Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner system capable of easily collecting dust on a vacuum cleaner side.SOLUTION: The electric vacuum cleaner system S includes the vacuum cleaner 1 including the main body portion 10 having the first electric blower 14 and the first dust collecting portion 50, and the dust collecting device 100 configured to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 by communicating with the first dust collecting portion 50, wherein the first dust collecting portion 50 includes a first dust collecting container in which dust is accumulated, an opening / closing portion capable of opening and closing a disposal port at a bottom portion of the dust collecting container in a state where the first dust collecting portion 50 is attached to the main body portion 10, and a locking portion configured to lock the opening / closing portion in a closed state. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 includes a release means for releasing the lock part, the lock part has a locking part which can be engaged with and disengaged from the opening / closing part, and the opening / closing part can be opened by releasing the locking by the locking part by the release means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-283327, a conventional vacuum cleaner generates a suction airflow and collects dust with the generated airflow, and includes a vacuum cleaner main body having a dust case on the main body side that collects and stores dust, and an installation stand having a dust case on the installation stand side that stores dust from the dust case on the main body, and is provided with a means for discharging dust from the dust case on the main body side of the vacuum cleaner main body into the dust case on the installation stand when the vacuum cleaner main body is installed on the installation stand. The vacuum cleaner in the above-mentioned patent document is provided with valves on both the vacuum cleaner main body and the installation stand, and the valves are opened by the airflow from the fan motor, allowing dust to be discharged from the dust case on the vacuum cleaner main body side to the dust case on the installation stand. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-283327 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the electric vacuum cleaner described in the above-mentioned patent document, the valves provided in the dust cases on both the vacuum cleaner body side and the installation stand side are opened and closed by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, which has the problem that the degree of opening and closing of the valves is affected by the suction performance of the vacuum cleaner body side.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner system that can easily collect dust from the vacuum cleaner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vacuum cleaner system of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises: a vacuum cleaner having a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force, and a first dust collecting section in which dust is collected; and a dust collection device having a second dust collecting section that collects dust and is connected to the first dust collecting section to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner, wherein the first dust collecting section has a dust collection container in which dust accumulates, an opening and closing section that can open and close a disposal port at the bottom of the dust collection container when the first dust collecting section is attached to the main body, and a locking section that locks the opening and closing section in a closed state; and the vacuum cleaner or the dust collection device is provided with a release means for releasing the locking section, and the locking section can be unlocked by the release means to open the opening and closing section.

[0007] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system of the present invention as described above, when the locking section is released by the release means and the opening / closing section is set to the open state, the first dust collecting section and the second dust collecting section are connected to each other, and dust accumulated in the dust collecting space of the first dust collecting section can be collected in the second dust collecting section of the dust recovery device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, dust on the electric vacuum cleaner side can be easily collected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an electric vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the electric vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a first dust collecting unit in the electric vacuum cleaner with the opening / closing unit in a closed state. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a dust collecting unit attached to the vacuum cleaner body. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the dust collecting unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 6]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the dust collecting unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first inner cylinder is disposed inside an outer cylinder in the dust collecting section of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a dust collection device included in the vacuum cleaner system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a main part of the electric vacuum cleaner system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a vacuum cleaner system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a receiving portion of a vacuum cleaner system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an opening / closing section and a locking section, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the opening / closing section and the locking section. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first dust collecting section according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a first dust collecting section according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of a first dust collecting section according to a modified example. [Figure 17] 10 is an enlarged side view of the main body of the first dust collecting unit according to a modified example, showing the vicinity of the dust collecting unit attachment portion to which the first dust collecting unit is attached. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example in which the receiving portion is not provided with an opening means. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example in which the receiving portion is not provided with a release means. [Figure 20] 10 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a locking portion is exposed from the outside of a receiving portion so as to be operable. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a notch is provided in a position corresponding to a locking portion in a receiving portion. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example in which the receiving portion is not provided with an opening means and a release means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a vacuum cleaner 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a vacuum cleaner system S including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner 1 will be outlined first, followed by a more detailed description of the main parts. 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 vacuum cleaner 1 is set upright as shown in FIG.

[0011] 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 main body 10, a handle 20, a first dust collection section 50 (dust collection section), an extension tube 180, and a suction tool 190. The vacuum cleaner system S can be placed upright on the stand 200 with the suction tool 190 placed on the stand 200.

[0012] Main body 10 forms the main body of vacuum cleaner 1 and is the part that exerts suction force and performs the function of collecting dust. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, main body 10 includes, inside main body case 12 that forms the housing, a first electric blower 14 (electric blower) for sucking air and generating an airflow, a drive circuit for driving other electronic components, and other components.

[0013] The main body 10 includes a battery housing 15 that houses a battery 15a. The battery 15a (battery housing 15) is provided in an area of ​​the main body 10 that is rearward of the position where the handle portion 20 is provided.

[0014] A suction port 38y for connecting an extension tube 180 or a suction tool 190 is provided at the lower end of the main body 10. The main body 10 has a pipe section 38x that forms the suction port 38y at one end and that forms an outlet that communicates with the inlet of the first dust collecting section 50. The suction port 38y is provided on the lower side of the main body 10 in the vertical direction. The battery housing section 15 is arranged to be aligned with the handle section 20 in a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the axial direction (up-down direction) of the main body 10. In other words, the first electric blower 14 and the battery housing section 15 are arranged to be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 10.

[0015] The handle 20 is a portion provided to allow a user of the vacuum cleaner 1 to grip the main body 10. The handle 20 forms an opening 22 between the handle 20 and the main body 10, through which the user can insert their hand. The opening 22 is opened so that its vertical length is greater than its longitudinal length. The vacuum cleaner 1 is configured so that the user can grip the main body 10, for example, by passing their fingers except for the thumb through the opening formed by the handle 20. The handle 20 is provided above the main body 10. The handle 20 is also located at the front of the main body 10. The main body 10 also has an external exhaust port on one or both left and right sides for discharging exhaust air from the first electric blower 14 to the outside.

[0016] The first dust collecting section 50 is a section where dust sucked by the vacuum cleaner 1 is collected. The first dust collecting section 50 is provided so as to be continuous with the main body 10. Specifically, the first dust collecting section 50 is arranged so as to be aligned with the first electric blower 14 in the axial direction (up-down direction) of the main body 10. The first dust collecting section 50 is also arranged so as to be aligned with the pipe section 38x in a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the axial direction (up-down direction) of the main body 10. In this embodiment, the first dust collecting section 50 is a cyclone-type dust collecting container that can centrifuge at least a portion of dust from the air sucked in by the operation of the electric blower.

[0017] Extension pipe 180 is a cylindrical member that detachably connects main body 10 and suction tool 190. One end of extension pipe 180 is shaped so that it can be inserted into suction port 38y provided in pipe portion 38x of main body 10, and the other end is shaped so that it can be connected to suction tool 190. By connecting main body 10 and suction tool 190 via extension pipe 180, a continuous, communicating path (air passage) from suction tool 190 to main body 10 can be formed.

[0018] Suction tool 190 is connected directly to suction port 38y of main body 10, or indirectly via extension pipe 180. Suction tool 190 has suction port 192 (see FIG. 10) and joint part 194. Suction port 192 opens toward the bottom. Joint part 194 can be connected to suction port 38y or extension pipe 180. Characteristic features of suction tool 190 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is generally configured as described above. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 has a characteristic arrangement of the above-described components. Specifically, in the vertical direction of the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the upper end of the opening 22 is located at a position lower than the upper end of the battery 15a. Furthermore, in the vertical direction of the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the upper end of the battery storage section 15 is located at a position lower than the upper end of the handle section 20. In the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the battery 15a and the handle section 20 are arranged above a boundary line H that passes through the center of the first electric blower 14 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the handle section 20 and the battery 15a are arranged to face each other, with a central axis V that passes through the center of the first electric blower 14 and extends in the vertical direction as the boundary. In the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the pipe section 38x and the handle section 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. In the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the central axis of the first dust collecting section 50 coincides with the central axis V of the first electric blower 14. Note that the first electric blower 14 may be disposed so that the central axis V is shifted forward from the rotation axis of the first dust collecting section 50.

[0020] Second Embodiment Next, a description will be given of a vacuum cleaner 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a vacuum cleaner system S including the same. In this embodiment, components common to the above-described vacuum cleaner 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] <<Overall configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner system S>> As shown in Fig. 9, the vacuum cleaner system S includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100. The vacuum cleaner system S includes a stand 200 in addition to the dust collection device 100, but the stand 200 may also be included as part of the dust collection device 100. The vacuum cleaner system S is configured to be able to collect dust collected in the vacuum cleaner 1 in the dust collection device 100 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is set on the stand 200. The vacuum cleaner system S is characterized by the configuration of the first dust collection section 50 included in the vacuum cleaner 1, the configuration of the dust collection device 100, the configuration of the stand 200, etc. Below, the characteristic configurations of the vacuum cleaner system S and the vacuum cleaner 1 of the second embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0022] <Configuration of first dust collecting section 50> The first dust collecting unit 50 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, etc. The first dust collecting unit 50 is detachably attached to the main body 10. The first dust collecting unit 50 is a so-called cyclone-type dust collecting device. That is, the first dust collecting unit 50 introduces air sucked in by operating the first electric blower 14 into the first dust collecting container 52, forms a swirling airflow within the first dust collecting container 52, and then discharges the air, thereby collecting dust contained in the air. The first dust collecting unit 50 can be of a so-called single-stage or multi-stage separation type, but the present embodiment employs a single-stage separation type.

[0023] The first dust collecting unit 50 is disposed on one side (lower side) of the main body 10 in the up-down direction (longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner 1). The first dust collecting unit 50 has a first dust collecting container 52 (outer cylinder) and a structure 54, with a dust collecting space 56 formed therebetween. The first dust collecting unit 50 is configured to generate a swirling airflow between the structure 54 and the first dust collecting container 52 by air introduced into the dust collecting space 56. The first dust collecting unit 50 is detachable from the main body 10 at a position below the first electric blower 14. For example, the first dust collecting unit 50 may be configured such that its bottom side is engaged with the pipe 38x and its upper side is provided with a lock button for locking or unlocking the first dust collecting unit 50 relative to the main body case 12, or such that its bottom side is provided with a lock button for locking or unlocking the first dust collecting unit 50 relative to the pipe 38x and its upper side is engaged with the main body case 12.

[0024] The first dust collecting container 52 shown in Figures 3 to 6 is a container for accumulating dust therein. The first dust collecting container 52 is a hollow cylindrical body. As a result, the first dust collecting unit 50 is provided with a first dust collecting chamber 52a that forms a dust collecting space 56 inside the first dust collecting container 52. The first dust collecting container 52 is open on the other side (upper side) in the axial direction. The first dust collecting container 52 also has a disposal opening 52b and an opening / closing portion 52c at the lower end side of the first dust collecting chamber 52a.

[0025] The first dust collecting container 52 has a disposal port 52b (opening) on ​​one side (lower side) in the vertical direction. The disposal port 52b is an opening that allows dust to be disposed of from the first dust collecting chamber 52a. The disposal port 52b is open at the lower end of the first dust collecting chamber 52a. Furthermore, the opening / closing portion 52c is capable of closing the disposal port 52b at the bottom of the first dust collecting chamber 52a when the first dust collecting unit 50 is attached to the main body 10. Therefore, when the opening / closing portion 52c is in the open state, dust accumulated in the first dust collecting chamber 52a can be disposed of through the disposal port 52b. Examples of the opening / closing portion 52c include a lid and a valve, but in this embodiment, the opening / closing portion 52c is a lid that can close the disposal port 52b. The opening / closing portion 52c is connected to the first dust collecting chamber 52a (the outer cylinder that constitutes the first dust collecting container 52) so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 52e. The opening / closing portion 52c has a contact portion 52f in an area on one side of the rotation shaft 52e, and a closing portion 52g in an area on the other side.

[0026] The contact portion 52f can be contacted by a second contact portion 152 provided on the receiving portion 130 of the dust collection device 100, which will be described in detail later. The blocking portion 52g is a portion that blocks the disposal opening 52b. The opening / closing portion 52c can rotate the blocking portion 52g so that the blocking portion 52g moves away from the disposal opening 52b by applying a force to the contact portion 52f, for example, by contacting the second contact portion 152 with the contact portion 52f. This allows the disposal opening 52b to be opened. Preferably, the opening / closing portion 52c is biased by a biasing member 52h (a torsion spring in this embodiment) at a portion closer to the contact portion 52f than the pivot shaft 52e. This biases the blocking portion 52g in a direction that closes the disposal opening 52b. The open-close portion 52c can rotate the closing portion 52g away from the disposal outlet 52b by, for example, abutting the second abutment portion 152 against the abutment portion 52f, thereby applying a force to the abutment portion 52f against the biasing force of the biasing member 52h, thereby opening the disposal outlet 52b. While the disposal outlet 52b has an opening surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52, it may also have an opening surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52. For example, the opening surface of the disposal outlet 52b may be inclined toward one side or the other of the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52 as it moves away from the rotation shaft 52e. This allows dust in the first dust collecting chamber 52a to easily form clumps, making it easier for the dust to be sucked up by the dust collection device 100.

[0027] The first dust collecting unit 50 is configured such that a locking portion 55, as schematically shown in FIG. 13(a), is provided on either the opening / closing portion 52c (closing portion 52g) or the first dust collecting container 52. The locking portion 55 can lock the operation of the opening / closing portion 52c when the disposal opening 52b of the first dust collecting container 52 is closed by the opening / closing portion 52c (closing portion 52g) (closed state). The locking portion 55 includes an abutment portion 57 and a rotating shaft 58. The abutment portion 57 is supported by the rotating shaft 58 so as to be rotatable. The abutment portion 57 has an engaging portion 57a ​​on one side via the rotating shaft 58 and an abutment region 57b on the other side.

[0028] The engaging portion 57a ​​is capable of engaging with and disengaging from an engaged portion 52k provided on the bottom surface of the opening-closing portion 52c. When the disposal opening 52b of the first dust collecting container 52 is closed by the opening-closing portion 52c, the locking portion 55 can engage the engaging portion 57a ​​with the engaged portion 52k to lock the opening-closing portion 52c so that it cannot be opened or closed (cannot rotate around the rotation shaft 52e). The engaging portion 57a ​​may be biased by a spring so as to rotate in the engaging direction. Conversely, the locking portion 55 can disengage the engaging portion 57a ​​from the engaged portion 52k by applying a pressing force from below to above an abutment region 57b located on the abutment portion 57 opposite the rotation shaft 58 from the engaging portion 57a, thereby rotating the abutment portion 57. This allows the locking portion 55 to be in an unlocked state in which the opening / closing portion 52c is freely rotatable (rotatable around the rotation shaft 52e).

[0029] The first dust collecting unit 50 is configured such that a locking portion 55A as shown in FIG. 13(b) is provided on the first dust collecting container 52. The locking portion 55A can lock the operation of the opening / closing portion 52c when the disposal opening 52b of the first dust collecting container 52 is closed (closed state) by the opening / closing portion 52c (blocking portion 52g). The locking portion 55A includes an abutment portion 57 and a rotating shaft 58. The abutment portion 57 is supported by the rotating shaft 58 so as to be rotatable. The abutment portion 57 has a locking portion 57a1 on one side via the rotating shaft 58 and an abutment area 57b on the other side.

[0030] The locking portion 57a1 is capable of engaging with and disengaging from a locked portion 52k1 provided on the opening-closing portion 52c. When the opening-closing portion 52c closes the waste outlet 52b of the first dust collecting container 52, the locking portion 55A can lock the locking portion 57a1 with the locked portion 52k1, thereby preventing the opening-closing portion 52c from opening or closing (rotating around the pivot shaft 52e). The locking portion 57a1 may be biased by an elastic member 59a (e.g., a spring or rubber) so as to rotate in the locking direction. Conversely, the locking portion 55A can disengage the locking portion 57a1 from the locked portion 52k1 by applying a pressing force from below to above an abutment region 57b located on the opposite side of the pivot shaft 58 from the locking portion 57a1 to rotate the abutment portion 57. This allows the locking portion 55A to be in an unlocked state in which the opening / closing portion 52c is freely rotatable (rotatable around the rotation shaft 52e).

[0031] To prevent the user from unintentionally touching the locking portion 55A, it is preferable that the locking portion 55A be located closer to the pipe portion 38x than the rotating shaft 52e. The locking portion 55A preferably has a casing 59b (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13(b)) that houses the abutment portion 57, the rotating shaft 58, and the elastic member 59a. The locked portion 52k1 preferably protrudes radially beyond the first dust-collecting container 52.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first dust collecting container 52 has a dust collecting inlet 52x (inlet) on its periphery. The dust collecting inlet 52x serves as an inlet for allowing air drawn from the suction port 38y into an air passage formed inside the pipe 38x to flow into the first dust collecting container 52. The dust collecting inlet 52x is located at a position corresponding to an opening at the end of the pipe 38x, for example, at the middle of the first dust collecting container 52 in the vertical direction (axial direction). Therefore, by attaching the first dust collecting unit 50 to the main body 10, the dust collecting inlet 52x can be connected to the air passage formed inside the pipe 38x. The dust collecting inlet 52x can also introduce air discharged from the air passage formed inside the pipe 38x into the dust collecting space 56 in a tangential direction to the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collecting container 52. Therefore, the air introduced into the dust collection space 56 from the dust collection section inlet 52x forms a swirling flow that flows along the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collection container 52.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the structural body 54 is a component disposed inside the first dust collecting container 52. The structural body 54 is a component that defines a dust collecting space 56 into which air flows between the structural body 54 and the first dust collecting container 52. The structural body 54 is disposed so that its axial center position is approximately aligned with that of the first dust collecting container 52. The structural body 54 has a portion (a tapered portion 70, described below) formed so that its outer shape becomes smaller from one side (the upper side in the drawing) to the other side (the lower side in the drawing) in the axial direction. The structural body 54 has a first inner tube 60 (inner tube) and one side tube portion 64, and further has a connector 62, although this is not an essential component. The first inner tube 60 is connected to the one side tube portion 64. If the connector 62 is provided, the first inner tube 60 is connected to at least one of the one side tube portion 64 and the connector 62.

[0034] 4 and 7, the first inner cylinder 60 includes a tapered portion 70 and an extending portion 72. The first inner cylinder 60 also includes a first guide portion 74 and a second guide portion 76 on the outer periphery of the tapered portion 70.

[0035] The tapered portion 70 is a portion formed so that its outer shape becomes smaller from one side in the axial direction (the upper side in the drawing) to the other side (the lower side in the drawing). The tapered portion 70 is formed in a truncated cone shape, and is formed so that the outer circumferential surface slopes linearly toward the axial center as it moves from one side in the axial direction to the other side. The tapered portion 70 is open toward one side in the axial direction (the upper side), but includes a closed portion 70a that is closed on the other side in the axial direction (the lower side).

[0036] 4, the tapered portion 70 is formed so that the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 70b on one axial side is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first dust collecting container 52. A circumferential groove 70c extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 70b. The tapered portion 70 can form a first sealing portion 73 that seals a gap formed between the tapered portion 70 and the inner peripheral surface of the first dust collecting container 52 by using an airtight member (first airtight member 70d) made of an O-ring or the like that is attached to the circumferential groove 70c. That is, by setting the tapered portion 70 inside the first dust collecting container 52 with the closing portion 70a facing the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52, the first sealing portion 73 is formed, in which the first airtight member 70d attached to the circumferential groove 70c and the inner peripheral surface of the first dust collecting container 52 are in tight contact with each other. Further, on the other axial side (the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52) of the first sealing portion 73, a dust collecting space 56 is formed between the tapered portion 70 (first inner cylinder 60) and the first dust collecting container 52. Further, the first sealing portion 73 is formed above the dust collecting portion inlet 52x that communicates with the dust collecting space 56.

[0037] In addition to forming the dust collection space 56 as described above, the tapered portion 70 also functions as a dust collection space exhaust portion 80 for exhausting air from the dust collection space 56. Specifically, the tapered portion 70 has a large number of vent holes 70e formed in the circumferential direction to communicate the inside and outside of the tapered portion 70. The tapered portion 70 may be formed by resin molding or by a mesh member 82. The mesh member 82 is a mesh-like member made of a resin material, a metal material, or a combination thereof. Therefore, dust contained in air passing through the vent holes 70e that form the dust collection space exhaust portion 80 can be captured by the mesh member 82. A resin molded tapered portion 70 has a smoother surface than a mesh member 82, which reduces dust trapping.

[0038] The extending portion 72 is a cylindrical portion formed to extend further from the tapered portion 70 toward the other side in the up-down direction (toward the opening / closing portion 52c). In this embodiment, the extending portion 72 extends toward the other side in the axial direction from its base end on the other axial direction (the lower end in the illustrated example). The extending portion 72 is formed inside the dust collection space 56 so as to be spaced away from the bottom of the first dust collection container 52 toward one side in the axial direction (the upper side in the illustrated example). The extending portion 72 is formed to surround the periphery of the closing portion 70a. As a result, the extending portion 72 has a cylindrical shape whose upper end is closed by the closing portion 70a and whose lower end is open. Because the extending portion 72 is provided to surround the periphery of the closing portion 70a, airflows and dust that rise from the bottom of the first dust collection container 52 at a position on the axial center side of the dust collection space 56 collide with the closing portion 70a and are less likely to spread in a direction intersecting the axial direction. As a result, in the vacuum cleaner 1, dust such as hair and dirt contained in the airflow is less likely to become entangled in the tapered portion 70. The extension portion 72 is cylindrical. It is preferable that the extension portion 72 has a cylindrical shape with the same outer dimensions from the upper end to the lower end, or a tapered cylindrical shape whose outer dimensions become smaller from the upper end to the lower end. This makes it possible to prevent the airflow and dust that have been guided by the first guide portion 74 and smoothly guided toward the other axial side (the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52) from becoming entangled in the extension portion 72. Note that the extension portion 72 is not limited to being cylindrical, and may be configured such that multiple extension members extending in the axial direction are provided at intervals from one another.

[0039] Furthermore, the closing portion 70a may have a convex shape on the central side that extends outward toward the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, and more preferably may be curved. This makes it easier for the closing portion 70a to move air currents and dust that have risen from the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 toward the extending portion 72 at a position on the axial side of the dust collecting space 56.

[0040] Furthermore, the opening / closing portion 52c provided as the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 is provided with a plurality of ribs 52i (protrusions) that restrict the movement of dust due to the swirling air current. The ribs 52i are provided to extend toward the structure 54. The first dust collecting portion 50 may be provided with no ribs 52i or only one rib 52i, but in this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 52i are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the opening / closing portion 52c may be provided with protrusions extending toward the structure 54 (blocking portion 70a) instead of or in addition to the ribs 52i. When protrusions are provided together with the ribs 52i, the ribs 52i are arranged around the protrusions at intervals in a direction intersecting the axis (in this embodiment, the radial direction). The protrusions are preferably columnar, for example, cylindrical, rectangular, or cross-shaped, or tapered toward the structure 54. This prevents dust collected below the blocking portion 70a from being moved by air currents. If the bottom of the first dust collection container 52 is a lid-like structure that can be rotated to open and close, dust can be easily disposed of even if it becomes tangled in the protrusions or ribs 52i.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first guide portion 74 is a rib-like portion provided on the outer periphery of the tapered portion 70 and abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collecting container 52. When the structure 54 is inserted into the first dust collecting container 52 with the tapered portion 70 and the extending portion 72 facing the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, the first guide portion 74 is disposed between the first dust collecting container 52 and the first inner cylinder 60. The first guide portion 74 functions as a guide member for guiding the airflow that flows from the dust collecting section inlet 52x into the dust collecting space 56 and swirls along the inner periphery of the first dust collecting container 52 to the other axial side (the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52). The first guide portion 74 extends from one axial side to the other axial side (from the upper side to the lower side in the illustrated example) so as to approach the dust collecting section inlet 52x. An end of the first guide portion 74 may reach the dust collecting section inlet 52x. In other words, the first guide portion 74 extends from one side to the other in the axial direction (from the upper side to the lower side in the illustrated example) so as to approach the dust collection inlet 52x from a position upstream of the dust collection inlet 52x in the swirling direction of the airflow. Note that, although the first guide portion 74 has been described as being provided on the structure 54, it may also be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collection container 52. In this case, it is preferable that the first guide portion 74 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the tapered portion 70 (structure 54).

[0042] Similar to the first guide portion 74, the second guide portion 76 is a rib-like portion provided on the outer periphery of the tapered portion 70. The second guide portion 76 is a rib that functions as a guide member for guiding the airflow flowing from the dust-collecting-portion inlet 52x into the dust-collecting space 56. The second guide portion 76 is formed between the first dust-collecting container 52 and the first inner cylinder 60 so as to intersect with the axial direction and extend along the swirling direction. The second guide portion 76 is connected to the terminal end of the first guide portion 74 described above.

[0043] The connector 62 functions as an airflow outlet 67 for discharging air that has flowed into the dust collection space 56 to the outside of the first dust collecting section 50. Although not a required component, the airflow outlet 67 may preferably include a filter. The connector 62 may be detachably connected to the first inner tube 60. If the connector 62 is detachable from the first inner tube 60, the other axial end of the connector 62 may be connected to the inside of the first inner tube 60. As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the connector 62 may be formed, for example, as a cylindrical frame. The connector 62 is disposed inside the first inner tube 60 (on the axial side of the first dust collecting section 50). The connector 62 is connected to both or either of the first inner tube 60 and the one-side tube portion 64. In this embodiment, the connector 62 is connected to the first inner tube 60. This forms an internal space 84 between the first inner tube 60 and the connector 62. The connector 62 has a filter 94 for capturing dust contained in the air flowing into the ventilation hole 70e of the tapered portion 70. The second inner cylinder filter 94 is a mesh with many fine holes formed therein. Although the present embodiment is configured to include the second inner cylinder filter 94, it is not necessary to provide it.

[0044] 4 and 6, the one side cylinder portion 64 is provided in a direction (one axial side) away from the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52 with respect to the above-mentioned connecting body 62. The one side cylinder portion 64 is provided integrally with or detachably attached to the connecting body 62, and is provided at a position adjacent to the upper side of the connecting body 62. As shown in FIG. 6, the one side cylinder portion 64 has an expanded diameter portion 64a, an intermediate portion 64b, and a filter placement portion 64c.

[0045] The expanded diameter portion 64a extends upward from the connector 62. The expanded diameter portion 64a tapers upward. The intermediate portion 64b is located adjacent to the expanded diameter portion 64a in the axial direction and upward. The intermediate portion 64b extends in the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52. A circumferential groove 64d extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one side tube portion 64. A second sealing portion 65 that seals a gap formed between the one side tube portion 64 and the inner peripheral surface of the first dust collecting container 52 can be formed by an airtight member (second airtight member 64e) such as an O-ring attached to the circumferential groove 64d. The filter mounting portion 64c has a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first dust collecting container 52. Therefore, there is almost no gap between the outer peripheral surface of the filter mounting portion 64c and the inner peripheral surface of the first dust collecting container 52.

[0046] The filter mounting portion 64c has a step 64f formed at the boundary between the filter mounting portion 64c and the intermediate portion 64b on the inner circumferential side. A ring-shaped groove in which an airtight member 64j is disposed is provided in the step 64f, and the airtight member 64j abuts against the lower end of the second filter 64h, thereby improving airtightness. A first filter 64g and a second filter 64h are disposed inside the filter mounting portion 64c. The first filter 64g is a filter made of, for example, nonwoven fabric or sponge. The first filter 64g is disposed on the step 64f. The second filter 64h includes at least a pleated filter and a frame 64i surrounding the filter. The airtight member 64j abuts against the lower end of the frame 64i. The pleated filter constituting the second filter 64h is disposed on top of the first filter 64g, and the frame 64i is disposed inside the first filter 64g so as to surround the first filter 64g. The second filter 64h has an airtight member 64k disposed on the upper surface of the frame 64i, and the airtight member 64k abuts against the intake-side component 42a, improving airtightness. The pleated filter of the second filter 64h and the first filter 64g are spaced apart, allowing air to disperse in the space, effectively utilizing the surface of the pleated filter. This solves the problem of premature filter clogging and reduced suction power.

[0047] <<About the dust collection device 100>> As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 13, etc., the dust collection device 100 is disposed on the rear side of a support post 202 that constitutes a stand 200. The dust collection device 100 communicates with the first dust collection unit 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1. The dust collection device 100 includes a device body including the second dust collection unit 110 and the second electric blower 120, and a receiving unit 130. Preferably, when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100, the device body of the dust collection device 100 is located directly below at least one of the first electric blower 14 and the battery 15a. This allows the space behind the support post 202 and below the vacuum cleaner 1 to be utilized. The dust collection device 100 is also configured such that the receiving portion 130 is provided with a space portion 132 and a support portion 134, and the receiving portion 130 is connected to the second dust collecting portion 110 so as to communicate with each other via a communication portion 136. The dust collection device 100 is also provided with opening means 150 for placing the first dust collecting portion 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 in the receiving portion 130 and opening the first dust collecting portion 50. With this configuration, the dust collection device 100 can collect dust from the first dust collecting portion 50 to the second dust collecting portion 110 via the communication portion 136 by opening the first dust collecting portion 50 and applying a suction force generated by operation of the second electric blower 120. The configuration of each portion will be described in more detail below.

[0048] Second dust collecting unit 110 is a part that collects dust sucked from first dust collecting unit 50 of vacuum cleaner 1. Second dust collecting unit 110 can be a unit that collects dust directly inside, a cyclone-type dust collecting unit like first dust collecting unit 50, or a paper bag-type unit that can collect dust inside a paper bag by attaching a paper bag. As shown in FIG. 10 , second dust collecting unit 110 has second dust collecting container 112 and connecting portion 114. Second dust collecting container 112 has a lid that can open and close the container body, and the lid is locked to the container body by locking portion 110a.

[0049] Second dust collecting container 112 is a hollow container having second dust collecting chamber 112a therein. Second motor housing chamber 122 (fan arrangement space) in which second electric blower 120 is housed is provided with an exhaust hole for discharging exhaust air from second electric blower 120 to the outside.

[0050] Connection part 114 has receiving port 114a and connection passage 114b. Receiving port 114a is a part that connects to communicating pipe 136b that forms communicating part 136 that connects receiving part 130 and second dust collecting part 110. Connection passage 114b is a passage that connects receiving port 114a and communicating hole 112c provided in second dust collecting container 112 so that air and dust can pass through.

[0051] The second electric blower 120 is capable of generating a suction force as it operates. The second electric blower 120 is disposed in a second motor housing chamber 122 that communicates with the second dust collection container 112 of the second dust collecting unit 110 via an exhaust hole 112e. The second electric blower 120 may be disposed in any suitable position and installation posture as long as it can exert a suction force on the second dust collection container 112. In this embodiment, taking into consideration that the operation of the second electric blower 120 tends to generate vibrations in the radial direction of the motor provided in the second electric blower 120 and that the second motor housing chamber 122 is disposed on the bottom side of the dust collection device 100, the second electric blower 120 is disposed so that the rotation shaft of the motor provided in the second electric blower 120 faces vertically to suppress vibration noise at the contact portion between the dust collection device 100 and the floor on which the main body of the dust collection device 100 is disposed.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9 and other figures, the receiving portion 130 receives the first dust collecting portion 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1. Specifically, the receiving portion 130 has a first dust collecting portion recess 130a formed to fit into the lower end portion of the first dust collecting portion 50. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the receiving portion 130 has a pipe recess 130b formed to fit into or abut the pipe portion 38x of the main body 10. The pipe recess 130b may be formed by a cover portion that moves in the up-down direction. Specifically, the cover portion forming the pipe recess 130b may be supported from below by a spring, and may move downward when the pipe portion 38x fits into or abuts against it, and move upward due to the biasing force of the spring when the fitting or abutment of the pipe portion 38x is released. The pipe recess 130b may be fitted into or abut against a portion of its periphery. Furthermore, the receiving portion 130 is provided with a release means 140 (release operation portion) and an opening means 150.

[0053] The release means 140 releases the lock of the locking units 55, 55A. The release means 140 can be provided in the first dust collecting unit 50 or the dust collection device 100, but in this embodiment, it is provided in the dust collection device 100. In this embodiment, a first abutting portion 142 is provided in the receiving unit 130 and functions as the release means 140. As shown in FIG. 13 , the first abutting portion 142 protrudes in a protruding manner so as to abut against the abutment area 57b of the abutment portion 57 constituting the locking units 55, 55A when the first dust collecting unit 50 is fitted into the first dust collecting unit recess 130a. Therefore, by fitting the first dust collecting unit 50 into the first dust collecting unit recess 130a, a pressing force is applied from the first abutting portion 142 to the abutment area 57b, causing the abutment portion 57 to rotate about the rotation shaft 58. Accordingly, the engaging portion 57a ​​and the locking portion 57a1 of the contact portion 57 are released from the engaged portion 52k and the locked portion 52k1 provided on the bottom surface of the opening / closing portion 52c, and the locking portions 55 and 55A are put into an unlocked state.

[0054] The opening means 150 is for opening the first dust collecting chamber 52a of the first dust collecting unit 50. The opening means 150 can be opened structurally (mechanically) by rotating the opening / closing portion 52c provided in the first dust collecting unit 50. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 15 , when the first dust collecting unit 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for first dust collecting unit, a protruding second abutment portion 152 is provided to function as the opening means 150 at a position where the abutment portion 52f of the opening / closing portion 52c reaches. When the first dust collecting unit 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for first dust collecting unit, the second abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutment portion 52f on the first dust collecting unit 50 side. When the second abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutment portion 52f, the opening / closing portion 52c rotates about the rotation axis 52e to enter the open state. When the biasing member 52h is provided, a pressing force acts in a direction opposite to the biasing force, causing the opening / closing portion 52c to rotate around the rotation shaft 52e and enter the open state. On the other hand, when the biasing member 52h is provided, when the first dust collecting portion 50 is removed from the first dust collecting portion recess 130a to release the engagement between them, the pressing force acting from the second abutting portion 152 to the abutted portion 52f is released. Accordingly, the opening / closing portion 52c returns to the closed state due to the biasing force of the biasing member 52h. Note that the opening / closing portion 52c may be configured to engage (lock) with the first dust collecting container 52 when it returns to the closed state.

[0055] The first contact portion 142 constituting the release means 140 described above protrudes upward (toward the connection side with the first dust collecting unit 50) more than the second contact portion 152 constituting the opening means 150. Therefore, when the first dust collecting unit 50 is fitted into the first dust collecting unit recess 130a of the receiving portion 130 to attach the vacuum cleaner 1 to the dust collection device 100, the first contact portion 142 abuts against the abutment region 57b, releasing the engagement (lock) between the engaging portion 57a ​​and the engaged portion 52k and the locked portion 52k1, resulting in a released lock state (unlocked state). Thereafter, the second contact portion 152 abuts against the abutment portion 52f. This causes the opening / closing portion 52c to be in the open state as shown in FIG. 12. Preferably, when removing the first dust collecting part 50 from the recess 130a for the first dust collecting part, the second abutting part 152 moves away from the abutted part 52f, causing the opening / closing part 53c to rotate in the closing direction due to the urging force, and then the first abutting part 142 moves away from the abutted area 57b, resulting in an engagement (locking) state (locked state) between the engaging part 57a, the locking part 57a1 and the engaged part 52k, the locking part 52k1.

[0056] Furthermore, the space 132 provided in the receiving part 130 forms a space capable of receiving the opening / closing part 52c that is opened by fitting the first dust collecting part 50 into the first dust collecting part recess 130a, at a position in the opening direction of the opening / closing part 52c (downward in this embodiment) relative to the first dust collecting part recess 130a. Therefore, the opening / closing part 52c can be opened and closed smoothly without interfering with the receiving part 130.

[0057] Furthermore, the receiving portion 130 is provided with a support portion 134, and the support portion 134 can support the opening / closing portion 52c, which is opened by fitting the first dust collecting portion 50 into the first dust collecting portion recess 130a. In this embodiment, when the opening / closing portion 52c is opened, the opening / closing portion 52c is tilted. Therefore, the support portion 134 is formed in an inclined state so as to fit along the opening / closing portion 52c in the open state.

[0058] The receiving portion 130 is in communication with the first dust collecting portion 50 via the communication portion 136 so that dust can be sucked from the first dust collecting portion 50 toward the second dust collecting portion 110. The communication portion 136 has a communication port 136a that communicates with the first dust collecting portion recess 130a and a communication pipe 136b connected to the communication port 136a. The communication pipe 136b is configured by a hose, a pipe, or the like (a pipe in this embodiment). The communication portion 136 is in communication with the first dust collecting portion 50 that is in an open state when fitted into the first dust collecting portion recess 130a of the receiving portion 130. The communication portion 136 is formed so that the distance between the open / close portion 52c in the open state and the inner wall of the communication portion 136 becomes narrower toward the downstream side in the dust suction direction from the first dust collecting portion 50 to the second dust collecting portion 110. Furthermore, the portion of communicating pipe 136b opposite to the side connected to communicating port 136a is connected to receiving port 114a provided in connecting portion 114 of second dust collecting unit 110. As a result, receiving portion 130 is supported by communicating pipe 136b above second dust collecting unit 110. Therefore, by fitting first dust collecting unit 50 into first dust collecting unit recess 130a of receiving portion 130, the vacuum cleaner 1 is supported by communicating pipe 136b via receiving portion 130. Furthermore, communicating pipe 136b is aligned with extension pipe 180 fitted into pipe recess 130b of receiving portion 130. Therefore, by placing the suction tool 190 connected to the tip end of the extension tube 180 on the stand 200 and fitting the first dust collecting part 50 into the receiving part 130, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is stably supported by the extension tube 180 and the connecting tube 136b arranged side by side.

[0059] <<Control of the electric vacuum cleaner system S>> The vacuum cleaner system S can be configured so that the dust collection device 100 starts operating when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100. The vacuum cleaner system S may be configured so that the dust collection device 100 starts suction operation when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100 and the vacuum cleaner 1 touches a switch provided on the stand 200 to turn it ON. In another configuration, the stand 200 may have a charging mechanism, and the dust collection device 100 may start suction operation when it detects that electricity is flowing between the stand 200 and the vacuum cleaner 1. In this case, a wiring for detecting electricity flow may be provided between the power terminal of the stand 200 and the control unit, in addition to the wiring for charging.

[0060] <<Variations>> The vacuum cleaner system S of this embodiment is configured as described above, but may be different from the above within the scope of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the first dust collecting part 50 is fitted into the receiving part 130, so that the first contact part 142 naturally contacts the contact area 57b of the contact part 57 and the second contact part 152 naturally contacts the contact part 52f, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0061] Specifically, by providing a first operating part for operating the first contact portion 142, it is possible to configure the first contact portion 142 as a movable part and to operate the first operating part to bring the first contact portion 142 into contact with the contacted region 57b. Similarly, it is possible to provide a second operating part for operating the second contact portion 152, and it is possible to configure the second contact portion 152 as a movable part and to operate the second operating part to bring the second contact portion 152 into contact with the contacted portion 52f.

[0062] Here, two configurations are possible for the first contact portion 142 and the second contact portion 152 to be movable. In Configuration 1, in which the first contact portion 142 is not movable and the second contact portion 152 is movable, the locking portion 55 is unlocked by the first contact portion 142 when the receiving portion 130 receives the first dust collecting unit 50. Therefore, the opening / closing unit 52c can be opened by operating the second operating portion so that the second contact portion 152 abuts the abutted portion 52f. Here, the second operating portion moves between a first position where the second contact portion 152 abuts the abutted portion 52f and a second position where the second contact portion 152 is separated from the abutted portion 52f. However, if the second operating portion includes the biasing member 52h, it is preferable that the second operating portion have a fixing mechanism that fixes the second operating portion in the first position so that the user does not need to continue operating the second operating portion.

[0063] Next, in form 2 in which both the first abutment portion 142 and the second abutment portion 152 are movable, when the receiving portion 130 receives the first dust collecting portion 50, the locking portion 55 is unlocked by the first abutment portion 142 using the first operating portion, and the opening / closing portion 52c can be set to the open state by operating the second operating portion so that the second abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutted portion 52f. Here, in form 2, the second operating part operates between a first position where the second abutment part 152 abuts against the abutted part 52f and a second position where the second abutment part 152 is separated from the abutted part 52f, but when the second operating part has a biasing member 52h, it is preferable that the second operating part has a fixing mechanism that fixes it at the first position so that the user does not need to continue operating the second operating part.

[0064] In addition, in form 2, the first operating part operates between a first position where the first abutment part 142 abuts against the abutted part 57 and a second position where the first abutment part 142 is separated from the abutted part 57, but when the locking part 55 is biased in the locking direction by a spring, it is preferable that the first operating part has a fixing mechanism that fixes it at the first position so that the user does not need to continue operating the first operating part.

[0065] The fixing mechanism described above in the first and second embodiments may be, for example, a mechanism in which the first and second operating units fit from a relatively large groove (second position) to a smaller groove (first position), an L-shaped groove having a horizontal groove (first position) and a vertical groove extending downward (the lower end of the vertical groove is the second position), or a configuration including a separate movable member that supports the first and second operating units at the first position or releases the support at the first position. This allows the user of the vacuum cleaner system S to unlock the locking units 55, 55A or open the closing unit 52g at a desired timing to transfer dust from the first dust collecting unit 50 to the second dust collecting unit 110.

[0066] Furthermore, while the dust collection device 100 is configured such that the device body and the receiving part 130 are connected by the communicating pipe 136b, this is not limiting. The device body may have the receiving part 130, and the device body may be extended together with the connecting passage 114b to a height where the first dust collecting part 50 fits into the receiving part 130 connected to the connecting passage 114b. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate communicating pipe 136b.

[0067] Furthermore, the first dust collecting unit 50 is configured such that the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 can be opened and closed by opening and closing the opening / closing part 52c, but an openable and closable opening may be provided on the side surface and used as a disposal port. Even in this case, the receiving part 130 may receive the first dust collecting container 52 from the disposal port side of the side surface, and the opening / closing part 52c can be rotated to open diagonally or horizontally.

[0068] Although the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of this embodiment has been described as being connected to the dust collection device 100 with the main body 10 and the suction tool 190 connected by the extension tube 180, the present invention is not limited to this. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may also be connected to the dust collection device 100 with the suction tool 190 attached to the suction port 38y of the main body 10.

[0069] The above-described vacuum cleaner system S is preferably configured such that, by fitting the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 into the receiving portion 130 of the dust collection device 100 and operating the second electric blower 120 with the opening / closing portion 52c open, not only dust in the first dust collection portion 50 but also dust adhering to the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h (if either the first filter 64g or the second filter 64h is provided, one of the filters) can be sucked in. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14 , the extension portion 72 of the structure 54 of the vacuum cleaner 1 extends toward the closing portion 52g (opening / closing portion 52c) that forms the bottom of the first dust collection portion 50. As shown in the illustrated example, the extension portion 72 preferably reaches and abuts against the open / close portion 52c when it is in the closed state. 14, the closing portion 70a provided in the extension portion 72 (first inner cylinder 60) illustrated in the above embodiment is not provided, and an opening is provided in the portion corresponding to the closing portion 70a. As a result, the first inner cylinder 60 and the extension portion 72 are internally connected. With this configuration, when the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is fitted into the receiving portion 130 of the dust collection device 100 and the second electric blower 120 is operated with the opening / closing portion 52c open, the suction force of the second electric blower 120 also acts on the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h, making it possible to remove dust adhering thereto.

[0070] Furthermore, an on-off valve may be provided to adjust the air flowing into dust collection space 56 from dust collection unit inlet 52x by the suction of second electric blower 120, and this on-off valve may be closed when removing dust adhering to first filter 64g and second filter 64h and opened at other times. When such an on-off valve is provided, closing the on-off valve facilitates the flow of air from the external exhaust opening of main body 10 (an opening for exhausting air from first electric blower 14 to the outside of main body 10) through first filter 64g and second filter 64h (or one of the first filter 64g and second filter 64h if one of first filter 64g and second filter 64h is provided), through extension 72, and into dust collection device 100, thereby more reliably sucking in dust adhering to first filter 64g and second filter 64h (or one of the first filter 64g and second filter 64h if one of first filter 64g and second filter 64h is provided).

[0071] The on-off valve may be provided at any position along the ventilation path from the suction port 192 (see FIG. 10) of the suction tool 190 to the dust collection inlet 52x. For example, as shown by hatching in FIG. 14, the on-off valve may be the on-off valve 172 (first on-off valve, second on-off valve) that opens and closes the opening of the pipe 38x facing the dust collection inlet 52x. The on-off valve 172 may be configured to be electrically opened and closed, or may be configured to be manually opened and closed (for example, equipped with a shutter unit such as a shutter mechanism). If the on-off valve 172 can be electrically opened and closed, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be provided with an operation button for opening and closing the valve. Alternatively, the on-off valve 172 may be configured to close when the vacuum cleaner 1 detects the above-mentioned electrical conduction between the vacuum cleaner 1 and the dust collection device 100 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100, and open when the electrical conduction is no longer detected.

[0072] 14, an openable / closable on-off valve 170 (third on-off valve) may be provided inside the extension portion 72 of the structure 54. The on-off valve 170 opens by rotating downward due to the suction of the second electric blower 120, and rotates in a direction closing the flow path inside the extension portion 72 when the suction of the second electric blower 120 stops. As a result, even if dust falls off the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h after the suction of the second electric blower 120 stops, the closed on-off valve 170 can receive the dust. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the open-close portion 52c in the open state after the suction of the second electric blower 120 stops, and thereby reduce dust spillage from the open-close portion 52c when the open-close portion 52c is closed.

[0073] Although the on-off valve 172 has been described as being used to remove not only dust in the dust collection space 56 but also dust adhering to the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h (or, if either the first filter 64g or the second filter 64h is provided, to one of the filters), the present invention is not limited thereto. The on-off valve 172 can also be used to remove dust from the dust collection space 56 alone. In this case, the extension portion 72 may or may not reach the open-close portion 52c, and the closing portion 70a may be present. A shutter that opens and closes the external exhaust port of the main body 10 may be provided instead of or in addition to the on-off valve 172. If a shutter is provided instead of the on-off valve 172, when the shutter is closed, air flows from the dust collection portion inlet 52x into the dust collection space 56, facilitating the generation of an air flow toward the second dust collection portion 110, thereby removing dust from the first dust collection chamber 52a. When a shutter is provided in addition to the on-off valve 172, it is sufficient that either one of them is operated to be in an open state.

[0074] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an airtight member 160 such as an O-ring so as to surround the periphery of the closing portion 52g when the main body 10 is fitted into the receiving portion 130 of the dust collection device 100. The airtight member 160 may be provided on either or both of the receiving portion 130 and the bottom of the first dust collection container 52.

[0075] 15, the first dust collecting unit 50 may be configured to be able to position the structure 54 relative to the first dust collecting container 52. Specifically, the first dust collecting unit 50 illustrated in FIG. 15 is configured such that a first protrusion 64x protruding radially outward at a predetermined circumferential position on one side tubular portion 64 constituting the structure 54 is provided, and a second protrusion 64y protruding radially outward at a predetermined circumferential position on a frame 64i for accommodating a second filter 64h is also provided. The first dust collecting container 52 illustrated in FIG. 15 has a fitting portion 53 into which the first protrusion 64x and the second protrusion 64y can be fitted. Therefore, by fitting the first convex portion 64x and the second convex portion 64y into the fitting portion 53 and assembling the structure 54 and the frame body 64i into the first dust collecting container 52, the first dust collecting section 50 can be positioned with the frame body 64i forming the upper end portion of the first dust collecting section 50 at a predetermined circumferential position of the first dust collecting container 52, as shown in Figure 16.

[0076] As described above, if the frame 64i forming the upper end of the first dust collecting unit 50 can be positioned at a predetermined circumferential position of the first dust collecting container 52, the first protrusions 64x and second protrusions 64y protruding from the fitting portion 53 to the outside of the first dust collecting container 52 can be fitted into the recesses 10b of the main body 10, thereby enabling the first dust collecting unit 50 to be attached without shifting in the left-right or circumferential directions. Also, as shown in FIG. 17 , the portion of the main body 10 to which the first dust collecting unit 50 is connected (the dust collecting container connection portion 10a) can be configured with a slope. For example, by varying the thickness of the packing provided at the dust collecting container connection portion 10a depending on the portion, the dust collecting container connection portion 10a can be configured with a slope. This allows the upper end of the first dust collecting unit 50 to slide smoothly into the lower end of the main body 10 when the first dust collecting unit 50 is attached to the main body 10 by rotating the first dust collecting unit 50 around the engagement position of the pipe portion 38x and the first dust collecting unit 50 as a fulcrum.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the receiving portion 130 is provided with the release means 140 (first abutment portion 142) and the opening means 150 (second abutment portion 152), and the release means 140 releases the locking portions 55, 55A, while the opening means 150 rotates the opening / closing portion 52c to the open state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electric vacuum cleaner system S may be configured such that the locking portions 55, 55A are manually operable without providing the release means 140 (first abutment portion 142) in the receiving portion 130, or such that the opening portion 52c can be opened without providing the opening means 150 (second abutment portion 152). Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the second dust collecting portion 110 is provided with the second electric blower 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second electric blower 120 may not be provided. If the second electric blower 120 is not provided, the vacuum cleaner system S may be configured, for example, to open the opening / closing part 52c of the first dust collecting part 50 (first dust collecting container 52) of the vacuum cleaner 1 set (attached) to the receiving part 130 to allow dust to fall into the second dust collecting part 110, or to operate the first electric blower 14 in addition to opening the opening / closing part 52c of the first dust collecting part 50 set to the receiving part 130 to provide an airflow into the first dust collecting part 50 to allow dust to fall from the first dust collecting part 50 to the second dust collecting part 110. These modified examples will be described in further detail below.

[0078] [Modification in which the receiving portion 130 is not provided with the opening means 150 (second contact portion 152)] 18, a modified example of the vacuum cleaner system S employing a configuration in which the receiving portion 130 is not provided with the opening means 150 (second contact portion 152) will be described in detail below. Note that in this modified example, components common to those described in the above embodiment and the like will be assigned the same reference numerals, and the description of each component will be simplified or omitted.

[0079] 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner system S according to this modification includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100, similar to those exemplified in the above-described embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes a main body 10 and a first dust collection unit 50.

[0080] The main body 10 includes a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force. The first dust collecting unit 50 is used to collect dust and includes, in addition to a dust collecting container (first dust collecting container 52), an opening / closing unit 52c, a biasing member 52h, and a locking unit 55A, as shown in FIG. 13(c) and other figures. The first dust collecting container 52 is a container in which dust accumulates. The opening / closing unit 52c opens and closes a waste opening 52b provided at the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 when the first dust collecting unit 50 is attached to the main body 10. The locking unit 55A locks the opening / closing unit 52c in a closed state (a state in which the waste opening 52b is blocked by the opening / closing unit 52c) to prevent it from opening. The locking unit 55A is provided on the outside of the first dust collecting container 52. The locking unit 55A includes a latching portion 57a1 that can be engaged with and disengaged from the opening / closing unit 52c. Locking portion 55A is located closer to suction port 38y of main body 10 than pivot shaft 52e of opening / closing portion 52c. If dust collection device 100 includes second electric blower 120, biasing member 52h can be configured to bias opening / closing portion 52c in a closing direction, so that opening / closing portion 52c can be opened by suction force from dust collection device 100. However, in this case, biasing member 52h can be configured to bias opening / closing portion 52c in an opening direction when locking portion 55A is released, or biasing member 52h can be omitted so that opening / closing portion 52c opens by its own weight. First dust collection unit 50 has this configuration and supports engaging portion 57a1 rotatably about pivot shaft 58 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis passing through disposal port 52b.

[0081] The dust collection device 100 includes a second dust collection unit 110. The second dust collection unit 110 communicates with the first dust collection unit 50 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1. As shown in FIG. 18 , in this modification, the dust collection device 100 is configured such that the receiving unit 130 is provided with a first contact portion 142 as a release means 140, which allows the locking unit 55A to be released, while the dust collection device 100 does not include the opening means 150 provided as the second contact portion 152 in the above embodiment. Therefore, by fitting and setting the first dust collection unit 50 (first dust collection container 52) in the receiving unit 130, the dust collection device 100 can bring the first contact portion 142 into contact with the locking portion 57a1, thereby releasing the lock between the locking portion 57a1 and the opening / closing unit 52c and opening the opening / closing unit 52c.

[0082] As described above, dust collection device 100 may not include second electric blower 120. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which biasing member 52h is provided to bias opening portion 52c in the opening direction when locking portion 55A is released, or a configuration in which biasing member 52h is not provided and opening portion 52c opens by its own weight. Furthermore, in a configuration in which second electric blower 120 is omitted, vacuum cleaner system S may be configured such that, when opening portion 52c is in the open state, first electric blower 14 is driven to generate vibrations (airflow) that impart vibrations (airflow) to first dust collecting portion 50 (first dust collecting container 52), and the vibrations (airflow) promote collection of dust inside first dust collecting container 52 into second dust collecting portion 110.

[0083] In the above embodiment and the modified example, the contact portion 57 is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rotation shaft 58. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The contact portion 57 may be supported by the rotation shaft 58 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction (a direction intersecting the axial direction along the vertical direction of the main body 10). If the release means 140 is provided in the vacuum cleaner 1 instead of the dust collection device 100, a switch that presses the contact region 57b or a switch that presses the locking portion 57a1 in a direction that disengages the locking portion 57a1 from the opening / closing portion 52c (locking portion 52k1) may be provided in the first dust collection unit 50. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is detached from the dust collection device 100, the user can directly unlock the locking portion 55A. Specifically, the user can press the contact region 57b or disengage the locking portion 57a1 from the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0084] [Modification in which the receiving portion 130 is not provided with the release means 140 (first contact portion 142) and the opening means 150 (second contact portion 152)] 22, a modified example of the vacuum cleaner system S employing a configuration in which the receiving portion 130 is not provided with the release means 140 (first contact portion 142) and the opening means 150 (second contact portion 152) will be described in detail. Note that in this modified example, the same components as those described in the above embodiment and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of each component will be simplified or omitted.

[0085] 1, 2, etc., the vacuum cleaner system S according to this modification includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100, similar to those exemplified in the above-described embodiment and modification. The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes a main body 10 and a first dust collection unit 50.

[0086] The main body 10 is provided with a first electric blower 14 that generates a suction force. The first dust collecting section 50 collects dust, and includes an opening / closing section 52c, a locking section 55A, and a biasing member 52h as shown in Fig. 13(b) in addition to a dust collecting container (first dust collecting container 52).

[0087] In the first dust collecting unit 50, the dust collecting container (first dust collecting container 52) is a container having a dust collecting chamber 52a in which dust accumulates. Furthermore, the opening / closing portion 52c is capable of opening and closing a waste port 52b provided at the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 when the first dust collecting unit 50 is attached to the main body 10. The opening / closing portion 52c can be moved away from the dust collecting chamber 52a to an open state by unlocking the locking portion 55A. The locking portion 55A includes a locking portion 57a1 that can be engaged with and disengaged from the opening / closing portion 52c. Preferably, the locking portion 57a1 can be engaged with and disengaged from a locking portion 52k1 provided on the opening / closing portion 52c. The locking portion 55A is unlocked when the user presses the abutment region 57b or releases the locking portion 57a1 from the opening / closing portion 52c. 20 , in this modification, the locking portion 57a1 is provided so as to be exposed from the receiving portion 130 when the first dust collecting unit 50 (first dust collecting container 52) is set on the receiving portion 130. In other words, the locking portion 57a1 may be present inside or outside the receiving portion 130, as long as it is exposed and accessible to the user from the outside of the receiving portion 130. The locked portion 52k1 is provided so as to protrude from the disposal outlet 52b in a direction away from the central axis (a cylindrical axis extending in the vertical direction) passing through the disposal outlet 52b of the first dust collecting container 52 when the opening / closing portion 52c is in the closed state.

[0088] 13(b), locking portion 55A locks opening / closing portion 52c in the closed state. Locking portion 55A has engaging portion 57a1. Entrance portion 57a1 is supported in first dust collecting portion 50 so as to be rotatable about rotating shaft 58 that is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (the cylindrical axis extending in the up-down direction) that passes through disposal opening 52b of first dust collecting container 52.

[0089] In this modification, as shown in FIG. 20 , when the first dust collecting unit 50 (first dust collecting container 52) is set on the receiving unit 130, the locking unit 55A is exposed from the receiving unit 130 and is engageable with and disengageable from the opening / closing unit 52c. That is, in this modification, as will be described in detail later, a notch 130x is provided in the receiving unit 130, through which the locking unit 55A is operably exposed from the outside of the receiving unit 130. That is, as long as the locking unit 55A is operably exposed from the outside of the receiving unit 130, the engaging unit 57a1 may be present inside the receiving unit 130 or may protrude from the notch 130x to the outside of the receiving unit 130. Furthermore, the notch 130x is provided at a position opposite the locking unit 55A. Although the notch 130x has an opening shape with a closed upper end of the receiving unit 130 in FIG. 20 , the notch 130x may have an opening shape with an open upper end of the receiving unit 130. If the upper end of the receiving portion 130 has an open opening shape, interference of the receiving portion 130 with the engaging portion 57a1 can be easily suppressed when the receiving portion 130 receives the first dust collecting unit 50. Furthermore, the locking portion 55A is disposed outside the first dust collecting container 52 so as to follow the side wall (circumferential wall). Preferably, the locking portion 55A is located on the side of the cylindrical side wall (circumferential wall) of the first dust collecting container 52 that is closer to the suction port 38y. In other words, the locking portion 55A is located closer to the suction port 38y of the main body 10 than the rotation shaft 52e of the opening / closing portion 52c. Furthermore, the biasing member 52h biases the opening / closing portion 52c in the direction of closing, and when the locking portion 55A is released, the opening / closing portion 52c is opened by the suction force of the dust collection device 100. However, the biasing member 52h may be configured to bias the opening / closing portion 52c in the direction of opening, or the opening / closing portion 52c may be configured to open by its own weight without providing the biasing member 52h.

[0090] The dust collection device 100 includes a second dust collection section 110 that collects dust. The second dust collection section 110 communicates with the first dust collection section 50 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1. The dust collection device 100 includes a receiving section 130 that receives the first dust collection section 50.

[0091] In the dust collection device 100, when the receiving portion 130 is receiving the first dust collection portion 50, the lock portion 55A can be accessed from outside the receiving portion 130 to perform an unlocking operation. Any configuration may be used to enable access to the lock portion 55A from outside the receiving portion 130, but it is preferable to use a configuration in which a notch 130x is provided by cutting out the receiving portion 130 at a position corresponding to the lock portion 55A, as shown in Figures 20 and 21. With this configuration, the lock portion 55A can be operated from outside the receiving portion 130 via the notch 130x provided in the receiving portion 130. 21 , or in addition to the configuration having the notch 130x shown in FIG. 21 , the vacuum cleaner system S can be configured such that the dust collection device 100 or the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a release operation unit for performing a release operation on the locking unit 55A when the first dust collecting unit 50 is received on the receiving unit 130, and the release operation unit is located on the outside of the receiving unit 130. This release operation unit can release the locking unit 55A by pressing the abutment area 57b, or can press the engaging unit 57a1 in a direction in which the engaging unit 57a1 disengages from the open-close unit 52c (engaged unit 52k1). When the release operation unit is provided in the vacuum cleaner 1, it is preferably provided in the first dust collecting unit 50, and when the release operation unit is provided in the dust collection device 100, it is preferably provided on the outside of the receiving unit 130. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is detached from the dust collection device 100, the user can directly unlock the locking portion 55A. Specifically, the user can press the abutment area 57b or disengage the engaging portion 57a1 from the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0092] Even with the configuration according to this modification, dust collection device 100 may not include second electric blower 120, as described above. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which biasing member 52h is provided to bias opening portion 52c in the opening direction when locking portion 55A is released, or a configuration in which biasing member 52h is not provided and opening portion 52c opens by its own weight. Furthermore, in a configuration in which second electric blower 120 is omitted, vacuum cleaner system S may be configured such that, when opening portion 52c is in the open state, vibrations (airflow) generated by driving first electric blower 14 are applied to first dust collecting portion 50 (first dust collecting container 52), and the influence of the vibrations (airflow) promotes collection of dust inside first dust collecting container 52 into second dust collecting portion 110.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and the examples given in this modified example, the abutment portion 57 is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rotation axis 58, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the abutment portion 57 can also be supported by the rotation axis 58 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction (a direction intersecting the axial direction of the main body portion 10).

[0094] <<Effects obtained by the electric vacuum cleaner system S and the electric vacuum cleaner 1>> The effects and the like obtained by the vacuum cleaner system S and the vacuum cleaner 1 exemplified in the above-described embodiments will be described below for each aspect of the present invention.

[0095] [First aspect of the present invention] As disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-47961, a rechargeable vacuum cleaner has been provided in which the vacuum cleaner body is provided with a fan motor and a rechargeable secondary battery that supplies power to the fan motor, the floor suction port is connected to the suction port of the vacuum cleaner body via an extension tube, and the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner body is located rearward of the center of the grip of the vacuum cleaner body.

[0096] Here, the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 has an opening in the grip that is formed to allow the user to insert their hand, located on the opposite side of the secondary battery relative to the rotation axis of the fan motor. Although the suction port formed in the dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner body is aligned with the rotation axis of the fan motor, when an extension tube is connected to the suction port, the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner is located closer to the extension tube than the grip. As a result, the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 is configured so that the user feels a sense of weight when using it, resulting in problems such as poor operability.

[0097] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electric vacuum cleaner that allows for improved operability.

[0098] (1-1) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises a main body 10 having a suction port 38y on the bottom in the vertical direction to which an extension tube 180 can be connected and having an electric blower 14 therein that generates suction force, a dust collection unit 50 that is arranged to be aligned with the electric blower 14 in the vertical direction and that collects dust, a battery 15a, and a handle unit 20 that is provided above the main body 10 in the vertical direction, wherein the main body 10 has a tube 38x that has the suction port 38y, and the tube 38x is arranged to be aligned with the dust collection unit 50 in a front-to-rear direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and is positioned in front of the dust collection unit 50, and is characterized in that the handle unit 20 is located on the front side and the battery 15a is located on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0099] In the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, when the extension tube 180 is not connected to the suction port 38y of the tube portion 38x, the handle portion 20 can be gripped at a position closer to the electric blower 14 and the battery 15a, which are heavy objects. Furthermore, by connecting the extension tube 180 to the suction port 38y of the tube portion 38x, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention has a center of gravity that is lower in the vertical direction and closer to the front in the front-to-back direction compared to when the extension tube 180 is not connected. As a result, although the distance from the handle portion 20 to the center of gravity is longer in the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention compared to when the extension tube 180 is not connected, the handle portion 20 can be gripped at a position closer to the upper side of the center of gravity than in a conventional vacuum cleaner in which the suction port of the dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner body and the extension tube are coaxial. As a result, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention can reduce the sense of weight felt by the user even when the extension tube 180 is connected. Therefore, according to the present invention, whether the extension tube 180 is connected to the tube portion 38x or the extension tube 180 is not connected, the sense of weight felt by the user can be reduced, thereby realizing an electric vacuum cleaner 1 that is highly maneuverable.

[0100] Furthermore, when extension tube 180, to which suction tool 190 is connected, is connected to tube section 38x, the center of gravity of vacuum cleaner 1 is located closer to tube section 38x than handle section 20, but handle section 20 can be grasped at a position above the center of gravity. As a result, vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention can reduce the sense of weight felt by the user even when extension tube 180 is connected.

[0101] (1-2) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention relating to (1-1) above is preferably characterized in that an opening 22 for inserting a hand is formed between the handle portion 20 and the main body portion 10, and the opening 22 is opened so that its width in the up-down direction is larger than its width in the front-to-rear direction.

[0102] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention as described above in (1-2), it is possible to make it easier to grip the portion of the handle 20 that extends in the vertical direction than to grip the portion that extends in the front-to-rear direction at the top end in the vertical direction. As a result, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention is designed so that the user can naturally grip the portion of the handle 20 that extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention can be easily adjusted between gripping it at a position close to the center of gravity and gripping it at a position far from the center of gravity. Therefore, according to the present invention, a vacuum cleaner 1 that is highly maneuverable can be realized.

[0103] (1-3) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention according to any of (1-1) to (1-2) above may be characterized in that an opening 22 for inserting a hand is formed between the handle portion 20 and the main body portion 10, and the upper end of the opening 22 is located at a position below the upper end of the battery 15a in the vertical direction.

[0104] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention as described above in (1-3), it is possible to prevent the handle 20 from being gripped at a position farther away from the center of gravity than when the upper end of the opening 22 is formed at a position higher than the upper end of the battery 15a. This reduces the weight that the user feels in the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, making it easier to operate.

[0105] (1-4) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention according to any one of (1-1) to (1-3) described above may be characterized in that, in the vertical direction, the upper end of the battery storage section 15 that stores the battery 15a is located at a position lower than the upper end of the handle section 20.

[0106] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention as described above in (1-4), it is possible to prevent the battery housing 15 from getting in the way when gripping the handle 20, compared to when the battery housing 15 protrudes vertically beyond the handle 20. This makes it possible to provide the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention with high operability.

[0107] (1-5) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention according to any one of (1-1) to (1-4) described above may be characterized in that the battery 15a and the handle portion 20 are arranged above in the up-down direction, with a boundary line that passes through the center position of the electric blower 14 and extends along the front-to-rear direction as the boundary.

[0108] By configuring the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention as described above in (1-5), the battery 15a, which is a heavy object, is located close to the handle 20. This allows the user to grip the handle 20 closer to the center of gravity of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention, compared to when the battery 15a is located below the center of the electric blower 14. Therefore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention reduces the sense of weight felt by the user, making it easier to operate.

[0109] (1-6) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention according to any one of (1-1) to (1-5) above may be characterized in that the handle portion 20 and the battery 15a are arranged to face each other, with a central axis that passes through the center position of the electric blower 14 and extends in the up-down direction as the boundary.

[0110] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention as described above in (1-6), the handle portion 20 can be gripped at a position close to the battery 15a, which is a heavy object.

[0111] (1-7) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention according to any one of (1-1) to (1-6) described above may be characterized in that the tube portion 38x and the handle portion 20 are aligned in the up-down direction.

[0112] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention as described above in (1-7), the handle portion 20 can be gripped at a position above the position where the center of gravity is located when the extension tube 180 is connected to the tube portion 38x. This makes it possible for the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention to be more operable while reducing the sense of weight felt by the user compared to when the tube portion 38x and the handle portion 20 are not aligned vertically.

[0113] (1-8) In the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention according to any one of (1-1) to (1-7) described above, the dust collection unit 50 is configured to separate at least a portion of dust from the air sucked in by the operation of the electric blower 14 by centrifugal separation, and the central axis of the dust collection unit 50 and the central axis of the electric blower 14 are preferably aligned.

[0114] [Second Aspect of the Present Invention] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-283327 below, a conventional vacuum cleaner that generates a suction airflow and collects dust with the generated airflow is provided, which includes a vacuum cleaner main body having a dust case on the main body side that collects and stores dust, and an installation stand having a dust case on the installation stand side that stores dust from the dust case on the main body, and is equipped with a means for discharging dust in the dust case on the main body side of the vacuum cleaner main body into the dust case on the installation stand side when the vacuum cleaner main body is installed on the installation stand. The vacuum cleaner in Patent Document 1 is provided with valves on both the vacuum cleaner main body and the installation stand, and the valves are opened by the airflow from the fan motor, allowing dust to be discharged from the dust case on the vacuum cleaner main body side to the dust case on the installation stand side.

[0115] However, the electric vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the valves provided in the dust cases on both the vacuum cleaner body side and the installation stand side are opened and closed by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, and therefore the degree of opening and closing of the valves is affected by the suction performance of the vacuum cleaner body side.

[0116] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner system that can easily collect dust from the vacuum cleaner.

[0117] (2-1) The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner 1 including a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and a first dust collecting section 50 in which dust is collected, a dust collection device 100 that communicates with the first dust collecting section 50 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 and includes a second dust collecting section 110 in which dust is collected and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force, and an opening means 150. The first dust collecting section 50 has a dust collecting chamber 52a in which dust accumulates and a dust collecting opening 150a in which dust accumulates. When the dust section 50 is attached to the main body section 10, it has an opening / closing section 52c that can open and close the dust collection chamber 52a, and locking sections 55, 55A that lock the opening / closing section 52c in a closed state, and the first dust collection section 50 or the dust recovery device 100 is equipped with a release means 140 that releases the locking sections 55, 55A, and when the locking sections 55, 55A are released by the release means 140, the opening means 150 can open the opening / closing section 52c.

[0118] The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention includes a dust collection device 100 and opening means 150 in addition to the vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can open the opening / closing section 52c provided in the first dust collection section 50 using the opening means 150 while unlocking the locking sections 55, 55A using the unlocking means 140. The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention also includes the dust collection device 100 including the second dust collection section 110 and the second electric blower 120. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can collect dust in the second dust collection section 110 of the dust collection device 100, which is in communication with the first dust collection section 50, by operating the second electric blower 120 of the dust collection device 100 while the dust collection chamber 52a of the first dust collection section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is open. Therefore, the present invention can provide a vacuum cleaner system S that can easily collect dust on the vacuum cleaner side.

[0119] (2-2) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to (2-1) above is preferably characterized in that the locking portion 55A has a locking portion 57a1 that locks onto the locking portion 52k1 of the opening / closing portion 52c, and the dust collection device 100 has, as the release means 140, a first abutment portion 142 that abuts against the locking portion 57a1 to release the engagement with the locking portion 52k1.

[0120] By being configured as described above in (2-2), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can release the locking unit 55A by bringing the first abutment portion 142 provided as the release means 140 in the dust collection device 100 into contact with the engaging portion 57a1 that constitutes the locking unit 55A. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can release the lock of the opening / closing unit 52c by placing the vacuum cleaner 1 relative to the dust collection device 100 so that the first abutment portion 142 is in contact with the engaging portion 57a1.

[0121] (2-3) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to (2-1) or (2-2) above is preferably characterized in that the dust collection device 100 has a second abutment portion 152 that functions as the opening means 150, the first dust collection section 50 has an abutment portion 57 against which the second abutment portion 152 can abut, and when the second abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutment portion 57, the opening / closing portion 52c rotates away from the dust collection chamber 52a to enter an open state.

[0122] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (2-3), when the vacuum cleaner 1 is placed relative to the dust collection device 100, the second abutting portion 152 abuts against the abutted portion 57, thereby placing the opening / closing portion 52c in an open state.

[0123] (2-4) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to (2-1) above may be characterized in that the locking portion 55A has a locking portion 57a1 that locks onto the locking portion 52k1 of the opening / closing portion 52c, the dust collection device 100 has a first abutment portion 142 as the release means 140 that releases the engagement with the locking portion 52k1 by abutting against the locking portion 57a1, the dust collection device 100 has a second abutment portion 152 that functions as the opening means 150, the first dust collection unit 50 has an abutment portion 57 against which the second abutment portion 152 can abut, and when the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100, the first abutment portion 142 abuts against the locking portion 57a1, and then the second abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutment portion 57.

[0124] By being configured as described above in (2-4), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can bring the first contact portion 142 into contact with the engaging portion 57a1 to release the lock portion 55A when the vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100, and then bring the second contact portion 152 into contact with the contacted portion 57 to open the opening / closing portion 52c. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can perform a series of operations from releasing the lock portion 55A to opening the opening / closing portion 52c by the operation of attaching the vacuum cleaner 1 to the dust collection device 100.

[0125] (2-5) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to (2-1) above is preferably characterized in that the locking portion 55A has a locking portion 57a1 that locks onto the locked portion 52k1 of the opening / closing portion 52c, the dust collection device 100 has a first abutment portion 142 as the release means 140 that abuts against the locking portion 57a1 to release the engagement with the locked portion 52k1, and the dust collection device 100 has a second abutment portion 152 that functions as the opening means 150, and a second operating portion that operates the second abutment portion 152 so that the second abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutted portion 57. By configuring the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (2-5), the lock is released by the first abutment portion 142 abutting against the engaging portion 57a1, and the opening / closing portion 52c can be opened by operating the second operating portion to activate the second abutment portion 152.

[0126] (2-6) In the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention according to the above (2-1), the locking part 55A has a locking part 57a1 that locks with the locked part 52k1 of the opening / closing part 52c, and the dust collection device 100 has a first abutment part 142 as the releasing means 140 that abuts against the locking part 57a1 to release the lock with the locked part 52k1, and the dust collection device 100 functions as the opening means 150. The first dust collecting section 50 preferably has a second abutment portion 152 that can abut against the abutted portion 57, and is characterized by comprising a first operating section that operates the first abutment portion 142 so that the first abutment portion 142 abuts against the locking portion 57a1, and a second operating section that operates the second abutment portion 152 so that the second abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutted portion 57.

[0127] By configuring the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (2-6), the first operating part can be operated to release the lock by causing the first abutment part 142 to abut against the engaging part 57a1, and the opening / closing part 52c can be opened by operating the second operating part to activate the second abutment part 152.

[0128] (2-7) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (2-1) to (2-6) is characterized in that the locking parts 55, 55A are located closer to the suction port 38y of the main body part than the rotation axis of the opening / closing part 52.

[0129] By adopting the configuration as described above in (2-7), the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can prevent the lock part 55A from being unexpectedly released.

[0130] (2-8) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (2-1) to (2-7) may be characterized in that the first dust collecting section 50 has a biasing member 52h that biases the opening / closing section 52c in the closing direction.

[0131] By adopting the configuration as described above in (2-8), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can prevent the opening / closing part 52c from opening unexpectedly.

[0132] [Third Aspect of the Present Invention] The third aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the same problem as the second aspect of the present invention described above, with JP 2004-283327 A as the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to realize a vacuum cleaner system that can easily collect dust from the vacuum cleaner side.

[0133] (3-1) The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention includes a vacuum cleaner 1 including a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and a first dust collecting section 50 that collects dust, a dust collecting device 100 that communicates with the first dust collecting section 50 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 and that includes a second dust collecting section 110 that collects dust and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force, and an opening means 150. The first dust collecting section 50 has a dust collecting section inlet 52x a structure 54 having a dust collection space exhaust section 80 and defining a dust collection space 56 between the first dust collection container 52 and the structure 54; and an opening / closing section 52c that can open and close a disposal port 52b (opening) of the dust collection container 52 when the first dust collection section 50 is attached to the main body section 10, and the opening means 150 is characterized in that it opens the opening / closing section 52c when the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100.

[0134] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (3-1), when the vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100, the opening / closing section 52c can be opened, and dust accumulated in the dust collection space 56 of the first dust collection section 50 can be collected in the second dust collection section 110 of the dust collection device 100.

[0135] (3-2) The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention includes a vacuum cleaner 1 including a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and a first dust collecting section 50 in which dust is collected, and a dust collection device 100 that communicates with the first dust collecting section 50 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 and includes a second dust collecting section 110 in which dust is collected and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force. The first dust collecting section 50 includes a first dust collecting container having a dust collecting section inlet 52x. The vacuum cleaner 1 has a dust collecting container 52 (dust collecting container), a dust collecting space exhaust section 80, and a structure 54 which defines a dust collecting space 56 between itself and the first dust collecting container 52, and an opening / closing section 52c which is capable of opening and closing a disposal port 52b (opening) of the first dust collecting container 52 when the first dust collecting section 50 is attached to the main body 10, and when the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100 and the opening / closing section 52c is in an open state, the second electric blower 120 applies suction force to the first dust collecting section 50.

[0136] By being configured as described above in (3-2), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can collect dust accumulated in the dust collection space 56 of the first dust collecting unit 50 in the second dust collecting unit 110 of the dust collection device 100 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100. The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is not limited to a dust collection device 100 that includes the second electric blower 120, and it is also possible for the dust collection device 100 to not include the second electric blower 120. The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can also be a system in which the receiving part 130 does not include either the release means 140 or the opening means 150 described above (see FIGS. 18, 19, and 20), or does not include both of them (see FIG. 22).

[0137] (3-3) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to (3-1) or (3-2) above preferably has a filter arranged between the structure 54 and the first electric blower 14, and the structure 54 is connected to a filter arrangement space in which the filter is arranged, and has a cylindrical extension portion 72 extending toward the waste outlet 52b, and a third opening / closing valve 170 arranged in the extension portion 72.

[0138] By being configured as described above in (3-3), the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can clean dust collection space 56 formed inside first dust collecting section 50, structure 54, filters, and other components by operating second electric blower 120 provided in dust collection device 100 with open-close section 52c in the open state. Furthermore, in the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention, stopping second electric blower 120 closes third open-close valve 170 provided inside structure 54, so that even if dust remaining on the filter falls off, this is caught by third open-close valve 170 and can be prevented from unexpectedly leaking to the outside.

[0139] (3-4) The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (3-1) to (3-3) is preferably characterized in that the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a first on-off valve 172 for adjusting the amount of air flowing into the dust collection space 56.

[0140] When the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is configured as described above in (3-4), when the second electric blower 120 provided in the dust collection device 100 is operated with the amount of air flowing into the dust collection space 56 restricted by the first on-off valve 172, the suction force generated thereby makes it easier for air to flow toward the dust collection device 100. This makes it even easier for the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention to collect dust adhering to the structure 54 and the like into the dust collection device 100.

[0141] (3-5) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (3-1) to (3-4), the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably characterized in that a second opening / closing valve 172 is provided in the main body 10, which is capable of opening and closing an opening facing the dust collection section inlet 52x.

[0142] When the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is configured as described above in (3-5), when the second electric blower 120 provided in the dust collection device 100 is operated with the amount of air flowing into the dust collection space 56 restricted by the second on-off valve 172, the suction force generated thereby makes it easier for air to flow toward the dust collection device 100. This makes it even easier for the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention to collect dust adhering to the structure 54 and the like into the dust collection device 100.

[0143] (3-6) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (3-1) to (3-5) is preferably characterized in that the main body 10 has a suction port 38y communicating with the first dust collecting section 50, an external discharge port for discharging the air sucked by the first electric blower 14 to the outside, and a shutter section for opening and closing the external discharge port.

[0144] When the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is configured as described above in (3-6), the air sucked by the second electric blower 120 is more likely to flow toward the dust collection device 100, making it even easier for the dust collection device 100 to collect dust adhering to the inside of the first dust collection section 50 or the structure 54.

[0145] [Fourth aspect of the present invention] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-283327, a conventional vacuum cleaner generates a suction airflow and collects dust with the generated airflow, and includes a vacuum cleaner main body having a dust case on the main body side that collects and stores dust, and an installation stand having a dust case on the installation stand side that stores dust from the dust case on the main body, and is provided with a means for discharging dust from the dust case on the main body side of the vacuum cleaner main body into the dust case on the installation stand when the vacuum cleaner main body is installed on the installation stand. The vacuum cleaner in the above-mentioned patent document is provided with valves on both the vacuum cleaner main body and the installation stand, and the valves are opened by the airflow from the fan motor, allowing dust to be discharged from the dust case on the vacuum cleaner main body side to the dust case on the installation stand.

[0146] However, in the electric vacuum cleaner described in the above-mentioned patent document, the valves provided in the dust cases on both the vacuum cleaner body side and the installation stand side are opened and closed by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner body, which has the problem that the degree of opening and closing of the valves is affected by the suction performance of the vacuum cleaner body side.

[0147] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner system that can easily collect dust from the vacuum cleaner.

[0148] (4-1) The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner 1 having a main body 10 with a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and a first dust collecting section 50 that collects dust, and a dust collection device 100 that communicates with the first dust collecting section 50 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 and has a second dust collecting section 110 that collects dust, the first dust collecting section 50 having a dust collecting container (first dust collecting container 52) in which dust accumulates, and the first dust collecting section 50 being connected to the main body 10. When attached, it has an opening / closing part 52c that can open and close the disposal opening 52b at the bottom of the dust collection container, and a locking part 55A that locks the opening / closing part 52c in a closed state, and the electric vacuum cleaner 1 or dust collection device 100 is equipped with a release means for releasing the locking part 55A, and the locking part 55A has a locking part 57a1 that can be engaged and disengaged with the opening / closing part 52c, and the opening / closing part 52c is opened when the locking by the locking part 57a1 is released by the release means.

[0149] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (4-1), when the locking section 55A is released by the release means and the opening / closing section 52c is set to the open state, the first dust collecting section 50 and the second dust collecting section 110 are connected to each other, and dust accumulated in the dust collecting space 56 of the first dust collecting section 50 can be collected in the second dust collecting section 110 of the dust collection device 100.

[0150] (4-2) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to (4-1) above, the first dust collecting section 50 preferably supports the engaging section 57a1 rotatably around a rotation axis 58 extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis passing through the waste outlet 52b.

[0151] By configuring the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (4-2), it is possible to perform an operation to engage and disengage the locking portion 57a1 with respect to the opening / closing portion 52c by rotating the locking portion 57a1 around the pivot shaft 58.

[0152] (4-3) The electric vacuum cleaner system S according to (4-1) or (4-2) above is preferably configured such that, when the opening / closing section 52c is in the open state and the first electric blower 14 is driven, dust inside the dust collection container (first dust collection container 52) is collected in the second dust collection section 110.

[0153] By being configured as described above in (4-3), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention causes dust inside the dust container (first dust container 52) to move due to the influence of vibrations (airflow) generated by driving the first electric blower 14. This allows the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention to smoothly collect dust accumulated inside the dust container into the second dust collecting section 110, thereby cleaning the first dust container 52.

[0154] (4-4) In the vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (4-1) to (4-3) above, the dust collection device 100 preferably has a first abutment portion 142 as the release means 140, which abuts against the locking portion 57a1 to release the lock with the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0155] By configuring the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (4-4), the engagement of the engaging portion 57a1 with the opening / closing portion 52c can be released by performing an operation to bring the first abutment portion 142 provided as the release means 140 into contact with the engaging portion 57a1.

[0156] (4-5) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (4-1) to (4-4) described above, it is preferable that the locking portion 55A is located closer to the suction port 38y of the main body portion 10 than the rotation axis 52e of the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0157] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (4-5), it becomes easier to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the locking portion 55A.

[0158] (4-6) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (4-1) to (4-5) above, the first dust collecting section 50 may have a biasing member 52h that biases the openable / closable section 52c in the opening direction.

[0159] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (4-6), the open / close part 52c smoothly opens, making it easier to discharge dust from the first dust collecting part 50.

[0160] [Fifth aspect of the present invention] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-283327, a conventional vacuum cleaner that generates a suction airflow and collects dust with the generated airflow is provided, which includes a vacuum cleaner main body having a dust case on the main body side that collects and stores dust, and an installation stand having a dust case on the installation stand side that stores dust from the dust case on the main body, and is equipped with a means for discharging dust from the dust case on the main body side of the vacuum cleaner main body into the dust case on the installation stand when the vacuum cleaner main body is installed on the installation stand. The vacuum cleaner in the above patent document has valves on both the vacuum cleaner main body and the installation stand, and dust can be discharged by opening the valves by operating a button on the vacuum cleaner main body.

[0161] However, the vacuum cleaner disclosed in the above patent document has a problem in that the mechanism for opening and closing the valve is complicated.

[0162] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner system in which the structure for discharging dust from the dust collection unit is prevented from becoming complicated.

[0163] (5-1) The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner 1 having a main body 10 with a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and a first dust collecting section 50 that collects dust, and a dust recovery device 100 that communicates with the first dust collecting section 50 to recover dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 and has a second dust collecting section 110 that collects dust, the first dust collecting section 50 having a dust collecting container (first dust collecting container 52) having a dust collecting chamber 52a in which dust accumulates, and a dust collecting section 110 that collects dust when the first dust collecting section 50 is attached to the main body 10. The dust collection device 100 has an opening / closing part 52c that can open and close the disposal port 52b at the bottom of the dust container, and a locking part 55A that locks the opening / closing part 52c in a closed state, and by releasing the locking part 55A, the opening / closing part 52c can move away from the dust collection chamber 52a and be placed in an open state.The dust collection device 100 is characterized by having a receiving part 130 that receives the first dust collection part 50, and the locking part 55A can be released from outside the receiving part 130 when it is receiving the first dust collection part 50.

[0164] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above, it is possible to enable the unlocking operation of locking part 55A to be performed from outside receiving part 130. This makes it possible for the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention to prevent the structure for discharging dust from first dust collecting part 50 from becoming complicated.

[0165] (5-2) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to (5-1) above, the locking portion 55A is exposed from the receiving portion 130 and has a latching portion 57a1 that can be latched and detached from the opening / closing portion 52c, and the first dust collecting portion 50 preferably supports the latching portion 57a1 rotatably around a pivot axis 58 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis passing through the waste outlet 52b.

[0166] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (5-2), the locking portion 57a1 can be rotated around the pivot shaft 58, and the locking portion 57a1 can be released from the opening / closing portion 52c, thereby switching the opening / closing portion 52c from a closed state to an open state and opening the disposal port 52b.

[0167] (5-3) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to (5-1) or (5-2) described above, the opening / closing part 52c preferably has an engaging part 52k1 to which the engaging part 57a1 can be engaged and disengaged, and when the opening / closing part 52c is in the closed state, the engaging part 52k1 preferably protrudes in a direction away from the central axis more than the disposal port 52b.

[0168] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (5-3), the engagement and disengagement between the locking part 57a1 and the locked part 52k1 can be performed at a position farther from the central axis passing through the disposal outlet 52b than the disposal outlet 52b. This makes it easier for the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention to engage and disengage the locking part 57a1 with the opening / closing part 52c.

[0169] (5-4) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to (5-1) above, the locking section 55A preferably has a latching section 57a1 that can be latched and detached from the opening / closing section 52c, and the first dust collecting section 50 preferably supports the latching section 57a1 rotatably around a rotation axis 58 along a central axis passing through the disposal port 52b.

[0170] By configuring the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (5-4), it is possible to perform an operation to engage and disengage the engaging portion 57a1 with respect to the opening / closing portion 52c by rotating the engaging portion 57a1 around the pivot axis 58.

[0171] (5-5) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (5-1) to (5-4) described above, it is preferable that when the opening / closing section 52c is in an open state and the first electric blower 14 is driven, dust in the dust collection container (first dust collection container 52) is collected in the second dust collection section 110.

[0172] By being configured as described above in (5-5), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention causes dust inside the dust container (first dust container 52) to move due to the influence of the airflow generated by driving the first electric blower 14. This allows the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention to smoothly collect dust accumulated inside the first dust container 52 into the second dust collecting part 110, thereby cleaning the first dust container 52.

[0173] (5-6) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (5-1) to (5-5) described above, the first dust collecting section 50 has a locking section 55A arranged along the cylindrical side wall (circumferential wall) of the dust collecting container (first dust collecting container 52), and it is preferable that the locking section 55A is located on the side of the side wall closer to the suction port 38y of the main body section 10 in the circumferential direction.

[0174] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (5-6), it becomes easier to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the locking portion 55A.

[0175] (5-7) In the vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (5-1) to (5-6) described above, the locking part 55A is preferably located closer to the suction port 38y of the main body 10 than the rotation axis 52e of the opening / closing part 52c.

[0176] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (5-7), it becomes easier to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the locking portion 55A.

[0177] (5-8) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (5-1) to (5-7) above, the first dust collecting section 50 may include a biasing member 52h that biases the openable / closable section 52c in the opening direction.

[0178] By being configured as described above in (5-8), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can make it easier to open the opening / closing part 52c when discharging dust from the disposal opening 52b. As a result, by being configured as described above in (5-8), the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention can improve the convenience of discharging dust from the disposal opening 52b.

[0179] (5-9) In the vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (5-1) to (5-8) above, the dust collection device 100 or the vacuum cleaner 1 preferably includes an unlocking operation unit for unlocking the locking unit 55A, and the unlocking operation unit is preferably located outside the receiving unit 130 when the receiving unit 130 is receiving the first dust collecting unit 50.

[0180] By configuring the electric vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above (5-8), it becomes possible to perform an unlocking operation on the locking portion 55A using the unlocking operation portion from outside the receiving portion 130 that is receiving the first dust collecting portion 50.

[0181] (5-10) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to (5-1) above, the locking portion may be provided on the side wall of the dust collecting container, exposed from the receiving portion when the first dust collecting portion is receiving the first dust collecting portion, and have a locking portion that can be engaged with and disengaged from the opening and closing portion.

[0182] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above in (5-10), the opening / closing part 52c can be switched from a closed state to an open state, thereby opening the disposal port 52b.

[0183] (5-11) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (5-1) to (5-10) described above, it is preferable that the main body 10 has a suction port 38y on the lower side in the vertical direction for connecting an extension tube 180 or a suction tool 190, and that the first dust collecting section 50 is arranged in line with the lower side of the first electric blower 14 along the vertical direction.

[0184] (5-12) In the vacuum cleaner system S according to (5-11) above, it is preferable that the pipe section 38x having the suction port 38y is provided on one side in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the first dust collecting section 50 is arranged so as to be aligned with the pipe section in the front-rear direction. Note that the dust collection device 100 has the receiving section 130 located directly below the first dust collecting section 50, and therefore located on the other side in the front-rear direction of the pipe section 38x.

[0185] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and other embodiments may be possible within the scope of the claims, based on the teachings and spirit of the invention. The components of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiment 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]

[0186] The present invention can be suitably used in vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner systems in general. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 1: Vacuum cleaner 10: Main body 14:First electric blower (electric blower) 15a: Battery 20: Handle 22: Opening 38x: pipe section 38y: Suction port 50:First dust collection section (dust collection section) 52:First dust collection container (dust collection container) 52a: Dust collection chamber 52b: Opening 52c: Opening and closing section 52h: biasing member 52k: Engaged part 52x: Dust collection inlet 54 :Structure 555: Rock Club 56: Dust collection space 57:Abutted part 57a: Engagement part 64h: Filter 72: Extension part 80: Dust collection space exhaust section 100: Dust collection device 110:Second dust collection section 120:Second electric blower 140: Release means 142:First contact part 150: Opening means 152:Second contact part 170: On-off valve (third on-off valve) 172: On-off valve (first and second on-off valve) 180: Extension tube S: Vacuum cleaner system

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner system including a vacuum cleaner and a dust collection device, The vacuum cleaner comprises: a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force; a first dust collecting section in which dust is collected; A suction tool, an extension tube; The dust collection device is A second electric blower; a receiving portion for disposing the first dust collecting portion; the dust collection device places the first dust collecting unit in an open state by placing the first dust collecting unit in the receiving section, and operates the second electric blower to suck in dust in the first dust collecting unit; The main body portion is a pipe portion having a suction port at one end for connecting the extension pipe or the suction tool, and a discharge port communicating with the inlet of the first dust collecting portion, The first dust collecting section is a first dust collection container; a structure that forms a dust collection space between itself and the first dust collection container; a dust collecting section inlet for allowing air drawn into an air passage formed inside the tubular section from the suction port to flow into the first dust collecting container, The vacuum cleaner system is characterized in that the vacuum cleaner is provided with an opening / closing valve that can open and close an opening in the main body that faces the dust collection unit inlet and limits the amount of air flowing into the dust collection space.

2. 2. The electric vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, wherein the on-off valve is provided at a position somewhere on an air passageway leading from the suction port of the suction tool to the inlet of the dust collecting unit.

3. The electric vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, wherein the on-off valve opens and closes an opening of the pipe portion that faces the dust collection portion inlet.

4. 4. The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner is provided with an operation button for opening and closing the on-off valve.

5. the dust collection device includes a stand on which the vacuum cleaner is placed, Wiring is performed between the power terminal of the stand and the control unit for detecting power supply, The vacuum cleaner system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the on-off valve closes when it detects that electricity is flowing between the vacuum cleaner 1 and the dust collection device, and opens when it no longer detects that electricity is flowing.

6. The main body portion is an external exhaust port for exhausting the air sucked by the first electric blower to the outside; The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, further comprising a shutter portion that opens and closes the discharge port.

7. A waste outlet is provided at the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, The structure is a cylindrical extension portion extending toward the disposal port; a second on-off valve disposed in the extension portion, The electric vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1 , wherein the second on-off valve closes the flow path inside the extension portion when suction by the second electric blower stops.

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