Filter member

Abstract

To provide a technique for facilitating removal of dust accumulated between two filters.SOLUTION: The filter member of the present disclosure is configured to be attached to a device in which a fluid flows in a vertical direction and to remove foreign matter contained in the fluid. The filter member includes a first filter that has a mesh size capable of capturing a part of foreign matter contained in a fluid flowing through the device and is long in the up-down direction, a second filter that has a mesh size finer than that of the first filter and is long in the up-down direction, and a holding body that holds the first filter and the second filter in a state where the first filter and the second filter face each other with a gap therebetween. The first filter has a flat sheet shape, whereas the second filter is bent so as to form a plurality of ridges extending in the up-down direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter element having two filters. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stick-type vacuum cleaner 300 as shown in Figure 13. The vacuum cleaner 300 has a handle 310 that forms the base end of the vacuum cleaner 300, and this handle 310 is formed so that it can be held by a user. In addition, the tip of the vacuum cleaner 300 is provided with a suction nozzle 320 that can be moved on the floor surface by the user.

[0003] Between the grip part 310 and the suction nozzle 320, there are provided a vacuum cleaner main body 330 incorporating a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust on the floor surface through the suction nozzle 320, and a dust storage part 340 that stores the dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source. This dust storage part 340 is attached to the vacuum cleaner main body 330.

[0004] 14, dust storage unit 340 has dust storage container 341 that opens upward, and lid 342 for opening and closing the opening at the top end of dust storage container 341. In order to prevent dust in dust storage container 341 from flowing into vacuum cleaner body 330, filter unit 343 is arranged on top of dust storage container 341. Filter unit 343 has primary filter 344 and secondary filter 345 that has finer mesh than primary filter 344.

[0005] Primary filter 344 can retain most of the dust in dust storage container 341 within dust storage container 341, but some dust can pass through primary filter 344. However, the dust that passes through primary filter 344 is captured by secondary filter 345 and stored between primary filter 344 and secondary filter 345. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-42332 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In order to discard the dust between primary filter 344 and secondary filter 345, the user removes dust storage unit 340 from vacuum cleaner body 330. Then, the user operates lid unit 342 to open the opening at the top end of dust storage container 341 and removes filter unit 343 from dust storage container 341. The user then disassembles filter unit 343 into primary filter 344 and secondary filter 345 and discards the dust between them. In this way, in order to discard the dust between primary filter 344 and secondary filter 345, the user needs to separate primary filter 344 and secondary filter 345.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that makes it easy to remove dust that has accumulated between two filters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The filter member of the present disclosure is configured to be attached to an apparatus through which a fluid flows vertically and to remove foreign matter contained in the fluid. The filter member includes a first filter that is vertically long and has meshes large enough to capture some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid flowing through the apparatus, a second filter that is vertically long and has finer meshes than the first filter, and a holder that holds the first and second filters facing each other with a gap between them to form a storage space for storing foreign matter between the first and second filters and is configured to be attachable to the apparatus in a position where the second filter is located downstream of the first filter in the direction of fluid flow through the apparatus. The first filter is in the form of a flat sheet, while the second filter is bent to form multiple ridges extending vertically. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, dust between the first filter and the second filter can be easily removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner incorporating a filter member (first embodiment); [Figure 2] Vertical cross section of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of a filter member [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner around a filter member; [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of another filter member [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of another filter member [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another vacuum cleaner around a filter member. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner and a collection device (second embodiment); [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the recovery device [Figure 10] Rear view of the recovery device [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a filter member provided in a pipe of a washing machine (third embodiment); [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of a filter member provided in a pipe of another washing machine [Figure 13] Perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 14] A perspective view of a dust storage section of a conventional vacuum cleaner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of the filter member will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0013] (First embodiment) The filter member can be used in various devices through which a fluid flows. The filter member of this embodiment is used in a vacuum cleaner 100 shown in FIG. 1 and is disposed inside the vacuum cleaner 100. Air flows as a fluid inside the vacuum cleaner 100. The filter member is configured to remove dust contained in this air as foreign matter.

[0014] (Overall structure of the vacuum cleaner) The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a suction nozzle 130 that sucks up dust on the floor, a substantially cylindrical housing 111 that stands upright relative to the suction nozzle 130, and a handle 140 that extends upward from an upper end 112 of the housing 111. The housing 111 and the handle 140 shown in FIG. 1 are in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 130. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in use, the housing 111 and the handle 140 are held by the user in a position tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle 130. Note that the housing 111 and the handle 140 may also be tilted forward relative to the suction nozzle 130.

[0015] Suction nozzle 130 is provided with nozzle case 132 that is wider than housing 111. As shown in Fig. 2, a wide suction space 131 for sucking in dust is formed within nozzle case 132. This suction space 131 opens toward the floor at the front portion of nozzle case 132. Behind this opening, suction space 131 is closed by bottom 134 of nozzle case 132. A rotary scraping brush 133 is arranged in suction space 131, and scraping brush 133 is exposed from nozzle case 132 through the opening of suction space 131 so as to be able to come into contact with the floor.

[0016] The upper part of the housing 111 tapers toward the upper end 112 of the housing 111, and a grip part 140 extends upward from the upper end 112. The grip part 140 is a rod-shaped part having a thickness that allows it to be gripped by a user. As shown in FIG. 1, the grip part 140 is provided with an operation part 141 that is operated by the user.

[0017] Housing 111 is configured to incorporate various components for sucking up dust on the floor surface and storing the sucked up dust. In detail, a suction pipe 113 extending in the vertical direction is disposed inside the lower part of housing 111, as shown in Fig. 2. The internal space of housing 111 above suction pipe 113 is divided into upper and lower parts by filter member 115.

[0018] In the following description, the space above filter member 115 will be referred to as "drive chamber 153," and the space below filter member 115 will be referred to as "dust storage chamber 152." Drive chamber 153 houses suction source 116, which generates a suction force to suck up dust on the floor surface and create an upward suction airflow, and power storage unit 117, which stores power for operating suction source 116. Dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of suction source 116 flows into dust storage chamber 152 through suction nozzle 130 and suction pipe 113.

[0019] 3, the filter member 115 has a first filter 171, a second filter 172, and a holder 190 that holds the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 so that they face each other with a gap between them. As will be described later, the holder 190 is attached inside the housing 111 so that the first filter 171 is located upstream of the second filter 172 in the flow direction of the intake airflow.

[0020] The holder 190 has a first frame portion 191 having a generally rectangular frame shape to which the first filter 171 is attached, and a second frame portion 192 having a generally rectangular frame shape to which the second filter 172 is attached, and the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are elongated in the vertical direction. An upper end portion 193 of the first frame portion 191 is bent backward with respect to a main portion 194 below this upper end portion 193. In addition, an upper end portion 195 of the second frame portion 192 is also bent backward with respect to a main portion 196 below this upper end portion 195.

[0021] The first frame 191 has a certain thickness in the front-rear direction, and the first filter 171 is attached to the first frame 191 so as to fit along the rear surface of the first frame 191. Therefore, the first frame 191 and the first filter 171 form a recess that is open forward. The second frame 192 is placed on the first frame 191 so that the second filter 172 attached to the second frame 192 closes the opening of this recess. When the second frame 192 is placed on the first frame 191, a space is formed between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172, as shown in FIG. 4 . In the following description, this space will be referred to as a “storage space 173.” The storage space 173 is used to store finer dust than the dust stored in the dust storage chamber 152.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 4, the first frame 191 has a boss 197 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of its upper end portion 193. The second frame 192 also has a boss 198 that protrudes from the rear surface of its upper end portion 195. Recesses into which the bosses 197, 198 fit are provided on the inner surface of the rear wall of the housing 111. By fitting the bosses 197, 198 into the recesses, the upper end portions 193, 195 of the first frame 191 and the second frame 192 are fixed to the rear wall of the housing 111. In this state, the storage space 173 between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 extends obliquely downward and forward from the rear ends of the upper end portions 193, 195.

[0023] In order to discharge dust from the storage space 173, a discharge path 180 communicating with the lower end of the storage space 173 is formed in the lower end portion of the first frame portion 191, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The discharge path 180 extends diagonally downward from the storage space 173, and the lower end of the discharge path 180 opens downward. An opening / closing valve 181 for opening and closing the opening at the lower end of the discharge path 180 is attached to the lower end of the first frame portion 191. Note that the opening / closing valve 181 shown in FIG. 4 is in a closed state in which the discharge path 180 is closed. The opening / closing valve 181 can rotate downward from the position shown in FIG. 4 due to its own weight, and can be set to an open state in which the discharge path 180 is open.

[0024] 4, the first frame portion 191 has a boss 199 that protrudes forward from the front surface of the lower end portion of the first frame portion 191. The second frame portion 192 has a semi-ring-shaped fixing plate 160 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the main portion 196, and this fixing plate 160 has a through-hole formed therein that is complementary to the boss 199 of the first frame portion 191. The boss 199 is fitted into this through-hole, thereby fixing the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 to each other.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, a recessed groove 161 extending in the width direction is formed on the front surface of the lower end portion of second frame portion 192. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, a protrusion 163 protrudes rearward from the inner surface of the front wall portion of housing 111. By inserting this protrusion 163 into recessed groove 161 of second frame portion 192, the lower end portion of holder 190 is fixed to the front wall portion of housing 111.

[0026] The mesh of first filter 171 attached to first frame 191 is larger than the mesh of second filter 172 attached to second frame 192. For this reason, some of the dust flowing upward on the suction airflow is captured by first filter 171 and retained in dust storage chamber 152, but dust smaller than the mesh of first filter 171 passes through first filter 171 and flows into storage space 173. However, this small dust is captured by second filter 172, which has relatively small mesh, and retained in storage space 173.

[0027] First filter 171 is in the form of a flat sheet, whereas second filter 172 is bent to form a plurality of protrusions 178 extending in the vertical direction. This allows second filter 172 to have a larger area than first filter 171.

[0028] 1, housing 111 is formed with exhaust port 122 consisting of a number of through holes that communicate with drive chamber 153 above second filter 172, and substantially rectangular dust discharge port 124 that communicates with dust storage chamber 152 below first filter 171. The suction airflow flowing through housing 111 is discharged through exhaust port 122.

[0029] Dust outlet 124 is provided to discharge dust inside dust storage chamber 152. In order to open and close dust outlet 124, a substantially rectangular lid 121 is attached to housing 111 so as to be able to rotate up and down. Note that lid 121 shown in FIG. 1 is in an open state in which dust outlet 124 is open, and lid 121 shown in FIG. 2 is in a closed state in which dust outlet 124 is closed. Lid 121 is biased to the closed state so as to close dust outlet 124 when no external force is acting on lid 121.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, the upper end of dust storage chamber 152 is defined by filter member 115, while the lower end of dust storage chamber 152 is defined by check valve 114 attached to the upper end of suction pipe 113. Check valve 114 shown in Fig. 1 is in a closed state that closes the opening at the upper end of suction pipe 113. When suction source 116 generates an upward suction force, check valve 114 rotates upward from the position shown in Fig. 1 and enters an open state that opens the opening at the upper end of suction pipe 113.

[0031] Suction tube 113 extends in the vertical direction, and the lower end of suction tube 113 is attached to suction nozzle 130. The connection between suction tube 113 and suction nozzle 130 is configured to allow suction tube 113, housing 111, and grip part 140 to tilt backward from the upright position shown in Fig. 1. Note that this connection may also be configured to allow housing 111 and grip part 140 to tilt forward.

[0032] When the suction tube 113, the housing 111, and the grip part 140 are in the upright position shown in Fig. 2, the lower end of the suction tube 113 is in contact with the bottom part 134 of the nozzle case 132. That is, when the housing 111 is in the upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 113 is closed by the bottom part 134 of the nozzle case 132. When the housing 111 is tilted backward from the upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 113 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 2. As a result, the flow path of the suction tube 113 is in communication with the suction space 131 of the nozzle case 132.

[0033] (Explanation of how the vacuum cleaner works) During cleaning work, the user holds the vacuum cleaner 100 in a position where the housing 111 and the grip part 140 are tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle 130. By tilting the housing 111 and the grip part 140 backward relative to the suction nozzle 130, it becomes easier to move the suction nozzle 130 forward while pushing it. In this state, the flow path of the suction tube 113 is in communication with the suction space 131 of the suction nozzle 130.

[0034] When the user then operates operating unit 141 to activate suction source 116, an upward suction force is generated, causing a suction airflow to flow from dust storage chamber 152 to drive chamber 153. At this time, open / close valve 181 of filter member 115 is sucked upward by the pressure of the suction airflow, and enters a closed state that closes discharge path 180. In addition, check valve 114 attached to the upper end of suction pipe 113 is also sucked upward by the suction force of suction source 116, opening the upper end of suction pipe 113.

[0035] When the upper end of suction pipe 113 is opened, the suction force of suction source 116 acts on suction space 131 of suction nozzle 130 through the flow path of filter member 115, dust storage chamber 152, and suction pipe 113. As a result, air near the opening of suction space 131 flows into dust storage chamber 152 through suction space 131 and suction pipe 113. Dust on the floor near the opening of suction space 131 also flows into dust storage chamber 152 on this air flow (i.e., suction airflow).

[0036] At this time, because discharge path 180 is closed by on-off valve 181, the suction airflow that has flowed into dust storage chamber 152 does not flow into discharge path 180, but flows into storage space 173 through first filter 171. Dust contained in this suction airflow that is larger than the mesh of first filter 171 cannot pass through first filter 171 and is retained in dust storage chamber 152. On the other hand, dust that is smaller than the mesh of first filter 171 flows into storage space 173 together with the suction airflow that passes through first filter 171.

[0037] The mesh of second filter 172 defining the upper end of storage space 173 is smaller than the mesh of first filter 171, so while the suction airflow can pass through second filter 172, dust cannot pass through second filter 172 and can be retained within storage space 173. As a result, relatively large dust particles are stored in dust storage chamber 152 below first filter 171, and relatively small dust particles are stored in storage space 173 between first filter 171 and second filter 172.

[0038] While suction source 116 is operating, dust remains adsorbed to the lower surfaces of first filter 171 and second filter 172. On the other hand, when the user operates operation unit 141 to stop suction source 116, the suction force of suction source 116 is lost, and the dust that was adsorbed to the lower surface of first filter 171 falls to the bottom of dust storage chamber 152. At this time, check valve 114 has returned to the position where it closes the upper end of suction pipe 113 with the stopping of suction source 116, so the dust that has fallen from first filter 171 is caught by check valve 114.

[0039] When suction source 116 is stopped, the suction airflow ceases, and on-off valve 181 rotates downward by its own weight, entering an open state that opens discharge path 180. Furthermore, dust that has been adsorbed to the lower surface of second filter 172 falls within storage space 173, which is inclined downward toward discharge path 180, and reaches discharge path 180. This dust then falls from storage space 173 through discharge path 180 into dust storage chamber 152.

[0040] After stopping suction source 116, the user may operate lid 121 to open dust discharge outlet 124 in order to remove dust from dust storage chamber 152. In this state, the user may insert a rod-shaped tool into dust discharge outlet 124 to scrape out the dust inside dust storage chamber 152. Alternatively, the user may hold housing 111 in a position where dust discharge outlet 124 opens downward, causing the dust inside dust storage chamber 152 to fall.

[0041] 2, dust can be discharged from the storage space 173 between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 without disassembling the filter member 115. Therefore, dust can be easily removed from the storage space 173.

[0042] In the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in FIG. 2, second filter 172 has a finer mesh than first filter 171, and is therefore more susceptible to clogging than first filter 171. However, as shown in FIG. 3, second filter 172 has a bent shape to form a plurality of ridges 178, and therefore the area of ​​second filter 172 is larger than the area of ​​first filter 171 by the amount of these ridges 178. This prevents clogging of the entire second filter 172. Note that, although ridges 178 in FIG. 3 are elongated in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the up-down direction) of second filter 172, second filter 172 may be bent to form ridges 178 that are elongated in the width direction of second filter 172.

[0043] It is also possible to increase the area of ​​second filter 172 by a method other than forming protrusions 178. For example, second filter 172 may be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from first filter 171 (i.e., toward drive chamber 153), as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the area of ​​second filter 172 increases by the amount that second filter 172 is curved. Furthermore, storage space 173 between first filter 171 and second filter 172 becomes larger, and more dust can be stored in storage space 173 while suction source 116 is operating. Note that, in order to further increase storage space 173, first filter 171 may be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from second filter 172 (i.e., toward dust storage chamber 152), as shown in FIG. 6.

[0044] If there is little risk of clogging of second filter 172, the area of ​​second filter 172 may be equal to the area of ​​first filter 171. In this case, sheet-like filters may be used as second filter 172 and first filter 171. By using sheet-like filters, filter member 115 can be constructed inexpensively.

[0045] In the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in FIG. 4, the storage space 173 extends obliquely downward toward the discharge path 180. This allows dust to fall within the storage space 173 and move toward the discharge path 180. As shown in FIG. 7, the holder 190 may be configured to hold the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 so as not to impede the movement of dust within the storage space 173 toward the discharge path 180. In FIG. 7, the distance between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 increases as the distance approaches the discharge path 180, so that dust falling toward the discharge path 180 is less likely to be pinched between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172. Furthermore, because the lower end portion of the storage space 173 is wider, dust is less likely to accumulate in this lower end portion in an excessively dense state. This prevents dust from clogging the upper end portion of the discharge path 180 connected to this lower end portion.

[0046] The on-off valve 181 shown in FIG. 4 rotates downward due to its own weight. However, if the on-off valve 181 is lightweight, it is expected that the lower end of the discharge path 180 will not be sufficiently opened simply by the on-off valve 181 rotating downward due to its own weight. To avoid this situation, the on-off valve 181 may be configured to be biased toward an open state. In this case, the on-off valve 181 may be configured, for example, of a thin sheet-like elastic member. The on-off valve 181 may be attached to the first frame portion 191 so as to open the lower end of the discharge path 180 when the suction source 116 is not activated. In this case, when the suction source 116 is activated, the on-off valve 181 may be elastically bent and deformed to a closed state due to the pressure of the suction airflow, thereby closing the discharge path 180.

[0047] The shapes of the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are determined according to the internal shape of the housing 111 to which the filter member 115 is fixed. Therefore, the shapes of the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0048] (Second embodiment) In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment, the on-off valve 181 is opened by its own weight or its own biasing force. However, when an exhaust airflow (flow in the second direction) flows in the opposite direction to the upward suction airflow (flow in the first direction) inside the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100, the on-off valve 181 may be opened by the pressure of the exhaust airflow. In this case, the on-off valve 181 may be biased to be closed. The exhaust airflow can be generated, for example, by a collection device 200 shown in FIG. 8.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 8, collection device 200 is configured to be connectable to vacuum cleaner 100, and is configured to generate a suction force to suck dust from dust chamber 152 of vacuum cleaner 100 while connected to collection device 200, and collect the dust. In detail, collection device 200 has a base plate 220 on which vacuum cleaner 100 is placed, a support part 217 standing on base plate 220, and a housing 210 supported by support part 217 at a position spaced above base plate 220. Support part 217 is smaller than housing 210 and base plate 220 in the front-rear direction, and a recess is formed surrounded by base plate 220, support part 217, and housing 210. A front portion of suction nozzle 130 placed on base plate 220 is inserted into this recess.

[0050] Housing 210 is a generally rectangular box-shaped portion, and a recessed groove 215 into which the front wall portion of housing 111 is fitted is formed on the rear wall of housing 210, as shown in Fig. 9. Recessed groove 215 extends in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0051] 10, a collection port 216 is formed in the recessed groove portion 215, through which dust in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 flows in. The collection port 216 is formed at a height position opposite the lid body 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 placed on the base plate 220. The collection port 216 has a size that allows the lid body 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the open state to enter.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, within housing 210 of collection device 200 are disposed dust suction source 250 that generates a suction force for sucking dust out of dust storage chamber 152 of vacuum cleaner 100, and dust storage box 240 that stores the dust sucked by dust suction source 250. Dust storage box 240 is disposed above dust suction source 250, and filter 247 is disposed between dust storage box 240 and dust suction source 250. Filter 247 is configured to capture dust while allowing air to pass through. Dust suction source 250 sucks air from dust storage box 240 downward through filter 247. At this time, the dust in dust storage box 240 is retained within dust storage box 240 by filter 247.

[0053] A collection duct 230 extends from the dust storage box 240, and the tip of the collection duct 230 is connected to the collection port 216. The collection duct 230 forms a flow path for dust to flow from the collection port 216 to the dust storage box 240.

[0054] (Explanation of the operation of the collection device when collecting dust) The user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 to collect dust accumulated in the dust storage chamber 152. In detail, the user places the vacuum cleaner 100 on the base plate 220 of the collection device 200, and places the housing 111 and the grip part 140 in an upright position. When the upright housing 111 is fitted into the recessed groove part 215 of the collection device 200, the lid body 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 faces the collection port 216 of the collection device 200 in the front-rear direction.

[0055] When dust suction source 250 is activated in this state, the suction force of dust suction source 250 acts on lid body 121 facing collection port 216 through dust storage box 240 and collection duct 230. In response to the suction force of dust suction source 250, lid body 121 changes from a closed state in which dust discharge port 124 is closed to an open state in which dust discharge port 124 is opened.

[0056] When the dust discharge port 124 is opened, the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is in communication with the internal space of the dust storage box 240 through the recovery duct 230. In this state, the suction force of the dust suction source 250 of the collection device 200 acts on the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the dust storage box 240 and the recovery duct 230. Then, the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 flows into the dust storage box 240 through the recovery duct 230.

[0057] While dust is being collected from dust storage chamber 152 to collection duct 230, a downward exhaust airflow is generated in housing 111 from drive chamber 153 toward dust storage chamber 152, as shown in Fig. 8. Also, due to the pressure of the exhaust airflow, on-off valve 181 shown in Fig. 4 rotates toward dust storage chamber 152 and enters an open state. As a result, the opening at the lower end of discharge path 180 is opened.

[0058] A portion of the exhaust airflow passes sequentially through the second filter 172 and the first filter 171. The remaining exhaust airflow passes through the second filter 172, flows through the storage space 173, and then flows out into the dust storage chamber 152 through the exhaust path 180 of the filter member 115 shown in FIG.

[0059] When the discharge airflow passes through second filter 172, dust adhering to the lower surface of second filter 172 can be torn off from second filter 172 by this discharge airflow. This dust is discharged from storage space 173 together with the discharge airflow that flows through storage space 173 and is discharged from discharge path 180 to dust storage chamber 152.

[0060] When the exhaust airflow passes through first filter 171, dust adhering to the lower surface of first filter 171 can be peeled off from first filter 171 by this exhaust airflow. The dust peeled off from first filter 171 and second filter 172 is then collected into dust storage box 240 of collection device 200 through dust discharge port 124 of vacuum cleaner 100 and collection port 216 and collection duct 230 of collection device 200.

[0061] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the second embodiment, the on-off valve 181 can be opened by the pressure of the exhaust airflow inside the housing 111. Therefore, the on-off valve 181 may be biased to be closed. In this case, the sealing performance between the on-off valve 181 and the lower end portion of the exhaust path 180 is improved. Therefore, during cleaning work using the vacuum cleaner 100, the suction airflow is prevented from flowing into the exhaust path 180 through the gap between the on-off valve 181 and the first frame portion 191 that forms the exhaust path 180.

[0062] The vacuum cleaner 100 and collection device 200 of the second embodiment are configured to be connectable to each other, and an exhaust airflow for exhausting dust in the dust storage chamber 152 is generated by the dust suction source 250 of the collection device 200. Alternatively, the suction source 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured to generate not only a suction airflow but also an exhaust airflow. In this case, dust in the dust storage chamber 152 can be exhausted through the dust discharge port 124 even without the collection device 200, and the collection device 200 can be omitted.

[0063] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first and second embodiments, the housing 111 and the grip part 140 do not tilt forward from the upright position. However, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured so that the housing 111 and the grip part 140 can tilt forward from the upright position.

[0064] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first and second embodiments, the cover 121 is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction relative to the housing 111. Alternatively, the cover 121 may be configured to be rotatable in the horizontal direction relative to the housing 111, or may be configured to slide on the housing 111 to open the dust outlet 124.

[0065] The filter member 115 in the first and second embodiments is housed in a stick-type vacuum cleaner 100. However, the filter member 115 may also be housed in an upright-type vacuum cleaner, a canister-type vacuum cleaner, or a handheld vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, the filter member 115 may also be housed in a self-propelled robot vacuum cleaner.

[0066] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first and second embodiments, when the housing 111 is in the upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 113 is closed by the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured such that when the housing 111 is in the upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 113 does not come into contact with the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132 and remains open.

[0067] (Third embodiment) The filter member 115 of the first and second embodiments can remove dust particles as foreign matter from the air flowing inside the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Alternatively, the filter member 115 may be attached to a device through which a liquid flows. For example, the filter member 115 may be attached to a washing machine to remove dirt components contained in water after washing clothes.

[0068] If the washing machine has a conduit extending horizontally as shown in FIG. 11 , filter member 115 may be configured to be disposed midway along the conduit. That is, holder 190 for filter member 115 includes holder tube 154, which holds first filter 171 and second filter 172 spaced horizontally apart, and discharge pipe 155 connected to holder tube 154. Both ends of holder tube 154 are configured to be connectable to pipe members 261, 262 of the washing machine, which extend horizontally upstream and downstream of filter member 115. Discharge pipe 155 is connected to discharge pipe 155 at a position communicating with storage space 173 between first filter 171 and second filter 172, forming discharge path 180 extending downward from storage space 173. Furthermore, discharge pipe 155 is equipped with an on-off valve 181. This on-off valve 181 may be a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to commands from a control unit that controls the operation of the washing machine.

[0069] With the on-off valve 181 closing the discharge pipe 155, when the water after washing the clothes passes through the pipe shown in Fig. 11, large foreign matter (for example, lint) contained in the water is captured by the first filter 171. On the other hand, foreign matter smaller than the mesh size of the first filter 171 is captured by the second filter 172 and retained in the storage space 173. Therefore, water with reduced foreign matter can flow downstream of the filter member 115. This water may be reused for washing clothes.

[0070] When dust is removed from storage space 173, the pipe of the washing machine can be closed downstream of filter member 115. Then, on-off valve 181 opens discharge pipe 155 in response to a command from the control unit of the washing machine. In this state, when water is flowed through the pipe, the water passes through first filter 171, then through storage space 173 and discharge path 180 in this order. Then, foreign matter in storage space 173 can be discharged through discharge path 180 by riding on this water flow.

[0071] 12, in a case where the washing machine is configured to not only cause water to flow in a first direction when washing clothes but also cause water to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction when washing filter member 115, filter member 115 may be configured as follows: That is, an additional discharge pipe 156 may be provided upstream of first filter 171 in the water flow in the first direction, and an additional on-off valve 157 may be attached to this discharge pipe 156.

[0072] In this case, when washing clothes, the washing machine closes on-off valves 181 and 157. When washing filter member 115, the washing machine closes the conduit upstream of filter member 115 and opens on-off valves 181 and 157. When the washing machine flows water in the second direction in this state, some of the water passes through second filter 172 and first filter 171 in this order and is discharged through discharge pipe 156. The remaining water passes through second filter 172 and then is discharged through discharge pipe 155.

[0073] When the water passes through the second filter 172, foreign matter adhering to the second filter 172 can be peeled off from the second filter 172 by the water. Then, the foreign matter is discharged from the storage space 173 through the discharge pipe 155.

[0074] When the water passes through the first filter 171, foreign matter adhering to the first filter 171 can be peeled off from the first filter 171 by the water. Then, the foreign matter is discharged through the discharge pipe 156.

[0075] (Effects, etc.) The filter member 115 according to the above embodiment has the following characteristics and provides the following effects.

[0076] A filter member according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to be attached to an apparatus through which a fluid flows and to remove foreign matter contained in the fluid. The filter member includes a first filter having a mesh size large enough to capture some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid flowing through the apparatus, a second filter having a mesh size finer than the first filter, a holder that holds the first filter and the second filter spaced apart from each other to form a storage space for storing the foreign matter between the first filter and the second filter and is configured to be attachable to the apparatus in an orientation such that the second filter is located downstream of the first filter in the direction of fluid flow through the apparatus, a discharge path provided in the holder so that the foreign matter accumulated in the storage space can be discharged out of the storage space, and an on-off valve for opening and closing the discharge path.

[0077] In the above-described configuration, fluid in the device passes through the first filter and the second filter sequentially. At this time, some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid is captured by the first filter, but foreign matter smaller than the mesh size of the first filter passes through the first filter. However, these foreign matter can be captured by the second filter, which has smaller mesh sizes than the first filter. At this time, if the on-off valve closes the discharge path formed in the holder, the foreign matter captured by the second filter is retained in the storage space between the first filter and the second filter. Thereafter, if the on-off valve opens the discharge path, the foreign matter accumulated in the storage space can be discharged to the outside of the storage space through the discharge path, eliminating the need to separate the first filter and the second filter.

[0078] In the above-described configuration, the discharge path may be formed so as to extend downward or diagonally downward from the storage space and open downward, when the holder is attached to the device in a position that allows foreign matter in the storage space to fall toward the discharge path due to gravity.

[0079] In the above-described configuration, the foreign matter in the storage space can move toward the discharge path due to gravity. At this time, if the on-off valve opens the discharge path, the foreign matter in the storage space can be discharged out of the storage space through the discharge path due to the action of gravity.

[0080] In the above-described configuration, the holder may be configured to hold the first filter and the second filter such that the distance between the first filter and the second filter increases toward the discharge passage.

[0081] In the above-described configuration, the distance between the first filter and the second filter increases as the filter approaches the discharge passage, making it difficult for foreign matter moving toward the discharge passage to be pinched between the first filter and the second filter. In other words, foreign matter in the storage space can reach the discharge passage without being obstructed by the first filter and the second filter.

[0082] In the above-described configuration, the on-off valve may be configured to be in a closed state in which the discharge path is closed by the pressure of the fluid flowing within the device, and to be in an open state in which the discharge path is opened by the weight of the on-off valve when this pressure is removed.

[0083] In the above-described configuration, while the fluid is flowing through the device, the pressure of the fluid causes the on-off valve to close and close the discharge path, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing into the storage space through the discharge path without passing through the first filter.

[0084] When the fluid flow stops, the fluid pressure disappears. In this state, the on-off valve opens due to its own weight, opening the drain path. As a result, foreign matter in the storage space is discharged out of the storage space through the drain path due to the action of gravity.

[0085] In the above-described configuration, the on-off valve may be biased to an open state that opens the discharge passage, or may be configured to be biased to a closed state that closes the discharge passage by pressure of the fluid flowing through the device.

[0086] In the above-described configuration, when no fluid is flowing through the device, the on-off valve can open the drain path. Then, when fluid flows through the device, the pressure of the fluid causes the on-off valve to close the drain path. This prevents the fluid from flowing into the storage space through the drain path without passing through the first filter. During this time, foreign matter that has passed through the first filter is stored in the storage space. Then, when the flow of fluid stops again, the on-off valve opens, opening the drain path. Then, the foreign matter in the storage space is discharged out of the storage space through the drain path.

[0087] In the above-described configuration, the device may be configured to allow the fluid to flow in a first direction in which the fluid passes through the first filter and the second filter in sequence, or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The on-off valve may be configured to be in a closed state in which the discharge path is closed by the pressure of the fluid when the fluid is flowing in the first direction, and to be in an open state in which the discharge path is opened by the pressure of the fluid when the fluid is flowing in the second direction.

[0088] In the above-described configuration, when a fluid flows in the first direction, the pressure of the fluid causes the on-off valve to close the discharge path, thereby preventing the fluid flowing in the first direction from flowing into the storage space through the discharge path without passing through the first filter.

[0089] When the fluid flows in the second direction, the pressure of the fluid causes the on-off valve to open the discharge path, allowing foreign matter in the storage space to be discharged through the discharge path. At this time, a portion of the fluid flowing in the second direction passes through the second filter and the first filter in sequence, while the remaining fluid flows through the storage space and is discharged through the discharge path. Foreign matter in the storage space can ride on the flow of the fluid and be discharged out of the storage space through the discharge path.

[0090] In the above-described configuration, the second filter may have an area larger than the area of ​​the first filter.

[0091] In the above configuration, the second filter has finer mesh than the first filter, making it more susceptible to clogging than the first filter. However, the area of ​​the second filter is larger than the area of ​​the first filter, preventing the entire second filter from becoming clogged.

[0092] In the above-described configuration, the second filter may be bent so that a ridge is formed on the surface of the second filter.

[0093] In the above-described configuration, the second filter is bent to form ridges on its surface, which allows the second filter to have a larger area by the amount of the ridges than when the second filter is flat and unbent. This prevents the second filter from becoming clogged, even if the mesh of the second filter is relatively fine.

[0094] In the above-described configuration, one of the first filter and the second filter may have a curved shape so as to be spaced apart from the other filter.

[0095] In the above-described configuration, one of the first and second filters has a curved shape that is spaced apart from the other filter, thereby increasing the storage space, and therefore allowing more foreign matter to be stored in the storage space. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The filter member of the above-described embodiment is suitable for use in various devices that require the removal of foreign matter from a fluid (for example, a vacuum cleaner, a washing machine, a dishwasher, or an air purifier). [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 115 Filter member 171 First filter 172 Second filter 173 Storage space 178·············Sudden bar 190············Maintain body

Claims

1. A filter member that is attached to a device through which a fluid flows in a vertical direction and removes foreign matter contained in the fluid, a first filter having openings large enough to capture some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid flowing through the device and elongated in the vertical direction; a second filter having finer mesh than the first filter and being longer in the vertical direction; a holder configured to hold the first filter and the second filter facing each other with a gap between them, thereby forming a storage space for storing foreign matter between the first filter and the second filter, and to be attachable to the device in a position where the second filter is located downstream of the first filter in the flow direction of fluid in the device; The first filter is a flat sheet, whereas the second filter is bent to form a plurality of protrusions extending in the vertical direction.

2. The filter element according to claim 1 , wherein the second filter has an area larger than an area of ​​the first filter.

3. 3. The filter member according to claim 1, wherein one of the first filter and the second filter has a curved shape so as to be spaced apart from the other filter.

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