Cleaning device and cleaning system

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device and cleaning system that facilitates the simplification and miniaturization of the recovery device. [Solution] The cleaning device 1 comprises a suction unit 3, a storage unit 4, and a discharge unit 5. The suction unit 3 sucks up the object to be sucked by airflow. The storage unit 4 stores the object to be sucked. The discharge unit 5 discharges the object to be sucked from the storage unit 4 to the discharge destination by airflow.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning system having a function of sucking an object to be sucked by airflow. [[Background Art]]

[0002] As a related art, a cleaning device (vacuum cleaner) that sucks an object to be sucked such as dust on a floor surface is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, in the case of a stick-type vacuum cleaner, a main body of the vacuum cleaner is configured to suck dust through a suction nozzle and store the sucked dust. An internal space of the vacuum cleaner main body is partitioned into upper and lower spaces by a filter, and a suction source that generates an airflow (suction force) for sucking dust is disposed in a space above the filter. Accordingly, the space below the filter in the internal space of the vacuum cleaner main body is used as a storage portion (dust storage portion) for storing the suction target object (dust) captured by the filter.

[0003] In the above related art, the vacuum cleaner main body is configured to be connectable to a collection device. The collection device includes a dust suction source, a collection chamber, and a dust suction pipe portion, and a dust discharge cylinder of the vacuum cleaner main body is fitted into a tip end portion of the dust suction pipe portion extending from the collection chamber. In a state where the vacuum cleaner main body is connected to the collection device, when the dust suction source is operated, air in the collection chamber is sucked in, and the dust suction force of the dust suction source acts on the object to be sucked in the storage portion of the vacuum cleaner main body through the dust suction pipe portion. Accordingly, the object to be sucked in the storage portion of the vacuum cleaner main body is sucked out from the storage portion and flows into the collection chamber of the collection device through the dust suction pipe portion.

[0004] Further, in the above related art, when the amount of the suction target object stored in the vacuum cleaner main body exceeds a predetermined threshold, the dust suction source of the collection device generates a dust suction force, and the suction target object stored in the vacuum cleaner main body is collected by the collection device. On the other hand, when the amount of the suction target object stored in the vacuum cleaner does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the dust suction source maintains a stopped state. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-126552 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the configuration of the related technologies described above, the collection device requires a dust collection source in order to collect the object to be sucked up (dust) from the vacuum cleaner, and an electrical circuit to control the dust collection source is also required. As a result, the structure of the collection device becomes complex, which may hinder the simplification and miniaturization of the collection device.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cleaning device and cleaning system that facilitates the simplification and miniaturization of the recovery device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a suction unit, a storage unit, and a discharge unit. The suction unit sucks up an object to be sucked by airflow. The storage unit stores the object to be sucked. The discharge unit discharges the object to be sucked from the storage unit to a discharge destination by airflow.

[0009] A cleaning system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the cleaning device and the collection device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a cleaning device and cleaning system that can be easily simplified and miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the suction mode of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the discharge mode of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the suction mode of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the discharge mode of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the discharge mode of the cleaning system according to a modification of Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the suction mode of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] Fig. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the discharge mode of the cleaning system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] Fig. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the discharge mode of the cleaning system according to a modification of Embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples embodying the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall Configuration First, the overall configuration of the cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0014] A cleaning system 100 includes a cleaning device 1 and a collection device 2. The cleaning device 1 and the collection device 2 are separate components, and a main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is detachably mounted to the collection device 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the state of the cleaning system 100 can be switched between a "mounted state" where the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is mounted on the collection device 2 and a "separated state" where the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is detached from the collection device 2.

[0015] The cleaning device 1 has a function of sucking a suction target object by airflow. The "suction target object" referred to in the present disclosure is an object sucked by the cleaning device 1, and is, for example, garbage, dust, and the like. In the present embodiment, the cleaning device 1 is a vacuum cleaner that sucks in garbage, dust, and the like falling on a floor or the like. More specifically, the cleaning device 1 is a stick-type vacuum cleaner (stick vacuum cleaner), which is driven by electric power supplied from a storage battery, and sucks in garbage, dust, and the like falling on a floor or the like as suction target objects.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 1 includes a suction unit 3, a storage unit 4, and a discharge unit 5. The suction unit 3, the storage unit 4, and the discharge unit 5 are provided on the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1. That is, the cleaning device 1 includes the main body 10 that contains the suction unit 3, the storage unit 4, and the discharge unit 5. As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the main body 10, the cleaning device 1 further includes a head unit 11, a grip unit 12, and the like.

[0017] The main body 10 has a case 13 that accommodates the suction unit 3, the storage unit 4, the discharge unit 5, and the like. In the present embodiment, as an example, the case 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and an opening to which the head unit 11 is connected is provided on one axial surface (lower surface) thereof. Furthermore, a discharge port 131 for discharging the suction target object to the collection device 2 is formed in a part of the peripheral surface of the case 13. Here, the discharge port 131 is disposed on the right side surface of the case 13, which is on the right side when the case 13 is viewed from the front.

[0018] The suction unit 3 uses airflow to draw in objects to be sucked. In other words, the suction unit 3 generates airflow and uses this airflow to draw in a fluid (e.g., air) containing objects to be sucked in, such as dirt and dust. As a result, the objects to be sucked in, such as dirt and dust, are drawn into the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 along with the fluid (e.g., air) by the suction unit 3 contained within the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1.

[0019] The storage unit 4 stores the objects that the suction unit 3 has sucked up. The storage unit 4 separates and collects the objects (e.g., dust and dirt) from the fluid (e.g., air) that has been sucked in by the suction force generated by the suction unit 3. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 4 separates and collects the dust and dirt objects from the air using a cyclone system.

[0020] The discharge unit 5 uses airflow to discharge the collected material from the storage unit 4 to the discharge point. In other words, the discharge unit 5 generates airflow and uses this airflow to discharge a fluid (e.g., air) containing the collected material such as dirt and dust to the discharge point. As a result, the collected material such as dirt and dust is discharged along with the fluid (e.g., air) to the discharge point outside the main body 10 by the discharge unit 5 contained within the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1.

[0021] In this embodiment, the discharge unit 5 discharges the object to be sucked to the recovery unit, which is the destination for discharge. Here, the recovery unit is the recovery device 2. In other words, the discharge unit 5 discharges the object to be sucked from the storage unit 4 to the recovery device 2 by airflow. As a result, the object to be sucked moves from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to the recovery device 2. The discharge of the object to be sucked from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to the recovery device 2 by the discharge unit 5 is performed in the "mounted state" in which the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is attached to the recovery device 2.

[0022] With the above configuration, according to the cleaning device 1 of this embodiment, the object to be sucked up by the suction unit 3 using airflow is temporarily stored in the storage unit 4, and then the discharge unit 5 uses airflow to discharge it from the storage unit 4 to the recovery device 2. Therefore, the object to be sucked up by the cleaning device 1 can be temporarily stored in the storage unit 4 of the cleaning device 1 and recovered by the recovery device 2.

[0023] The head unit 11 has an intake port for drawing in objects to be sucked up for the operation of the suction unit 3. The head unit 11 travels, for example, along the floor surface of a room, drawing in objects to be sucked up, such as dirt and dust on the floor surface, along with the air. The head unit 11 is not limited to a type that travels along the floor surface; it may also be a nozzle type or a brush type head, for example.

[0024] The head unit 11 is connected to the lower end of the main body 10 (case 13). The head unit 11 communicates with the inside of the case 13 through an opening on the bottom surface of the case 13. As a result, when the suction unit 3 is in operation, the object to be sucked in from the intake port of the head unit 11 is sent into the inside of the main body 10 (case 13). The head unit 11 is connected to the main body 10 so as to be able to swivel, and the orientation of the head unit 11 relative to the main body 10 can be changed.

[0025] The gripping portion 12 is the part that is gripped by the user. The gripping portion 12 is connected to the upper end of the main body 10 (case 13). In this embodiment, as an example, the gripping portion 12 is configured as a roughly cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the case 13 and protrudes upward from the top surface of the case 13. This allows the user to operate the cleaning device 1 so that the head portion 11 travels on the floor surface while holding the gripping portion 12 in their hand, thereby cleaning the room.

[0026] In addition to the above-described configuration, the cleaning device 1 further includes an operating unit 14, a power source 15, a power supply unit 16, and a control unit 17, as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the cleaning device 1 is appropriately equipped with a display unit and a sound output unit, etc.

[0027] The operation unit 14 receives user input. The operation unit 14 is implemented by an appropriate user interface, such as a mechanical switch, a touch sensor, or an audio input unit, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, as an example, the operation unit 14 is located on the gripping unit 12.

[0028] The power source 15 includes a motor and a drive circuit. The power source 15 receives power from the power supply unit 16 and drives the motor with the drive circuit to generate power (rotational force), which is then output to the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5, etc. In this way, the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5, etc. can be operated using the power generated by the power source 15.

[0029] The power supply unit 16 supplies power to at least the power source 15. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 16 includes a storage battery. This allows the cleaning device 1 to be used even when disconnected from an external power source, provided the storage battery is charged.

[0030] The control unit 17 has the function of controlling each part of the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1. Specifically, the control unit 17 automatically controls the power source 15 to operate the suction unit 3 or the discharge unit 5, etc., based on user input or based on the amount of dirt and dust, or the state of attachment / detachment of the main body 10 to the collection device 2. The control unit 17 mainly consists of a computer system having one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and performs various processes (information processing).

[0031] The retrieval device 2 is a device for retrieving objects that have been sucked up by the cleaning device 1 from the cleaning device 1. The retrieval device 2 is, for example, a stationary type device installed on the floor of a room, and the cleaning device 1 (its main body 10) is detachably attached to it. In other words, the cleaning system 100 according to this embodiment realizes a station-type vacuum cleaner equipped with a retrieval device 2 as a stationary type station.

[0032] More specifically, the retrieval device 2 has a roughly rectangular prism-shaped housing 20 having length in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 1. The housing 20 has a first groove 201 located in the center of the front surface in the left-right direction and having length in the vertical direction, and a second groove 202 that is continuous with the lower end of the first groove 201 and has length in the left-right direction. When installed, the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is housed in the first groove 201 of the retrieval device 2 so as to fit in from the front, and the head portion 11 of the cleaning device 1 is housed in the second groove 202 of the retrieval device 2 so as to fit in from the front.

[0033] A recovery port 203 (see Figure 1) for connecting to the cleaning device 1 is formed on the side of the first groove 201 of the recovery device 2. The recovery port 203 is located on the side of the first groove 201 in the "mounted state" and is positioned opposite the discharge port 131 of the main body 10 (case 13). In the mounted state in which the cleaning device 1 is mounted on the recovery device 2, the discharge port 131 communicates with the recovery port 203, and a discharge path R1 (see Figure 2) is formed between the discharge port 131 and the recovery port 203.

[0034] The housing 20 of the collection device 2 has the function of storing the collected waste and dust and other materials to be sucked up from the cleaning device 1. Furthermore, the housing 20 has an opening that can be opened and closed for removing the collected materials to be sucked up, so that the materials to be sucked up from the cleaning device 1 can be discharged outside the housing 20. The collection device 2 can dispose of the collected materials to be sucked up from the cleaning device 1 by discharging them outside the housing 20 through this opening.

[0035] Furthermore, the housing 20 of the collection device 2 may be capable of housing a paper pack inside. In this case, the material to be collected from the cleaning device 1 is stored in the paper pack, and the material to be collected can be removed from the housing 20 along with the paper pack and disposed of.

[0036] As will be explained in more detail later, the recovery of the object to be sucked up by the recovery device 2 is performed using the airflow discharged from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to the recovery device 2. Therefore, the recovery device 2 does not require a power source to recover the object to be sucked up by the cleaning device 1 from the cleaning device 1. In the cleaning system 100 according to this embodiment, the recovery device 2 is not equipped with a power source, nor with any electrical elements (electrical components and electronic components, etc.) that are driven by a power supply.

[0037] [2] Configuration details Next, the details of the configuration of the cleaning device 1 of the cleaning system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0038] As described above, the cleaning device 1 comprises a suction unit 3, a storage unit 4, a discharge unit 5, and a head unit 11. The suction unit 3 uses airflow to draw the object to be sucked into the storage unit 4, and the discharge unit 5 uses airflow to discharge the object to be sucked from the storage unit 4. In other words, both the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 utilize airflow to draw a fluid (e.g., air) containing the object to be sucked, such as dirt and dust, into the storage unit 4 or discharge it from the storage unit 4.

[0039] In this embodiment, a single blower unit that generates airflow is used as both a suction unit 3 and a discharge unit 5 by reversing the direction of the airflow (blow direction). In other words, by switching the direction of the blower unit, the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 are realized with a single blower unit. When the suction unit 3 is operating, the direction of the airflow generated by the suction unit 3 is defined as the "forward direction," and when the discharge unit 5 is operating, the direction of the airflow generated by the discharge unit 5 is defined as the "reverse direction."

[0040] Specifically, the power source 15 can reverse the rotation direction of the fan (blades) of the blower unit, thereby making one blower unit function as both a suction unit 3 and a discharge unit 5. For example, the power source 15 can rotate the fan of the blower unit clockwise to operate it as a suction unit 3, generating a forward airflow, and the power source 15 can rotate the fan of the blower unit counterclockwise to operate it as a discharge unit 5, generating a reverse airflow.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the cleaning device 1 is equipped with a first path R11, a second path R12, a third path R13, and a fourth path R14 as paths for passing fluid (e.g., air). The first path R11 connects the head section 11 and the storage section 4, the second path R12 connects the storage section 4 and the suction section 3 (which also serves as the discharge section 5), and the third path R13 connects the suction section 3 (which also serves as the discharge section 5) to the external space of the cleaning device 1. The fourth path R14 connects the storage section 4 and the discharge port 131 of the main body 10 (case 13).

[0042] Here, the storage unit 4 has an inlet 41, an outlet 42, and a suction port 43 as openings leading to the interior of the storage unit 4. In other words, the space inside the storage unit 4 where the object to be sucked (garbage and dust, etc.) is stored is connected to the inlet 41, the outlet 42, and the suction port 43. The inlet 41 is connected to the head unit 11 via the first path R11. The outlet 42 is connected to the discharge port 131 via the fourth path R14. The suction port 43 is connected to the suction unit 3 (which also serves as the discharge unit 5) via the second path R12.

[0043] In this embodiment, the storage unit 4 is a cyclone type, so it separates the objects to be sucked up, such as dirt and dust, from the air by centrifugal force and stores only the objects to be sucked up. Here, of the three openings, the inlet 41, the outlet 42, and the suction port 43, the inlet 41 and the outlet 42 are configured to allow air containing the objects to be sucked up (dirt and dust, etc.) to pass through, while the suction port 43 is configured to allow only air to pass through. For this reason, the suction port 43 is equipped with a filter to filter the air.

[0044] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1 includes a first valve V1 that can open and close a first path R11, and a second valve V2 that can open and close a fourth path R14. Since the first valve V1 is located on the first path R11 that leads to the inlet 41 of the storage unit 4, the inlet 41 can be opened and closed by the first valve V1. Since the second valve V2 is located on the fourth path R14 that leads to the outlet 42 of the storage unit 4, the outlet 42 can be opened and closed by the second valve V2.

[0045] Each of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve and can be opened and closed by the control unit 17. When the first valve V1 is open, the inlet 41 of the storage unit 4 and the head unit 11 are in communication, and when the first valve V1 is closed, the inlet 41 of the storage unit 4 and the head unit 11 are blocked. When the second valve V2 is open, the outlet 42 of the storage unit 4 and the discharge port 131 are in communication, and when the second valve V2 is closed, the outlet 42 of the storage unit 4 and the discharge port 131 are blocked.

[0046] In this configuration, the control unit 17 controls the valves so that the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 are either open or closed at the same time, and that they are either open or closed selectively. In other words, if the first valve V1 is open, the second valve V2 is closed, and if the first valve V1 is closed, the second valve V2 is open.

[0047] Furthermore, the opening and closing control of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 is performed in conjunction with the operating status of the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5. Specifically, in "suction mode," when the power source 15 operates the suction unit 3, the control unit 17 opens the first valve V1 and closes the second valve V2. On the other hand, in "discharge mode," when the power source 15 operates the discharge unit 5, the control unit 17 closes the first valve V1 and opens the second valve V2.

[0048] [3] Operation Next, the operation of the cleaning system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0049] Figure 4 shows the operation of the cleaning device 1 when the operating mode is suction mode, and Figure 5 shows the operation of the cleaning device 1 when the operating mode is discharge mode. In Figures 4 and 5, the airflow is indicated by diagonal arrows.

[0050] The suction mode is an operating mode in which the suction unit 3 is activated to suck up and store objects to be sucked up, such as dirt and dust, into the storage unit 4 of the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1. In other words, in the suction mode, cleaning is performed using the cleaning device 1, so the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is in a "separated state" that has been removed from the recovery device 2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, in the suction mode, no discharge path R1 is formed between the discharge port 131 of the cleaning device 1 and the recovery port 203 of the recovery device 2.

[0051] In this embodiment, as an example, if the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is in a "separated state" that has been detached from the recovery device 2, the control unit 17 will automatically set the operating mode to suction mode. In suction mode, when the power source 15 operates the suction unit 3, as shown in Figure 4, the first valve V1 is in the open state (shown by a dashed line) and the second valve V2 is in the closed state (shown by a solid black line).

[0052] In suction mode, the power source 15 drives the blower unit (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the suction unit 3, generating a forward airflow. This forward airflow is drawn into the cleaning device 1 from the head unit 11 along with the objects to be sucked (garbage and dust, etc.), and passes through the first path R11, the storage unit 4, the second path R12, the suction unit 3 (and discharge unit 5), and the third path R13 in that order before being discharged (exhausted) outside the cleaning device 1. In other words, the forward airflow generated by the suction unit 3 draws air containing the objects to be sucked into the storage unit 4 from the inlet 41, and the air from which the objects to be sucked have been separated in the storage unit 4 is then sucked in from the suction port 43 by the suction unit 3.

[0053] On the other hand, the discharge mode is an operating mode in which the discharge unit 5 is activated to discharge the objects to be sucked up, such as dirt and dust, from the storage unit 4 of the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to the collection device 2, and for the collection device 2 to collect them. In other words, the discharge mode is performed after cleaning with the cleaning device 1 in order to move the objects to be sucked up (dirt and dust, etc.) from the cleaning device 1 to the collection device 2, so the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is in an "attached state" attached to the collection device 2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, in the discharge mode, a discharge path R1 is formed between the discharge port 131 of the cleaning device 1 and the collection port 203 of the collection device 2, and the discharge port 131 of the cleaning device 1 and the collection port 203 of the collection device 2 are in communication via the discharge path R1.

[0054] In this embodiment, as an example, if the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is attached to the recovery device 2, the control unit 17 will automatically set the operation mode to discharge mode. In discharge mode, when the power source 15 operates the discharge unit 5, as shown in Figure 5, the first valve V1 is in the closed state (shown in black) and the second valve V2 is in the open state (shown by a dashed line).

[0055] In discharge mode, the power source 15 drives the blower (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the discharge unit 5, generating a reverse airflow. This reverse airflow is drawn into the cleaning device 1 from the third path R13 and passes through the third path R13, discharge unit 5 (and suction unit 3), second path R12, storage unit 4, fourth path R14, and discharge path R1 in that order before being discharged (exhausted) from the cleaning device 1 to the recovery device 2. In other words, the reverse airflow generated by the discharge unit 5 draws air into the storage unit 4 from the suction port 43, and together with the object to be sucked up stored in the storage unit 4, it is discharged from the outlet 42 via the discharge path R1 to the recovery device 2.

[0056] At this time, the objects to be sucked up (garbage, dust, etc.) are carried by the airflow in the opposite direction and move from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to the collection device 2. Therefore, the collection of the objects to be sucked up by the collection device 2 is achieved by utilizing the airflow discharged from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to the collection device 2.

[0057] As described above, the cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a suction unit 3, a storage unit 4, and a discharge unit 5. The suction unit 3 sucks up the object to be sucked by airflow. The storage unit 4 stores the object to be sucked. The discharge unit 5 discharges the object to be sucked from the storage unit 4 to the discharge destination by airflow.

[0058] As a result, the airflow discharged from the discharge section 5 of the cleaning device 1 to the discharge destination (the recovery device 2 in this embodiment) can be used to discharge the suction target stored in the storage section 4. Therefore, a dust collection source is not required at the discharge destination (recovery device 2), and an electrical circuit to control the dust collection source is also not required. Accordingly, the cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment has the advantage of making it easier to simplify and miniaturize the recovery device 2.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge unit 5 operates by receiving power from a power source 15 common to both the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5. In other words, one blower unit that generates airflow is used as both the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 by reversing the direction of the airflow (blow direction), and one blower unit operates as either the suction unit 3 or the discharge unit 5 depending on how the power source 15 drives the blower unit.

[0060] As a result, only one power source 15 is needed to drive the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5, which simplifies the configuration of the cleaning device 1 compared to the case where separate power sources 15 are used for the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5.

[0061] Furthermore, the storage unit 4 has a suction port 43 that leads to the suction unit 3. The direction of the airflow passing through the suction port 43 differs depending on whether the suction unit 3 or the discharge unit 5 is operating. In other words, in suction mode when the suction unit 3 is operating, a forward airflow passes through the suction port 43 from the storage unit 4 towards the suction unit 3 (which also serves as the discharge unit 5) (see Figure 4). In contrast, in discharge mode when the discharge unit 5 is operating, a reverse airflow passes through the suction port 43 from the suction unit 3 (which also serves as the discharge unit 5) towards the storage unit 4 (see Figure 5).

[0062] This allows the suction unit 3 to work in conjunction with the operation of the discharge unit 5, which is expected to detach objects adhering to the filter located at the suction port 43 when the suction unit 3 is operating, and to detach objects from the filter when the discharge unit 5 is operating. In short, in suction mode, objects adhering to the filter at the suction port 43 due to the airflow passing from the storage unit 4 to the suction unit 3 are detached from the filter by the airflow in the opposite direction during discharge mode. This makes it easier to suppress filter clogging.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 operate interchangeably. In other words, when the suction unit 3 is operating, the discharge unit 5 will not operate, and when the discharge unit 5 is operating, the suction unit 3 will not operate.

[0064] This allows a single air blower to be used as both the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5, simplifying the configuration of the cleaning device 1 compared to the case where the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 are provided separately.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the discharge unit 5 is activated, the airflow passes through the discharge unit 5, the storage unit 4, and the recovery unit (recovery device 2) in that order. That is, in the discharge mode when the discharge unit 5 is activated, the airflow in the reverse direction pushes out the aspirated material stored in the storage unit 4, making it possible to discharge it from the storage unit 4 to the recovery unit (recovery device 2) (see Figure 5).

[0066] This allows the airflow generated by the discharge section 5 to efficiently act on the object to be sucked in the storage section 4, and the object to be sucked in the storage section 4 to be efficiently moved from the storage section 4 to the recovery section (recovery device 2).

[0067] Furthermore, the recovery unit is a recovery device 2 to which the main body 10 (of the cleaning device 1), which includes at least the discharge unit 5, is detachably attached. When the discharge unit 5 is in operation, a discharge path R1 is formed connecting the storage unit 4 and the recovery unit (recovery device 2). In short, in the discharge mode when the discharge unit 5 is in operation, the main body 10 is in an "attached state" attached to the recovery device 2, so a discharge path R1 is formed between the discharge port 131 of the cleaning device 1 and the recovery port 203 of the recovery device 2, and the cleaning device 1 and the recovery device 2 are in communication via the discharge path R1.

[0068] As a result, when the discharge unit 5 is in operation, the object to be sucked can be pressurized and sent from the cleaning device 1 to the recovery device 2 along with the airflow through the discharge path R1. Therefore, even when using the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 as the recovery unit of the removable recovery device 2, spillage of the object to be sucked can be suppressed when the object to be sucked is discharged from the cleaning device 1 to the recovery device 2, enabling efficient recovery of the object to be sucked by the recovery device 2.

[0069] [4] Modified form The following lists some modifications of Embodiment 1. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0070] The cleaning device 1 is not limited to a stick vacuum cleaner, but may be any type of vacuum cleaner, such as a floor-moving (canister) vacuum cleaner, a handheld vacuum cleaner, or an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device 1 may also be a dust collector that sucks up airborne dust, fallen leaves, moisture, or oil, or a cleaning machine that sprays liquid (such as cleaning water) onto fabric products to loosen dirt and then sucks up the liquid along with the dirt. Furthermore, the cleaning device 1 is not required to have a battery, and may be connected to an external power source such as a commercial power supply via a power cable and driven by power supplied from the external power source.

[0071] If the cleaning device 1 is a robotic vacuum cleaner, after cleaning the target space (absorbing the objects to be sucked up), the cleaning device 1 autonomously moves toward the collection device 2 and automatically attaches itself to the collection device 2, entering the attached state. Then, in the attached state with the cleaning device 1 attached to the collection device 2, the cleaning device 1 discharges the absorbed objects into the collection device 2.

[0072] Furthermore, the storage unit 4 is not limited to a cyclone system; for example, it may be a paper pack system. In this case, the discharge unit 5 discharges the aspirated material stored in the paper pack to the discharge destination by airflow.

[0073] Furthermore, it is not essential that the collection unit be a collection device 2 to which the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 is detachably attached. Moreover, it is not essential that the discharge unit 5 discharges the aspirationed material to the collection unit as a discharge destination; the discharge unit 5 only needs to be configured to discharge the aspirationed material from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to a discharge destination outside the main body 10. For example, the discharge unit 5 may discharge the aspirationed material from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1 to a discharge destination such as a trash can, or it may discharge the aspirationed material to an unspecified discharge destination. The collection unit may also be a dust pot in a cyclone-type cleaning device 1.

[0074] Furthermore, it is not essential that the discharge unit 5 operates by receiving power from a power source 15 common to both the discharge unit 5 and the suction unit 3; the discharge unit 5 and the suction unit 3 may operate by receiving power from separate power sources 15.

[0075] Furthermore, it is not essential that the direction of the airflow passing through the suction port 43 differs when the suction unit 3 is operating and when the discharge unit 5 is operating; the direction of the airflow passing through the suction port 43 may be the same when the suction unit 3 is operating and when the discharge unit 5 is operating.

[0076] Furthermore, it is not essential that the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 operate alternately; they may operate simultaneously.

[0077] Furthermore, it is not essential that the control unit 17 automatically controls the power source 15 to operate the suction unit 3 or discharge unit 5 based on the state of attachment / detachment of the main unit 10 to the collection device 2. The control unit 17 may, for example, automatically control the power source 15 to operate the suction unit 3 or discharge unit 5 based on user input or the amount of waste and dust.

[0078] Furthermore, the recovery device 2 may include electrical elements (electrical components and electronic components, etc.) that are powered and driven by the power supply. For example, if the recovery device 2 is equipped with a charging circuit, the battery of the power supply unit 16 can be charged by the charging circuit when the main unit 10 is attached to the recovery device 2.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) As shown in Figure 6, the cleaning system 100 according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in the relationship between the suction unit 3, storage unit 4, and discharge unit 5 in the cleaning device 1A. Hereinafter, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by common reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, the cleaning device 1A further includes a fifth path R21 and a sixth path R22 as pathways for fluid (e.g., air) to pass through, in addition to the first path R11, the second path R12, the third path R13, and the fourth path R14. The fifth path R21 branches off from the third path R13 and connects to the storage section 4, and the sixth path R22 branches off from the second path R12 and connects to the external space of the cleaning device 1.

[0081] The storage unit 4 has, in addition to the (first) inlet 41, outlet 42, and suction port 43, a second inlet 44 as an opening leading to the interior of the storage unit 4. The second inlet 44 is connected to the second path R12 via the sixth path R22.

[0082] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1A includes, in place of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2, a first primary valve V11 that can open and close the first path R11, a second primary valve V12 that can open and close the suction port 43, and a third primary valve V13 that can open and close the outlet on the external space side of the cleaning device 1 in the third path R13. The cleaning device 1A further includes a first secondary valve V21 that can open and close the fourth path R14, a second secondary valve V22 that can open and close the sixth path R22, and a third secondary valve V23 that can open and close the fifth path R21.

[0083] The opening and closing of the first to third primary valves V11 to V13 and the first to third secondary valves V21 to V23 are controlled in conjunction with the operating status of the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5. Specifically, in "suction mode," when the power source 15 operates the suction unit 3, the control unit 17 opens the first to third primary valves V11 to V13 and closes the first to third secondary valves V21 to V23. On the other hand, in "discharge mode," when the power source 15 operates the discharge unit 5, the control unit 17 closes the first to third primary valves V11 to V13 and opens the first to third secondary valves V21 to V23.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 generate airflow in the same direction. In other words, both the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 generate forward airflow. The cleaning device 1A then uses the exhaust air (forward airflow) from the discharge unit 5 to discharge the object to be sucked up that is stored in the storage unit 4.

[0085] Figure 7 shows the operation of the cleaning device 1A when the operating mode is suction mode, and Figure 8 shows the operation of the cleaning device 1A when the operating mode is discharge mode. In Figures 7 and 8, the airflow is indicated by diagonal arrows.

[0086] In this embodiment, as an example, if the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1A is in a "separated state" that has been removed from the recovery device 2, the control unit 17 will automatically set the operating mode to suction mode. In suction mode, in which the power source 15 operates the suction unit 3, as shown in Figure 7, the first to third primary valves V11 to V13 are in the open state (shown by dashed lines), and the first to third secondary valves V21 to V23 are in the closed state (shown by solid black).

[0087] In suction mode, the power source 15 drives the blower unit (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the suction unit 3, generating a forward airflow. This forward airflow is drawn into the cleaning device 1A from the head unit 11 along with the objects to be sucked (garbage and dust, etc.), and passes through the first path R11, the storage unit 4, the second path R12, the suction unit 3 (and discharge unit 5), and the third path R13 in that order before being discharged (exhausted) outside the cleaning device 1A. In other words, the forward airflow generated by the suction unit 3 draws air containing the objects to be sucked into the storage unit 4 from the inlet 41, and the air from which the objects to be sucked have been separated in the storage unit 4 is then sucked in from the suction port 43 by the suction unit 3.

[0088] On the other hand, if the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1A is attached to the recovery device 2, the control unit 17 automatically sets the operation mode to discharge mode. In discharge mode, when the power source 15 operates the discharge unit 5, as shown in Figure 8, the first to third primary valves V11 to V13 are in the closed state (shown in black), and the first to third secondary valves V21 to V23 are in the open state (shown by dashed lines).

[0089] In discharge mode, the power source 15 drives the blower (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the discharge unit 5, generating a forward airflow. This forward airflow is taken into the cleaning device 1A from the sixth path R22 and passes through the second path R12, the discharge unit 5 (which also serves as the suction unit 3), the third path R13, the fifth path R21, the storage unit 4, the fourth path R14, and the discharge path R1 in that order before being discharged (exhausted) from the cleaning device 1A to the recovery device 2. In other words, the forward airflow generated by the discharge unit 5 draws air into the storage unit 4 from the second inlet 44 and, together with the suction target stored in the storage unit 4, is discharged from the outlet 42 via the discharge path R1 to the recovery device 2.

[0090] At this time, the objects to be sucked up (garbage, dust, etc.) are carried by the forward airflow and move from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1A to the recovery device 2. Therefore, the recovery of the objects to be sucked up in the recovery device 2 is achieved by utilizing the airflow discharged from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1A to the recovery device 2.

[0091] As described above, the storage unit 4 has multiple airflow inlets and outlets. When the suction unit 3 is activated and when the discharge unit 5 is activated, at least one of the airflow inlets and outlets in the storage unit 4 is switched. In this embodiment, the storage unit 4 has two inlets as airflow inlets: a first inlet 41 and a second inlet 44. When the suction unit 3 is activated and when the discharge unit 5 is activated, the airflow inlets in the storage unit 4 are switched between the first inlet 41 and the second inlet 44. Furthermore, the storage unit 4 has an outlet 42 and a suction port 43 as airflow outlets. When the suction unit 3 is activated and when the discharge unit 5 is activated, the airflow outlets in the storage unit 4 are switched between the outlet 42 and the suction port 43.

[0092] With this configuration, while keeping the direction of the airflow generated in the suction section 3 and the discharge section 5 the same, it is possible to switch between a state in which the object to be sucked in and stored in the storage section 4 and a state in which the object to be sucked in is discharged from the storage section 4 by switching the inlet and / or outlet of the airflow in the storage section 4. Therefore, the configuration of the cleaning device 1A can be simplified.

[0093] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the cleaning device 1A when the operating mode is in discharge mode for a modified cleaning system 100 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 9, the airflow is indicated by diagonal arrows. In this modified example, the fifth path R21 branches off from the third path R13 and merges with the second path R12 to connect to the storage section 4. Here, the fifth path R21 is connected to the suction port 43 instead of the second inlet 44, which is an opening leading to the inside of the storage section 4. The second primary valve V12 is, for example, a four-way valve that switches between a state in which the suction port 43 is connected to the discharge section 5 (and suction section 3) (suction mode) and a state in which the fifth path R21 is connected to the suction port 43 and the sixth path R22 is connected to the second path R12 (discharge mode).

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 9, in discharge mode, the power source 15 drives the blower (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the discharge unit 5, generating a forward airflow through the discharge unit 5. The forward airflow is taken into the cleaning device 1A from the sixth path R22, passes through the second path R12, the discharge unit 5 (and suction unit 3), the third path R13, the fifth path R21, the storage unit 4, the fourth path R14, and the discharge path R1 in that order, and is discharged (exhausted) from the cleaning device 1A to the recovery device 2.

[0095] At this time, the objects to be sucked up (garbage, dust, etc.) are carried by the forward airflow and move from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1A to the collection device 2. Therefore, the airflow discharged from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1A to the collection device 2 is used to collect the objects to be sucked up in the collection device 2. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 9, the direction of the airflow passing through the suction port 43 is different when the suction unit 3 is operating and when the discharge unit 5 is operating. Therefore, when the suction unit 3 is operating, objects to be sucked up that are stuck to the filter located at the suction port 43 can be expected to be pulled away from the filter when the discharge unit 5 is operating. In short, in suction mode, objects to be sucked up that are stuck to the filter of the suction port 43 by the airflow passing from the storage unit 4 to the suction unit 3 can be easily pulled away from the filter by applying airflow in the opposite direction in discharge mode. This makes it easier to suppress filter clogging.

[0096] The configuration of Embodiment 2 (including modified versions) can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modified versions) described in Embodiment 1.

[0097] (Embodiment 3) As shown in Figure 10, the cleaning system 100 according to this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 1 in the relationship between the suction unit 3, the storage unit 4, and the discharge unit 5 in the cleaning device 1B. Hereinafter, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by common reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10, the cleaning device 1B includes a seventh path R23 in addition to the first path R11, second path R12, third path R13, and fourth path R14 as pathways for fluid (e.g., air). The seventh path R23 branches off from the second path R12 and connects to the recovery device 2. The seventh path R23 is connected to the return port 21 of the recovery device 2. The return port 21 is an opening that passes through the housing 20 of the recovery device 2 and connects to the recovery port 203. However, only air can be discharged from the return port 21.

[0099] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1B includes, in place of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2, a third valve V3 that can open and close the suction port 43, a fourth valve V4 that can open and close the fourth path R14, and a fifth valve V5 that can open and close the seventh path R23.

[0100] The opening and closing of the third valve V3, fourth valve V4, and fifth valve V5 are controlled in conjunction with the operating status of the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5. Specifically, in "suction mode," when the power source 15 operates the suction unit 3, the control unit 17 opens the third valve V3 and closes the fourth valve V4 and fifth valve V5. On the other hand, in "discharge mode," when the power source 15 operates the discharge unit 5, the control unit 17 closes the third valve V3 and opens the fourth valve V4 and fifth valve V5.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 generate airflow in the same direction. In other words, both the suction unit 3 and the discharge unit 5 generate airflow in the forward direction. The cleaning device 1B then uses the suction air (forward airflow) from the discharge unit 5 to discharge the object to be sucked up that is stored in the storage unit 4.

[0102] Figure 11 shows the operation of the cleaning device 1B when the operating mode is suction mode, and Figure 12 shows the operation of the cleaning device 1B when the operating mode is discharge mode. In Figures 11 and 12, the airflow is indicated by diagonal arrows.

[0103] In this embodiment, as an example, if the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1B is in a "separated state" that has been removed from the recovery device 2, the control unit 17 will automatically set the operating mode to suction mode. In suction mode, when the power source 15 operates the suction unit 3, as shown in Figure 11, the third valve V3 is in the open state (shown by a dashed line), and the fourth valve V4 and fifth valve V5 are in the closed state (shown by solid black).

[0104] In suction mode, the power source 15 drives the blower unit (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the suction unit 3, generating a forward airflow. This forward airflow is drawn into the cleaning device 1B from the head unit 11 along with the objects to be sucked (garbage and dust, etc.), and passes through the first path R11, the storage unit 4, the second path R12, the suction unit 3 (and discharge unit 5), and the third path R13 in that order before being discharged (exhausted) outside the cleaning device 1B. In other words, the forward airflow generated by the suction unit 3 draws air containing the objects to be sucked into the storage unit 4 from the inlet 41, and the air from which the objects to be sucked have been separated in the storage unit 4 is then sucked in from the suction port 43 by the suction unit 3.

[0105] On the other hand, if the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1B is attached to the recovery device 2, the control unit 17 automatically sets the operation mode to discharge mode. In discharge mode, when the power source 15 operates the discharge unit 5, as shown in Figure 12, the third valve V3 is in the closed state (shown in black), and the fourth valve V4 and fifth valve V5 are in the open state (shown with dashed lines).

[0106] In discharge mode, the power source 15 drives the blower unit (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the discharge unit 5, generating a forward airflow. This forward airflow is taken into the cleaning device 1B from the head unit 11, passes through the first path R11, the storage unit 4, the fourth path R14, and the discharge path R1 in that order, and is discharged (exhausted) from the cleaning device 1B to the recovery device 2. Furthermore, this airflow is returned to the cleaning device 1B from the return port 21 of the recovery device 2 through the seventh path R23, and is discharged (exhausted) outside the cleaning device 1B by passing through the second path R12, the discharge unit 5 (and suction unit 3), and the third path R13 in that order. In other words, the forward airflow generated by the discharge unit 5 draws air into the storage unit 4 from the inlet 41, and together with the suction target stored in the storage unit 4, is discharged from the outlet 42 via the discharge path R1 to the recovery device 2. The airflow is drawn in at the discharge section 5 and returned to the cleaning device 1B through the seventh path R23.

[0107] At this time, the objects to be sucked up (garbage, dust, etc.) are carried by the forward airflow and move from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1B to the recovery device 2. Therefore, the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1B utilizes the airflow drawn in from the recovery device 2 to recover the objects to be sucked up in the recovery device 2.

[0108] As explained above, when the discharge unit 5 is in operation, the airflow passes through the storage unit 4, the recovery unit (recovery device 2), and the discharge unit 5 in that order. In other words, in the discharge mode when the discharge unit 5 is in operation, the forward airflow draws the aspirated material stored in the storage unit 4 through the recovery unit (recovery device 2), making it possible to discharge it from the storage unit 4 to the recovery unit (recovery device 2) (see Figure 12).

[0109] With this configuration, while keeping the direction of the airflow generated in the suction section 3 and the discharge section 5 the same, it is possible to switch between a state in which the object to be sucked in and stored in the storage section 4, and a state in which the object to be sucked in is discharged from the storage section 4. Therefore, the configuration of the cleaning device 1B can be simplified.

[0110] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the cleaning device 1B when the operating mode is in discharge mode, for a cleaning system 100 according to a modified embodiment 3. In Figure 13, the airflow is indicated by diagonal arrows. In this modified embodiment, in addition to the configuration of embodiment 3, a first valve V1 and an eighth path R24 are provided. The first valve V1 can open and close the first path R11, and the eighth path R24 branches off from the second path R12 and connects the external space of the cleaning device 1B. The third primary valve V13 is, for example, a four-way valve, and switches between a state in which the suction port 43 is in communication with the discharge section 5 (which also serves as the suction section 3) (suction mode) and a state in which the eighth path R24 is in communication with the suction port 43 and the seventh path R23 is in communication with the second path R12 (discharge mode).

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 13, in discharge mode, the power source 15 drives the blower unit (suction unit 3 and discharge unit 5) as the discharge unit 5, generating a forward airflow through the discharge unit 5. This forward airflow is taken into the cleaning device 1B from the eighth path R24, passes through the storage unit 4, the fourth path R14, and the discharge path R1 in that order, and is discharged (exhausted) from the cleaning device 1B to the recovery device 2. Furthermore, this airflow is returned to the cleaning device 1B from the return port 21 of the recovery device 2 through the seventh path R23, passes through the second path R12, the discharge unit 5 (and suction unit 3), and the third path R13 in that order, and is discharged (exhausted) outside the cleaning device 1B.

[0112] At this time, the objects to be sucked up (garbage, dust, etc.) are carried by the forward airflow and move from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1B to the collection device 2. Therefore, the collection of the objects to be sucked up in the collection device 2 is achieved by utilizing the airflow discharged from the main body 10 of the cleaning device 1B to the collection device 2. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 13, the direction of the airflow passing through the suction port 43 is different when the suction unit 3 is operating and when the discharge unit 5 is operating. Therefore, when the suction unit 3 is operating, objects to be sucked up that are stuck to the filter located at the suction port 43 can be expected to be pulled away from the filter when the discharge unit 5 is operating. In short, in suction mode, objects to be sucked up that are stuck to the filter of the suction port 43 by the airflow passing from the storage unit 4 to the suction unit 3 can be easily pulled away from the filter by applying airflow in the opposite direction in discharge mode. This makes it easier to suppress filter clogging.

[0113] The configuration of Embodiment 3 (including modified versions) can be appropriately combined with various configurations (including modified versions) described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0114] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0115] <Note 1> A suction unit that uses airflow to suck up the object to be sucked, A storage section for storing the object to be aspirated, It comprises a discharge unit that discharges the object to be aspirated from the storage unit to a discharge point by airflow, Cleaning device.

[0116] <Note 2> The discharge unit operates by receiving power from a power source common to the suction unit. The cleaning device described in Appendix 1.

[0117] <Note 3> The storage section has a suction port that leads to the suction section, The direction of the airflow passing through the suction port is different when the suction unit is operating compared to when the discharge unit is operating. The cleaning device described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0118] <Note 4> The suction unit and the discharge unit operate selectively. A cleaning device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0119] <Note 5> The storage unit has multiple airflow inlets and outlets, When the suction unit is operating and when the discharge unit is operating, at least one of the inlet and outlet of the airflow in the storage unit is switched. A cleaning device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0120] <Note 6> The discharge unit discharges the object to be aspirated to the recovery unit which is the destination for discharge. A cleaning device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0121] <Note 7> When the discharge unit is in operation, the airflow passes through the storage unit, the recovery unit, and the discharge unit in that order. The cleaning device described in Appendix 6.

[0122] <Note 8> When the discharge unit is in operation, the airflow passes through the discharge unit, the storage unit, and the recovery unit in that order. The cleaning device described in Appendix 6.

[0123] <Note 9> The recovery unit is a recovery device in which at least the main body including the discharge unit is detachably attached, When the discharge unit is in operation, a discharge path is formed connecting the storage unit and the recovery unit. A cleaning device as described in any of the appendices 6 to 8.

[0124] <Note 10> The cleaning device described in Appendix 9, The recovery device comprises the above-mentioned recovery device, Cleaning system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1,1A,1B Cleaning device 2. Recovery device (recovery section, discharge destination) 3 Suction part 4. Storage section 5 Discharge section 15 Power source 41 (First) Inlet (Entrance) 42 Outlet (outlet) 43 Suction port (outlet) 44 Second entrance R1 Emission Route

Claims

1. A suction unit that uses airflow to suck up the object to be sucked, A storage section for storing the object to be aspirated, It comprises a discharge unit that discharges the object to be aspirated from the storage unit to a discharge point by airflow, Cleaning device.

2. The discharge unit operates by receiving power from a power source common to the suction unit. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

3. The storage section has a suction port that leads to the suction section, The direction of the airflow passing through the suction port is different when the suction unit is operating compared to when the discharge unit is operating. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The suction unit and the discharge unit operate selectively. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The storage unit has multiple airflow inlets and outlets, When the suction unit is operating and when the discharge unit is operating, at least one of the inlet and outlet of the airflow in the storage unit is switched. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The discharge unit discharges the object to be aspirated to the recovery unit which is the destination for discharge. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. When the discharge unit is in operation, the airflow passes through the storage unit, the recovery unit, and the discharge unit in that order. The cleaning device according to claim 6.

8. When the discharge unit is in operation, the airflow passes through the discharge unit, the storage unit, and the recovery unit in that order. The cleaning device according to claim 6.

9. The recovery unit is a recovery device in which at least the main body including the discharge unit is detachably attached, When the discharge unit is in operation, a discharge path is formed connecting the storage unit and the recovery unit. The cleaning device according to claim 6.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 9, The recovery device comprises the above-mentioned recovery device, Cleaning system.

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