166. Therefore, when stand device 200 is in an upright position, the engaging portion 210 can support the portion of vacuum cleaner 1 on the suction port body 160 side, which is the lower end side of vacuum cleaner 1.

[0021] Furthermore, the support device 200 may be configured without the electric blower unit 240, but in this embodiment, the device main body 220 is provided with the dust collection unit 230 and the electric blower unit 240. The dust collection unit 230 collects dust discharged from the dust collection device 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1. The dust collection unit 230 can be configured as one provided inside the device main body 220, one that forms part of the device main body 220, or one that can be formed by attaching an appropriate replaceable member such as a paper bag. The electric blower unit 240 is provided inside the device main body 220. The electric blower unit 240 generates a suction force directed from the electric vacuum cleaner 1 side toward the dust collection unit 230 side.

[0022] Receiving portion 250 is connected to device body 220 via connecting pipe 260. As a result, receiving portion 250 communicates with dust collecting portion 230 provided in device body 220. Receiving portion 250 is also provided so as to rise upward from device body 220.

[0023] The receiving portion 250 is formed so as to be able to receive at least a part (in this embodiment, a bottom portion of the dust collecting device 50) of the dust collecting device 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 250 is formed so as to be able to receive a part (bottom portion) of the dust collecting device 50, including the opening / closing portion 64 provided on the dust collecting device 50.

[0024] The receiving part 250 has a recess 252 that is open upward when installed. The receiving part 250 can support the vacuum cleaner 1 by inserting the bottom side of the dust collecting device 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 through the opening 254 of the recess 252. The receiving part 250 is also provided at a position where the bottom of the dust collecting device 50 reaches when the engaged part 166 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is engaged with the engaging part 210 of the support device 200. Therefore, the support device 200 can support the vacuum cleaner 1 by the engaging part 210 on one axial side (vertically downward side) of the vacuum cleaner 1, and can also support the vacuum cleaner 1 by the dust collecting device 50 located on the other axial side (vertically upward side) of the vacuum cleaner 1. In this way, the support device 200 can stably support the vacuum cleaner 1 by supporting the vacuum cleaner 1 at multiple positions spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0025] The support device 200 can open and close the open / close unit 64 provided on the dust collecting device 50 when the dust collecting device 50 is supported (received) on the receiving part 250. Therefore, in the electric vacuum cleaner system S, by fitting a portion of the dust collecting device 50 including the open / close unit 64 into the recess 252 provided on the receiving part 250 and opening the open / close unit 64, the dust collected in the dust collecting device 50 can be discharged to the dust collection part 230 via the receiving part 250 and the connecting pipe 260. Furthermore, the support device 200 is provided with an electric blower unit 240 on the device body 220. Therefore, when discharging dust from the dust collecting device 50 to the dust collection part 230, the electric blower unit 240 can be operated to utilize the suction force of the airflow flowing from the dust collecting device 50 into the dust collection part 230 via the connecting pipe 260, thereby collecting the dust from the dust collecting device 50 to the dust collection part 230. There are several possible ways to open the opening / closing section 64, such as opening the opening / closing section 64 by operating a switch on the vacuum cleaner 1, or by using a release means provided on the receiving section 250 to unlock the opening / closing section 64 and opening the opening / closing section 64 by suction from the support device 200.

[0026] <Configuration of Dust Collector 50> Next, the configuration of the dust collecting device 50, which is a characteristic feature of the above-described electric vacuum cleaner 1 and electric vacuum cleaner system S, will be described in further detail.

[0027] As described above, dust collecting device 50 is for collecting dust sucked by electric blower 14. As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, dust collecting device 50 has dust collecting container 52 and structure 54. In addition, dust collecting device 50 is configured such that, when structure 54 is housed inside dust collecting container 52, dust collecting space 56 is formed between dust collecting container 52 and structure 54.

[0028] The dust collection container 52 is a container for collecting dust. The dust collection container 52 is formed in a tubular shape (cylindrical in this embodiment). The dust collection container 52 has an inlet 60 through which dust flows in, in a side wall 58 (peripheral wall, outer wall). As shown in FIG. 11 and other figures, the inlet 60 is located on one side in the front-to-rear direction and one side in the left-to-right direction of the dust collection container 52 when the dust collecting device 50 is set in the vacuum cleaner 1. In this embodiment, the inlet 60 is located on the front side in the front-to-rear direction and on the right side in the left-to-right direction, with the axial position of the dust collection container 52 as the center. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , when four regions defined by an imaginary line L1 extending in the front-to-rear direction and an imaginary line L2 extending in the left-to-right direction with the axial position of the dust collection container 52 as the center are defined as regions X1 to X4 in the direction C of formation of a swirling flow formed inside the dust collection space 56 (clockwise in the illustrated example), the inlet 60 is located in region X1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 8 and other figures, dust collection container 52 is open at its top end (opposite the bottom end) and is connectable to vacuum cleaner body 10. Dust collection container 52 also has a disposal port 62 for disposing of dust. Disposal port 62 can be provided at any suitable location in dust collection container 52, but in this embodiment it is provided at the bottom end (bottom side). Specifically, the disposal port 62 is an opening provided at the end of the bottom end (bottom side) of the cylindrical body that forms dust collection container 52.

[0030] The dust collection container 52 has a disposal opening 62 that can be opened and closed by an opening / closing unit 64. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the opening / closing unit 64 includes a lid unit 66, a pivot mechanism 68, and a lock unit 70. The lid unit 66 is a plate-shaped member that can close the disposal opening 62 of the dust collection container 52. The pivot mechanism 68 is pivotally connected to the dust collection container 52 via the lid unit 64. The pivot mechanism 68 includes a spindle 68a at a position on the bottom side of the dust collection container 52, on one radial side of the dust collection container 52 (in this embodiment, a location adjacent to the vacuum cleaner body 10). The pivot mechanism 68 inserts the spindle 68a through the dust collection container 52 and the lid unit 66, thereby pivotally connecting the lid unit 66 to the dust collection container 52 on one radial side of the dust collection container 52.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the locking portion 70 is configured to fix the free end of the opening / closing portion 64 to the dust container 52 on the radially opposite side of the dust container 52 with respect to the support shaft 68a of the rotation mechanism 68. Specifically, the locking portion 70 has a locking piece 72 provided on the dust container 52. The locking piece 72 is a plate-like member disposed at the lower end of the dust container 52 so as to extend from the dust container 52 side toward the opening / closing portion 64 side. The locking piece 72 is attached to the dust container 52 by a locking spindle 74 at an intermediate portion in the extending direction so as to be able to swing relative to the dust container 52. Furthermore, the locking piece 72 is biased in a direction away from the circumferential surface of the dust container 52 at a portion (base end 72a) closer to the base end than the locking spindle 74 (the dust container 52 side) by a biasing member (not shown) provided between the dust container 52 and the base end 72a. As a result, the portion (tip portion 72 b ) of the lock piece 72 that is closer to the tip (opening / closing portion 64 side) than the lock spindle 74 is biased in a direction approaching the periphery of the open-close portion 64 .

[0032] The lock piece 72 has a hook-shaped portion 72c at its tip end 72b. Furthermore, an engagement recess 64a (catch) is provided around the periphery of the opening / closing unit 64 at a position where the hook-shaped portion 72c reaches when the opening / closing unit 64 closes the disposal opening 62. Therefore, when the dust collecting device 50 closes the disposal opening 62 with the opening / closing unit 64, the hook-shaped portion 72c of the lock piece 72 engages with the engagement recess 64a of the opening / closing unit 64, thereby maintaining the closed state with the biasing force of the biasing member. Furthermore, a pressing force is applied to the base end of the lock piece 72 against the biasing force of the biasing member, causing the lock piece 72 to swing around the lock spindle 74, thereby releasing the engagement of the lock piece 72 with the engagement recess 64a, thereby opening the opening / closing unit 64.

[0033] 3, 7, etc., the structure 54 is accommodated inside the dust collection container 52 as described above, thereby forming a dust collection space 56 between the structure 54 and the dust collection container 52. The structure 54 extends in a direction along the axial direction of the dust collection container 52 when accommodated in the dust collection container 52. That is, when the side of the structure 54 closer to the bottom of the dust collection container 52 is defined as the proximal end and the side farther from the bottom (the side farther from the axial direction of the dust collection container 52) is defined as the distal end, the structure 54 extends with the direction of axis X along the central axis of the dust collection container 52. In this embodiment, the central axis of the dust collection container 52 and the axis X of the structure 54 are coaxial, but the axis X may be offset radially from the central axis. The structure 54 may be arranged inside the dust collection container 52 so that, for example, the proximal end is in contact with the bottom (opening / closing portion 64) of the dust collection container 52 without being spaced apart from it, but in this embodiment, the proximal end is arranged so as to be spaced apart from the bottom of the dust collection container 52. As shown in Figures 7 to 12, the structure 54 has a first structural portion 80, a second structural portion 82, a third structural portion 84, and a fourth structural portion 86 at each portion in the axial direction.

[0034] The first structural portion 80 is located in the axially intermediate portion of the structure 54. Specifically, the first structural portion 80 is located between the second structural portion 82 and the third structural portion 84 in the axial direction. The first structural portion 80 has a first side portion 90 having an opening area on its circumferential surface, and is cylindrical with an internal space surrounded by the first side portion 90. The opening area 92 provided in the first side portion 90 is an area forming an exhaust port 94 for discharging air to the outside of the dust collection space. The opening area 92 can be a resin molded product or a metallic cylindrical member with multiple holes formed therein. However, in this embodiment, the opening area 92 is a filter area provided with a filter (hereinafter also referred to as a "first filter 96") for capturing dust. The first structural portion 80 is provided with a mesh filter as the first filter 96. The opening area 92 (filter area) is shaped to become narrower as it approaches the end FE side (lower side) of the second side portion 98 and the inclined wall 100, in relation to the size of the second structural portion 82 in the direction of the axis X, as will be described in detail later.

[0035] The second structural portion 82 is provided at a position adjacent to and above the first structural portion 80 in the direction of the axis X of the structure 54. The second structural portion 82 is located between the first structural portion 80 and the third structural portion 84 in the axial direction of the structure 54. The peripheral surface of the second structural portion 82 is defined as a second side portion 98. The second side portion 98 is provided so as to be located outward from the first side portion 90 in a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction (direction of the axis X) of the structure 54. In other words, the second structural portion 82 is larger in the radial direction than the first structural portion 80.

[0036] The second side portion 98 is configured by an arc-shaped surface (arc surface) extending around the axis X of the structure 54. The second structural portion 82 is configured to minimize the gap between the second side portion 98 and the inner circumferential wall of the dust collection container 52, thereby preventing dust from moving upward beyond the second structural portion 82. That is, the second structural portion 82 is configured so that the second side portion 98 abuts against at least a portion of the inner circumferential wall of the dust collection container 52, or the gap between the inner wall of the dust collection container 52 and the second side portion 98 is greater than 0 mm and equal to or less than 10 mm. In the present embodiment, the second structural portion 82 is configured so that the second side portion 98 abuts against at least a portion of the inner circumferential wall of the dust collection container 52.

[0037] 9, 10, etc., the second structural portion 82 has a portion in which the width of the second side portion 98 in the direction of the axis X increases as the second structural portion 82 advances in the direction around the axis X of the structure 54. In this embodiment, the width of the second side portion 98 in the direction of the axis X continuously increases as the second structural portion 82 advances in the direction around the axis X of the structure 54 from a portion that is a start end SE of the second side portion 98 (a portion where the width of the second side portion 98 in the direction of the axis X is minimum) to a portion that is a terminal end FE of the second side portion 98 (a portion where the width of the second side portion 98 in the direction of the axis X is maximum). Note that the second structural portion 82 may be configured such that the width of the second side portion 98 in the direction of the axis X increases and / or decreases discontinuously (intermittently) between the start end SE and the terminal end FE of the second side portion 98, or such that the rate of increase and / or decrease of the width of the second side portion 98 in the direction of the axis X varies.

[0038] 9, 10, etc., the second structural portion 82 has an inclined wall 100 that intersects with the second side portion 98 and expands toward the axial direction of the structure 54 (toward the center with respect to the axis X). That is, the second side portion 98 is provided so as to expand from the first side portion 90 of the first structural portion 80 toward the second side portion 98 of the second structural portion 82 located radially outward in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the structure 54 (in this embodiment, a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction). In this way, the inclined wall 100 is provided between the first side portion 90 of the first structural portion 80 and the second side portion 98 of the second structural portion 82.

[0039] The inclined wall 100 can be connected to the second structural portion 82 at an appropriate location, such as an intermediate position in the axial X direction (extension direction) of the structure 54. In this embodiment, the inclined wall 100 is formed so as to be connected to an end portion on the distal end side (the side that becomes the bottom side of the dust collection container 52) of the second structural portion 82. In addition, the inclined wall 100 is formed so as to bend in a substantially "L" shape from the end portion on the distal end side of the second structural portion 82 toward the radially inner side of the structure 54.

[0040] The inclined wall 100 has a wall surface that slopes toward the bottom of the dust collection container 52 from the starting end SE (end on the distal end side) where the second side portion 98 begins to extend toward the ending end FE (end on the proximal end side) where the second side portion 98 ends to extend. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the inclined wall 100 slopes toward the bottom of the dust collection container 52 from the distal end side toward the proximal end side of the structure 54. That is, the inclined wall 100 is provided so as to spiral around the axis X of the structure 54. The spiral of the inclined wall 100 may extend half a turn to one turn around the axis of the structure 54, but preferably extends one turn or more. Similarly to the lower end of the second side portion 98 constituting the second structural portion 82, the inclined wall 100 may be formed continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the inclined wall 100 is formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0041] Here, the positions of the starting end SE and the ending end FE of the inclined wall 100 may be determined based on the position of the inlet 60 of the dust collection container 52. As shown in FIG. 11 etc., when the dust collection device 50 is set in the vacuum cleaner 1, the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100 may have the start of the spiral in an area close to the inlet 60.

[0042] Specifically, as described above, when the dust collecting device 50 is set in the vacuum cleaner 1, the inlet 60 is located on one side of the dust collection container 52 in the front-to-rear direction and one side of the left-to-right direction, while the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100, i.e., the portion where the spirally formed inclined wall 100 begins, is preferably located on the other side of the front-to-rear direction and one side of the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100 may be located in the area (region) where the inlet 60 is located or in an area (region) adjacent to the area (region) downstream in the direction of the swirling flow, based on the area (region) where the inlet 60 is located. In this embodiment, the inlet 60 is located in the front side of the dust collection container 52 in the front-to-rear direction and on the right side of the left-to-right direction, while the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100 is located in the rear side of the front-to-rear direction and on the right side of the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, the ending end FE of the inclined wall 100, i.e., the portion where the spirally formed inclined wall 100 ends, is preferably located on one side of the front-to-rear direction and one or both sides of the left-to-right direction. In this embodiment, the end FE of the inclined wall 100 is located in the front region in the front-rear direction and in the right region in the left-right direction.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11 , four regions X1 to X4 are defined by an imaginary line L1 extending in the front-rear direction and an imaginary line L2 extending in the left-right direction, centered on the axial position of the dust collection container 52. When region X1, where the inlet 60 is provided, is taken as the reference, and the regions existing in the direction C of the swirling flow formed inside the dust collection space 56 (clockwise in the illustrated example) are designated as regions X2, X3, and X4, respectively, the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100 may be located in region X1 or region X2. In this embodiment, the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100 is located in region X2. Furthermore, the ending end FE of the inclined wall 100 may be located in region X1 or region X4. In this embodiment, the ending end FE of the inclined wall 100 is located in region X1.

[0044] 8, 9, etc., the second structural portion 82 has a guide portion 110 (first partition portion). The guide portion 110 guides the airflow flowing from the inlet 60 into the dust collection space 56. The guide portion 110 has a guide wall 112. The guide wall 112 is arranged to separate the first side portion 90 and the dust collection container 52 when the structure 54 is placed inside the dust collection container 52. The guide wall 112 is a wall surface extending from the first side portion 90 in the radial direction of the dust collection container 52. The guide wall 112 is positioned so as to face the inner wall of the dust collection container 52 via the area that becomes the inlet 60.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11 and other figures, the guide wall 112 may be provided based on the position of the inlet 60 of the dust collection container 52. Specifically, when the dust collecting device 50 is set in the vacuum cleaner 1, the inlet 60 is located on one side in the front-rear direction and one side in the left-right direction of the dust collection container 52. Similarly, the guide wall 112 may be located on one side in the front-rear direction and one side in the left-right direction of the dust collection container 52. In this embodiment, like the inlet 60, the guide wall 112 is located in a region on the front side in the front-rear direction and on the right side in the left-right direction, with respect to the axial position of the dust collection container 52. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the region X1 where the inlet 60 is located is used as the reference, and the regions X2, X3, and X4 that exist in the direction C of formation of the swirling flow (clockwise in the illustrated example) formed inside the dust collection space 56 are designated as regions X2, X3, and X4, respectively, the guide wall 112 may be located in the region X1, like the inlet 60. In this embodiment, the guide wall 112 is provided at the same position as the terminal end FE of the inclined wall 100, but the guide wall 112 can also be provided at a position that is off to the upstream or downstream side of the terminal end FE in the direction C of forming the swirling flow.

[0046] In the second structural portion 82, the starting end SE and the ending end FE of the inclined wall 100 and the guide wall 112 of the guide portion 110 are arranged. Due to this arrangement, the dust collecting device 50 can cause the air that flows in from the inlet 60 of the dust collecting container 52 to flow into the region between the starting end SE and the ending end FE of the inclined wall 100, and between the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100 and the guide wall 112.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 , the third structural portion 84 is located on the opposite side of the fourth structural portion 86 from the first side portion 90 in the axial X direction (extension direction) of the structure 54. The peripheral surface of the third structural portion 84 is defined as a third side portion 120. When the structure 54 is disposed relative to the dust collection container 52, the third structural portion 84 is located on the bottom side (proximal end side) of the dust collection container 52. The third structural portion 84 may be a cylindrical or columnar body whose outer shape (third side portion 120) does not change in size at each portion in the axial direction, or may be a cylindrical or columnar body whose outer shape (third side portion 120) changes in size at each portion in the axial X direction, such as a tapered shape. In this embodiment, the third structural portion 84 is a tapered portion having a tapered shape in which the radial outer dimension of the third side portion 120 decreases from the first side portion 90 side toward the proximal end side.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7 , the filter body 95 having the first filter 96 is configured by providing a cylindrical first filter 96 in a cylindrical frame body 97. A flange portion 97a at the upper end of the frame body 97 is engaged with the upper side of the first side portion 90, and a lower end of the frame body 97 is supported by a groove portion 91 on the lower side of the first side portion 90. Here, the flange portion 97a and the first side portion 90 may be integrally configured by adhesive or the like. As described above, the opening region 92 (filter region) narrows toward the end FE side (lower side) of the second side portion 98 and the inclined wall 100 in relation to the size of the second structural portion 82 in the direction of the axis X. In this embodiment, the filter body 95 (first filter 96) is covered in the circumferential direction by the second structural portion 82, and therefore the width of the region where the filter body 95 (first filter 96) is exposed to the second structural portion 82 narrows in the vertical direction toward one circumferential direction.

[0049] The fourth structural portion 86 is located on the distal end side (opposite the third structural portion 84) of the first structural portion 80 and the second structural portion 82 described above in the axial X direction (extension direction) of the structure 54. In this embodiment, the fourth structural portion 86 is a portion located at the distal end side of the structure 54. The fourth structural portion 86 is tubular having an internal space surrounded by a fourth side portion 130 forming a circumferential surface. The fourth structural portion 86 directly or indirectly communicates with the first structural portion 80, which is provided with an exhaust port 94. In this embodiment, the fourth structural portion 86 indirectly communicates with the first structural portion 80 via the second structural portion 82. The fourth structural portion 86 is configured to have a larger radial outer dimension than the first structural portion 80, and an inclined wall 100 extends from a lower surface that expands radially outward relative to the first structural portion 80.

[0050] When the dust collecting device 50 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 10, the fourth structural part 86 is located upstream in the direction of action of the suction force of the electric blower 14 provided on the vacuum cleaner body 10. In this embodiment, the fourth structural part 86 is located adjacent to the electric blower 14 on the upstream side in the direction of action of the suction force. Therefore, by operating the electric blower 14, air that has entered the inside of the structure 54 from the exhaust port 94 provided in the first structural part 80 passes through the fourth structural part 86 and flows toward the vacuum cleaner body 10.

[0051] In the fourth structural portion 86, a filter (hereinafter also referred to as a "second filter 132") is disposed in the space surrounded by the fourth side portion 130. The second filter 132 may be any suitable filter that can capture dust. In this embodiment, the second filter 132 is formed by stacking a sponge filter and a pleated filter.

[0052] <<Variations>> The above-described vacuum cleaner 1 and vacuum cleaner system S are merely examples of one embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration can be modified or omitted as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0053] Specifically, in the structure 54 described above, the inclined wall 100 is formed continuously and flat at a predetermined inclination from the starting point SE to the ending point FE, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inclined wall 100 may not be continuous in the entire circumferential direction (the direction around the axis of the structure 54) but may be formed intermittently by providing irregularities, notches, steps, uneven portions, etc. between the starting point SE and the ending point FE. Specifically, as in the example shown in Figure 12, the structure 54 may have a wall portion 102 midway along the inclined wall 100 that has a gradient different from the gradient of the remaining portions.

[0054] 12(a) and 12(b), a partially formed wall portion 102 is provided midway along a spirally formed inclined wall 100. In the example of FIG. 12(a), a recess 252 or notch having a horizontal surface 102a and a vertical wall surface 102b is provided as the wall portion 102, thereby forming a step or an uneven portion midway along the inclined wall 100. In the example of FIG. 12(b), a recess or notch having inclined surfaces 102c and 102d is provided as the wall portion 102, thereby forming a step or an uneven portion midway along the inclined wall 100. Inclined surface 102c is a surface that slopes away from the bottom of dust collection container 52 from the proximal end (starting end SE) to the distal end (ending end FE) in the extension direction of inclined wall 100. The slope 102d is a surface that slopes in a direction approaching the bottom of the dust collection container 52 as it moves from the proximal end (starting end SE) to the distal end (ending end FE) in the extension direction of the sloped wall 100. Even when the sloped wall 100 is configured in this way, the same effects as when the sloped wall 100 exemplified in the above embodiment is used can be expected. In addition, since the area of ​​the filter body exposed to the second structural portion 82 is increased, it can be expected that the efficiency of filtering air will be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, in structure 54, guide portion 110 is provided with guide wall 112 so as to be able to guide the air flowing in from inlet 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, structure 54 can be provided with guide portion 110 as a first partition portion, and further provided with second partition portion 114 continuing to the lower end side of inlet 60. This can guide the air flowing in from inlet 60 so as not to immediately flow toward the bottom side of dust collection container 52, further promoting the generation of a swirling flow in dust collection space 56.

[0056] When the support device 200 is used to suck dust from the dust container 52, it is preferable to use a configuration in which the second partition 114 is not provided, as exemplified in the above embodiment, or to provide another configuration, thereby enabling smooth suction of dust from the dust container 52. That is, when considering suction of dust from the dust container 52, it is preferable that the space between the structure 54 and the dust container 52 be open below the inclined wall 100 and below the lower surface between the starting end SE and the ending end FE of the fourth structural portion 86, all the way to the lower end of the structure 54. Therefore, when the support device 200 is used to suck dust from the dust container 52, it is preferable to use a configuration in which the second partition 114 is not provided, as described above, and the space between the guide wall 112 and the inner wall of the dust container 52 that faces the guide wall 112 is open in the vertical direction, thereby making it easier for the support device 200 to suck dust adhering to the guide wall 112 and its vicinity when sucking dust.

[0057] In a modified example, instead of the second structural portion 82 having the inclined wall 100 exemplified in this embodiment, a plate-shaped inclined wall 100A (not shown) that is inclined toward the bottom of the dust collection container 52 may be provided. Such a plate-shaped inclined wall 100A may be provided so as to expand outward from the first side portion 90, and may be provided so as to spiral around the axis X. In addition, when the plate-shaped inclined wall 100A is provided, it may be provided so as to spiral around the axis X in a range of half a turn to one turn, and more preferably one turn or more.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which a stick-type vacuum cleaner 1 is supported by the support device 200, but the vacuum cleaner 1 may be supported by the support device 200 in a handheld state in which the extension tube 150 and the suction port body 160 are detached from the main body suction port 32, or in a handheld state in which the suction port body 160 is connected to the main body suction port 32. In both the stick-type and handheld states, the vacuum cleaner 1 may perform a suction operation to discharge dust in the dust collection container 52 into the support device 200, which is configured without the electric blower unit 240.

[0059] <Action and effect> The following describes the effects and the like obtained by the configurations of the vacuum cleaner 1 and vacuum cleaner system S described above.

[0060] (1) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner body 10 having an electric blower 14 that generates suction force, and a dust collecting device 50 for collecting dust sucked by the electric blower 14. The dust collecting device 50 has a dust collection container 52 for collecting dust, which has an inlet 60 in a side wall 58 through which dust flows in, and a structure 54 that forms a dust collection space 56 between the dust collection container 52 and the structure 54 and extends in a direction along the central axis of the dust collection container 52, with the axis X being the extension direction. The structure 54 is characterized by having a first side portion 90 having an exhaust port 94 for discharging air out of the dust collection space 56, a second side portion 98 located outward from the first side portion 90 in a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and an inclined wall 100 located between the first side portion 90 and the second side portion 98 and inclined in a direction approaching the bottom of the dust collection container 52.

[0061] In the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the structure 54, which defines the dust collection space 56 between itself and the dust collection container 52, has an inclined wall 100 that is inclined toward the bottom of the dust collection container 52 between the first side portion 90 having the exhaust port 94 and the second side portion 98 located radially outward from the first side portion 90. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention can guide dust such as hair and dust to the lower side of the dust collection container 52 by the swirling airflow formed around the structure 54, preventing it from becoming entangled with the structure 54. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention can prevent an increase in exhaust resistance caused by dust becoming entangled with the structure 54 and an accompanying decrease in dust collection performance.

[0062] (2) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner body 10 having an electric blower 14 that generates suction force, and a dust collecting device 50 for collecting dust sucked by the electric blower 14. The dust collecting device 50 has an inlet 60 in a side wall 58 through which dust flows, a dust collecting container 52 for collecting dust, and a structure 54 that forms a dust collecting space 56 between the dust collecting container 52 and the structure 54 and extends in a direction along the central axis of the dust collecting container 52, with the axis X being the extension direction. The structure 54 is characterized by having a first side portion 90 having an exhaust port 94 for discharging air out of the dust collecting space 56, a third side portion 120 that is located closer to the bottom of the dust collecting container 52 than the exhaust port 94, and inclined walls 100, 100A that expand outward from the first side portion 90 in a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction and that are inclined in a direction approaching the bottom of the dust collecting container 52.

[0063] In the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the structure 54 that defines the dust collection space 56 between itself and the dust collection container 52 is provided with a first side portion 90 having an exhaust port 94, a third side portion 120 that is located closer to the bottom of the dust collection container 52 than the exhaust port 94, and inclined walls 100, 100A that slope toward the bottom of the dust collection container 52. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention guides dust such as hair and dust to the lower side of the dust collection container 52 by the swirling airflow formed around the structure 54, preventing it from becoming entangled with the structure 54. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention can prevent an increase in exhaust resistance caused by dust becoming entangled with the structure 54 and an accompanying decrease in dust collection performance.

[0064] (3) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to (1) or (2) above, the inclined wall 100, 100A may be formed so as to spiral around the axis.

[0065] By adopting the configuration according to (3) above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can smoothly and reliably form a swirling airflow around the structure 54. This makes it possible for the vacuum cleaner 1 to prevent dust such as hair and dirt from getting wrapped around the structure 54, and to prevent an increase in exhaust resistance and a decrease in dust collection performance that may occur due to dust getting wrapped around the structure 54.

[0066] (4) As exemplified in the above-mentioned modified example, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the structure 54 preferably has a wall portion 102 having a slope different from the slope of the inclined wall 100, and the wall portion 102 is arranged so as to be aligned with the inclined wall 100.

[0067] Even when the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is configured as described above in (4), as in the cases where the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is configured as described above in (1) to (3), the swirling air current formed around the structure 54 guides dust such as hair and dirt to the lower side of the dust collection container 52, thereby preventing the dust from becoming entangled around the structure 54.

[0068] (5) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the second side portion 98 may abut against at least a portion of the inner wall of the dust collection container 52, or may have a gap between the second side portion 98 and the inner wall of the dust collection container 52 that is greater than 0 mm and not greater than 10 mm.

[0069] By adopting the configuration according to (5) above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can prevent dust from being caught between the second side portion 98 and the inner wall of the dust container 52.

[0070] (6) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the side closer to the bottom of the dust collection container 52 in the extension direction is the proximal end of the structure 54, and the side farther from the bottom of the dust collection container 52 is the distal end of the structure 54, and the proximal end of the structure 54 is preferably spaced apart from the bottom of the dust collection container 52.

[0071] By adopting the configuration according to (6) above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can prevent dust collected on the bottom side of the dust collection container 52 from being wrapped around the structure 54 by the swirling flow formed in the dust collection space 56.

[0072] (7) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the side closer to the bottom of the dust collection container 52 in the extension direction is the proximal end of the structure 54, and the side farther from the bottom of the dust collection container 52 is the distal end of the structure 54, and the structure 54 preferably has a tapered portion (third structural portion 84) on the proximal end side compared to the first side portion 90, the radial outer dimension of which decreases as it approaches the bottom of the dust collection container 52 in the extension direction.

[0073] By adopting the configuration according to (7) above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can further prevent dust from wrapping around the structure 54 at the tapered portion (third structural portion 84).

[0074] (8) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the side closer to the bottom of the dust collection container 52 in the extension direction is the proximal end of the structure 54, and the side farther from the bottom of the dust collection container 52 is the distal end of the structure 54, and the inclined walls 100, 100A are preferably inclined so as to approach the bottom of the dust collection container 52 as they move from the distal end side to the proximal end side in the extension direction.

[0075] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 as described above in (8), the air flowing in from the inlet 60 flows smoothly from the distal end to the proximal end along the inclined walls 100, 100A. This allows the vacuum cleaner 1 to further prevent dust from becoming entangled around the structure 54.

[0076] (9) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (8) above, the dust collecting device 50 has a guide portion 110 that guides the airflow flowing from the inlet 60 into the dust collecting space 56, and the guide portion 110 preferably has a guide wall 112 extending in the radial direction between the first side portion 90 and the dust collecting container 52.

[0077] By adopting the configuration according to (9) above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can guide the air flowing in from the inlet 60 so as to prevent it from flowing in the opposite direction to the predetermined swirling direction. This allows the vacuum cleaner 1 to form a swirling flow with the air flowing in from the inlet 60 more smoothly.

[0078] (10) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (9) above, when the dust collecting device 50 is viewed from the central axis direction, the inlet 60 is located on one side in the front-to-rear direction and one side in the left-to-right direction of the dust collecting container 52, and the starting point SE from which the inclined walls 100, 100A begin to extend is located on the other side in the front-to-rear direction and one side in the left-to-right direction.

[0079] By adopting the configuration according to (10) above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can more reliably cause the air flowing in from the inlet 60 to reach the starting end SE of the inclined walls 100, 100A, while generating a swirling flow that flows along the inclined walls 100, 100A.

[0080] (11) As described above, the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention comprises the vacuum cleaner 1 according to any one of (1) to (10) above, and a support device 200 that supports the vacuum cleaner 1, and the dust collection container 52 has a disposal opening 62 on the bottom side for disposing of dust, and an opening / closing section 64 that can open and close the disposal opening 62, and when the support device 200 receives the bottom side of the dust collection container 52 with the opening / closing section 64 in the open state at the receiving section 250, the dust discarded from the disposal opening 62 of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be collected in the dust collection section 230.

[0081] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S as described above in (11), in addition to supporting the vacuum cleaner 1 by the support device 200, the dust collected in the dust collection container 52 of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be collected in the dust collection section 230 of the support device 200.

[0082] When the electric vacuum cleaner system S is configured as described above in (11), as exemplified in the above embodiment, the support device 200 is provided with an electric blower unit 240 that generates suction force, and the suction force of the electric blower unit 240 acts on the dust collection container 52.

[0083] (12) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the second side portion 98 may have an arcuate surface.

[0084] By adopting the configuration according to (12) above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can smoothly form a swirling flow along the second side portion 98 in the dust collection space 56.

[0085] (13) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the guide wall 112 is preferably located between the first side portion 90 and the second side portion 98 and faces the inner wall of the dust collection container 52.

[0086] By adopting the configuration according to (13) above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can more reliably guide the air introduced from the inlet 60 toward the space between the first side portion 90 and the second side portion 98.

[0087] (14) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the guide wall 112 may be located on one side in the front-rear direction and on one side in the left-right direction.

[0088] By adopting the configuration according to (14) above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can prevent the air introduced from the inlet 60 from flowing in the opposite direction to the swirling direction of the air.

[0089] (15) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the end FE where the inclined walls 100, 100A end may be on one side in the front-rear direction and one side in the left-right direction.

[0090] By adopting the configuration according to (15) above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can guide the air introduced from the inlet 60 in the circumferential direction (around the axis of the structure 54) over at least half a circumference, thereby more reliably forming a swirling flow.

[0091] (16) As described above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention is preferably configured such that air flows in from the inlet 60 between the starting end SE in the direction around the axis and the ending end FE where the inclined walls 100, 100A end.

[0092] By adopting the configuration according to (16) above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure that the air introduced from the inlet 60 flows along the inclined wall 100 to form a swirling flow.

[0093] (17) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, it is preferable that air flows in from the inlet 60 between the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100 in the direction around the axis and the guide wall 112.

[0094] By adopting the configuration according to (17) above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can cause the air introduced from the inlet 60 to flow along the inclined walls 100, 100A from a position on the side of the starting end SE of the inclined wall 100. This allows the vacuum cleaner 1 to more reliably form a swirling flow inside the dust collection space 56.

[0095] (18) As described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, the second side portion 98 may have a width in the axial direction that increases toward the direction around the axis.

[0096] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 in accordance with the above (18), the width of the first side portion 90 in the extension direction of the structure 54 and the exhaust port 94 provided therein become smaller toward the direction around the axis. This reduces the possibility that the exhaust port 94 will be blocked by dust accumulated on the bottom side of the dust collection container 52.

[0097] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations thereof, and other embodiments may be possible within the scope of the claims. The components of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention intends to obtain rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] The present invention can be suitably used in vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner systems in general that include vacuum cleaners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1: Vacuum cleaner 10: Vacuum cleaner body 14:Electric blower 50: Dust collector 52: Dust collection container 54 :Structure 56: Dust collection space 58: Side wall 60:Inlet 62: Disposal outlet 64: Opening and closing section 90: First side 94: Exhaust port 98: Second side 100: Slanted wall 110: Guide section 112: Guide wall 120: Third side 200: Support device 230: Dust collection section 240: Electric blower section 250: Receiving S: Vacuum cleaner system

Claims

1. a vacuum cleaner body having an electric blower that generates suction power; a dust collecting device for collecting the dust sucked by the electric blower, The dust collecting device is a dust collection container having an inlet in a side wall through which dust flows in and for collecting the dust; a structure that defines a dust collection space between itself and the dust collection container and extends with its axis extending in a direction along the central axis of the dust collection container, The structure is a first side portion having an exhaust port for discharging air to the outside of the dust collection space; a second side portion located outward relative to the first side portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction; a wall positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion and inclined toward a bottom of the dust collection container,

2. a vacuum cleaner body having an electric blower that generates suction power; a dust collecting device for collecting the dust sucked by the electric blower, The dust collecting device is a dust collection container having an inlet in a side wall through which dust flows in and for collecting the dust; a structure that defines a dust collection space between itself and the dust collection container and extends with its axis extending in a direction along the central axis of the dust collection container, The structure is a first side portion having an exhaust port for discharging air to the outside of the dust collection space; a third side portion located closer to the bottom of the dust collection container than the exhaust port; an inclined wall that expands outward from the first side portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction and that inclines in a direction approaching a bottom of the dust collection container.

3. 3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the inclined wall is formed so as to spiral around the axis.

4. the structure has a wall portion having a slope different from the slope of the inclined wall; The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall portion is arranged to be aligned with the inclined wall.

5. 2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the second side portion abuts against at least a part of the inner wall of the dust collection container, or has a gap between the second side portion and the inner wall of the dust collection container that is greater than 0 mm and not greater than 10 mm.

6. In the extension direction, the side closer to the bottom of the dust collection container is defined as a proximal end of the structure, and the side farther from the bottom of the dust collection container is defined as a distal end of the structure, 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the structure is spaced apart from the bottom of the dust container.

7. With respect to the extension direction, the side closer to the bottom of the dust collection container is defined as a proximal end of the structure, and the side farther from the bottom of the dust collection container is defined as a distal end of the structure, 3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the structure has a tapered portion, the radial outer dimension of which decreases as the structure approaches the bottom of the dust collection container in the extension direction, on the proximal end side relative to the first side portion.

8. With respect to the extension direction, the side closer to the bottom of the dust collection container is defined as a proximal end of the structure, and the side farther from the bottom of the dust collection container is defined as a distal end of the structure, The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inclined wall is inclined in a direction approaching a bottom of the dust collection container as it moves from the distal end side to the proximal end side in the extension direction.

9. The dust collecting device has a guide portion that guides the airflow flowing from the inlet into the dust collecting space, The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide portion has a guide wall extending in the radial direction between the first side portion and the dust container.

10. When the dust collecting device is viewed from the central axis direction, the inlet is located on one side in the front-rear direction and one side in the left-right direction of the dust collection container, 3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a starting end from which the inclined wall starts to extend is located on the other side in the front-rear direction and on one side in the left-right direction.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2; a dust collection unit that collects dust from the vacuum cleaner, and a support device that supports the vacuum cleaner; the dust collection container has a disposal port on the bottom side for disposing of dust, and an opening / closing part that can open and close the disposal port; A vacuum cleaner system characterized in that, when the opening / closing section is in an open state and the bottom side of the dust collection container is received by the receiving section of the support device, dust discarded from the disposal outlet of the vacuum cleaner can be collected in the dust collection section.

Citation Information

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