Electric cleaning device

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric cleaning device, including a station-mountable vacuum cleaner, that can suppress the decrease in the vacuum cleaner's suction power. [Solution] The electric cleaning device according to the embodiment comprises a station and an electric vacuum cleaner. The electric vacuum cleaner comprises a suction pipe, a first separation and dust collection unit, a second separation and dust collection unit, a coarse dust disposal port, and a fine dust disposal port. The first separation and dust collection unit separates and collects coarse dust from air containing dust that is sucked in by the suction pipe. The second separation and dust collection unit separates and collects fine dust contained in the air that has passed through the first separation and dust collection unit. The coarse dust disposal port is through which the coarse dust collected in the first separation and dust collection unit can pass. The fine dust disposal port is through which the fine dust collected in the second separation and dust collection unit can pass. The second separation and dust collection unit comprises a fine dust separation unit that separates fine dust from the air and a fine dust collection chamber that accumulates fine dust. The fine dust disposal port is connected to the suction pipe via the fine dust collection chamber and the first separation and dust collection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electric cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an electric vacuum cleaner, a so-called canister type in which the sucked dust accumulates in a dust collection pack installed inside the main body and is discarded together with the dust collection pack when a certain amount accumulates is common. In addition, a stick-type electric cleaning device has been proposed in which each time the electric vacuum cleaner is attached to a dedicated station after cleaning, the dust temporarily accumulated inside the electric vacuum cleaner is transferred to the station side so as not to be left on the electric vacuum cleaner side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of an electric vacuum cleaner that can be attached to a station as described above, the dust sucked by the electric vacuum cleaner sucks together coarse dust with a large particle size and fine dust (for example, powder, etc.) with a smaller particle size than the coarse dust. As a result, the filter incorporated in the electric vacuum cleaner uses a fine-mesh filter for fine dust, and there is a problem that the filter is likely to be clogged. When the filter becomes clogged in this way, there is a problem that the suction force of the electric vacuum cleaner decreases.

[0005] An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electric cleaning device including an electric vacuum cleaner that can be attached to a station and can suppress a decrease in the suction force of the electric vacuum cleaner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electric cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a station and an electric vacuum cleaner. The electric vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner body. The vacuum cleaner body has a gripping portion that can be gripped, a first electric blower that generates suction force, a main body separation dust collection unit, and a suction tube having a suction port that sucks in air by the suction force of the first electric blower. The electric vacuum cleaner can be attached to and detached from the station in an upright mounting position where the vacuum cleaner body is positioned with the suction port facing downward relative to the main body separation dust collection unit. The main body separation dust collection unit comprises a first separation dust collection unit, a second separation dust collection unit, a coarse dust disposal port, and a fine dust disposal port. The first separation dust collection unit separates and collects coarse dust from air containing dust that is sucked in by the suction port and passes through the suction tube. The second separation dust collection unit, at least a portion of which is positioned above the first separation dust collection unit in the mounting position, further separates and collects fine dust contained in the air that has passed through the first separation dust collection unit. The coarse dust discharge port allows the coarse dust collected in the first separation and dust collection unit to pass through. The fine dust discharge port is provided independently of the coarse dust discharge port and allows the fine dust collected in the second separation and dust collection unit to pass through. The second separation and dust collection unit includes a fine dust separation unit that separates the fine dust from the air that has passed through the first separation and dust collection unit, and a fine dust collection chamber that stores the fine dust separated in the fine dust separation unit. The fine dust discharge port is connected to the suction pipe via the fine dust collection chamber and the first separation and dust collection unit. The station includes a dust inlet, a recirculating dust collection unit, and a second electric blower. The dust inlet is connected to the coarse dust discharge port and the fine dust discharge port. The recirculating dust collection unit is in communication with the dust inlet and is capable of receiving the coarse dust collected in the first separation and dust collection unit and the fine dust collected in the second separation and dust collection unit. The second electric blower applies negative pressure to the first separation and collection unit and the second separation and collection unit via the rotational dust collection unit, thereby moving the coarse dust collected in the first separation and collection unit and the fine dust collected in the second separation and collection unit to the rotational dust collection unit.

[0007] In the aforementioned electric cleaning device, for example, the second separation and dust collection unit separates the fine dust from the air by filtration.

[0008] In the aforementioned electric cleaning device, for example, in the mounting position, at least a portion of the fine dust collection chamber is located below the fine dust separation section. The fine dust disposal port is located below the fine dust separation section.

[0009] In the aforementioned electric cleaning device, for example, the first separation and dust collection unit comprises a coarse dust separation unit and a coarse dust collection chamber. The coarse dust separation unit separates the coarse dust from the air. The coarse dust collection chamber accumulates the coarse dust separated by the coarse dust separation unit. In the mounting position, the first separation and dust collection unit and the second separation and dust collection unit are positioned above the suction pipe, the first electric blower is positioned above the first separation and dust collection unit and the second separation and dust collection unit, the fine dust separation unit is positioned above the coarse dust separation unit, and the suction pipe, the first separation and dust collection unit and the second separation and dust collection unit and the first electric blower are arranged vertically, and the coarse dust separation unit and the fine dust separation unit are arranged vertically.

[0010] In the aforementioned electric cleaning device, for example, the main body separation and dust collection section is provided with a side wall. At least a portion of the side wall extends vertically in the mounting position. The coarse dust disposal port and the fine dust disposal port are provided in the side wall.

[0011] In the aforementioned electric cleaning device, for example, the vacuum cleaner body is provided with an inlet. The inlet introduces air between the second separation and collection unit and the first electric blower when the second electric blower moves the fine dust from the second separation and collection unit to the first collection unit.

[0012] In the aforementioned electric cleaning device, for example, the opening area of ​​the fine dust disposal port is smaller than the opening area of ​​the coarse dust disposal port.

[0013] In the aforementioned electric cleaning device, for example, the second separation and dust collection unit includes a surface. The surface is located above the lower end of the fine dust disposal port in the mounting position and the fine dust in the fine dust collection chamber rests on it.

[0014] The above-described electric cleaning device can, for example, suppress the decrease in the suction power of an electric vacuum cleaner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing an electric cleaning device consisting of an electric vacuum cleaner and a station according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an illustrative and schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the upper region of the vacuuming device, which consists of the vacuum cleaner and station shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an illustrative and schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the lower region of the vacuuming device, which consists of the vacuum cleaner and station shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an illustrative and schematic perspective view showing the state in which the exhaust ports (coarse dust outlet and fine dust outlet) of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment are closed by the closed lid. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an illustrative and schematic perspective view showing the exhaust ports (coarse dust outlet and fine dust outlet) of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment in an open state with the lid opened. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exemplary and schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the dust disposal port and the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an illustrative and schematic perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment with the cover removed, exposing the waste ports (coarse dust waste port and fine dust waste port). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an illustrative and schematic perspective view showing the state in which the exhaust ports (coarse dust outlet and fine dust outlet) of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment are closed with covers. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the components according to the embodiments and the descriptions of those components may be described in a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be specified by different names from those in this specification. Also, the components may be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0017] <Configuration of the electric cleaning device 1> FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing an electric cleaning device 1 composed of an electric cleaner 10 and a station 12 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric cleaning device 1 includes an electric cleaner 10 and a station 12. In each figure, arrows X1 and X2 are shown. In the present embodiment, the arrows X1 and X2 are along the vertical direction. Arrow X1 coincides with the upward direction, and arrow X2 coincides with the downward direction.

[0018] The electric vacuum cleaner 10 is a stick-type electric vacuum cleaner equipped with a gripping part 11 that can be grasped by the user on the upper part of the vacuum cleaner body 14, an extension tube 17 that extends from the vacuum cleaner body 14 (connected detachably), and a suction port 16 that can be attached to the tip (lower end) of the extension tube 17. The suction port 16 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 14 via the extension tube 17 and sucks in air by the suction force of a first electric blower, which will be described later. The electric vacuum cleaner 10 drives the first electric blower, which will be described later, by operating a switch on an operating part 14a provided on a part of the vacuum cleaner body 14, thereby generating an airflow (a flow of air with suction force) that flows inside the vacuum cleaner body 14 and the extension tube 17. As a result, the electric vacuum cleaner 10 sucks up the object to be cleaned, for example, dust and dirt on the floor surface, from the suction port 16. The sucked-up dust and dirt is then temporarily stored in a dust collection section provided inside the vacuum cleaner body 14. The suction port 16 may be equipped with a brush that rotates using a motor or the like, which can efficiently dislodge and suck up dust present in grooves or other areas of the cleaning surface. The vacuum cleaner 10 can be attached to and detached from the station 12 in a mounting position with the suction port 16 facing downwards and the extension tube 17 standing upright. In other words, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be attached to and detached from the station 12 in a mounting position with the suction port 16 facing downwards relative to the vacuum cleaner body 14 and the extension tube 17 standing upright. The suction port 16 is also referred to as the intake port.

[0019] Station 12 consists of a cylindrical support column 18 and a box-shaped station body 20. Station 12 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply. Station 12 has a structure that allows the vacuum cleaner 10 to be connected to and disconnected. Station 12 can mechanically connect (support) the vacuum cleaner 10 via hooks, etc., and can also be electrically connected via electrical contacts. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to Station 12, dust accumulated (collected) inside the vacuum cleaner body 14 can be collected into the station body 20. Details of the operation when transferring dust from the vacuum cleaner 10 to Station 12 will be described later. Also, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to Station 12, the battery mounted inside, for example, the gripping part 11 of the vacuum cleaner 10 can be charged.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of an upper region of the vacuum cleaner apparatus 1 including the vacuum cleaner 10 and the station 12 shown in FIG. 1. Further, FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a lower region of the vacuum cleaner apparatus 1 including the vacuum cleaner 10 and the station 12 shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a battery 22 for driving the vacuum cleaner 10 is built in the upper part of the cleaner main body 14 of the vacuum cleaner 10. Further, the cleaner main body 14 includes a first electric blower 24, a main body separable dust collecting part 28, and a suction pipe 15. The suction pipe 15 has a suction port 15a (see FIGS. 7 and 8) communicating with the extension pipe 17. The suction pipe 15 is connected to the extension pipe 17. As described above, the cleaner main body 14 drives the first electric blower 24 built therein by receiving power supply from the battery 22 by operating a switch or the like of the operation part 14a to generate an air flow (suction air flow) having a suction force. The suction air flow flows in the direction of arrow X1 inside the extension pipe 17 and the suction pipe 15 with the suction port body 16 side as the upstream, and is exhausted to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10 through the first electric blower 24. That is, the suction port 15a of the suction pipe 15 sucks air by the suction force of the first electric blower 24. The main body separable dust collecting part 28 is provided between the first electric blower 24 and the suction pipe 15, and collects dust sucked by the suction air flow. In the above-described mounting posture, the suction port 15a of the suction pipe 15 is on the lower side with respect to the main body separable dust collecting part 28.

[0022] The main body separable dust collecting part 28 is formed, for example, in a two-stage structure including a first separable dust collecting part 30 and a second separable dust collecting part 32.

[0023] The first separation and dust collection unit 30 includes a coarse dust separation unit 34 and a coarse dust collection unit 36 ​​that accumulates (collects) the coarse dust separated by the coarse dust separation unit 34. The coarse dust separation unit 34 is composed of, for example, a cylindrical support 34a with one end open and the other end closed, and a first filter 34b, for example, a sheet-like filter, supported around the support 34a. In the mounted position, the coarse dust separation unit 34 is positioned such that one end of the support 34a is the lower end and the other end is the upper end. The first filter 34b is a filter that separates coarse dust of a first particle size (for example, a particle size of lint or larger) or larger from dust-containing air by filtration. The coarse dust collection unit 36 ​​is formed on the open side of the coarse dust separation unit 34 (the side in the direction of arrow X2 in Figure 2). Note that the coarse dust is not limited to the above.

[0024] The coarse dust collection section 36 is provided with a coarse dust collection chamber 37 (dust collection space). The coarse dust collection chamber 37 is in communication with the suction pipe 15 via an on-off valve 29f. The on-off valve 29f is a sheet-shaped flexible valve, for example, made of rubber material, with a portion of it fixed to the surrounding wall of the vacuum cleaner body 14. When the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, the first electric blower 24 opens the on-off valve 29f in the direction of arrow X1 in the figure by the suction force of the suction air generated by the first electric blower 24, drawing dust transported along with the air (suction air) flowing inside the suction pipe 15 into the first separation and dust collection section 30. Of the dust that has moved to the first separation and dust collection section 30 along with the air (suction air), coarse dust of size 1 or larger is collected by the first filter 34b. The collected coarse dust is accumulated (collected) in the coarse dust collection chamber 37 of the coarse dust collection section 36 by its own weight when the suction air stops, etc. Furthermore, when the vacuum cleaner 10 (first electric blower 24) is stopped, the on-off valve 29f is closed to prevent coarse dust accumulated in the coarse dust collection chamber 37 from flowing back into the suction pipe 15.

[0025] Dust particles smaller than the first particle size (for example, dust particles smaller than thread dust, etc.) that have passed through the first separation and collection unit 30 together with the suction air move to the second separation and collection unit 32, which is located closer to the first electric blower 24 than the first separation and collection unit 30.

[0026] The second separation and dust collection unit 32 is positioned above the first separation and dust collection unit 30 in the mounted position, at least a portion of which is located above the first separation and dust collection unit 30. The second separation and dust collection unit 32 consists of a fine dust separation unit 38 that separates fine dust of size 2 or larger contained in the suction air (air) passing through the coarse dust separation unit 34 (first filter 34b), and a fine dust collection unit 40 that accumulates the fine dust separated by the fine dust separation unit 38. The second particle size is smaller than the first particle size. However, the fine dust is not limited to the above. The fine dust separation unit 38 includes, for example, a cylindrical second filter 38a (e.g., a pleated filter). In other words, the second filter 38a is a filter that separates fine dust of size 2 or larger from dust-containing air by filtration. The second filter 38a extends vertically in the mounted position. The cylindrical shape of the second filter 38a may be, for example, a bellows shape with repeated folds in the circumferential direction, such as a pleated filter, or it may not have a fold. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape may be cylindrical, elliptical, polygonal (such as a square) cylindrical, or frustoconical. The second filter 38a is an example of a filter.

[0027] The fine dust collection unit 40 is provided with a fine dust collection chamber 41 (dust collection space). At least a portion of the fine dust collection chamber 41 (for example, a portion) is formed around the coarse dust separation unit 34. In this embodiment, the fine dust collection chamber 41 (dust collection space) is formed to surround the coarse dust separation unit 34. In the mounted position, at least a portion of the fine dust collection chamber 41 is located below the fine dust separation unit 38. The fine dust separation unit 38 is connected to the downstream side of the first separation dust collection unit 30 via the fine dust collection chamber 41 in the suction airflow generated by the suction force of the first electric blower 24. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, the suction airflow generated by the first electric blower 24 moves along with the suction airflow that has passed through the first separation dust collection unit 30, and fine dust particles of size 2 or larger are collected by the second filter 38a. When the suction airflow stops, some of the collected dust falls off the second filter 38a due to its own weight and accumulates in the dust collection chamber 41 of the dust collection unit 40. Any dust that does not fall off the second filter 38a is pulled away by the transfer airflow (airflow due to negative pressure) generated when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12 and the dust accumulated inside the vacuum cleaner body 14 is transferred to the station 12. The removed dust is then transferred to the station body 20 via the dust collection unit 40. The shape of the second filter 38a can be selected from various shapes, including a frustoconical shape as shown in Figure 2, as well as a cone, cylinder, prism, or pyramidal shape.

[0028] In the mounting position of the vacuum cleaner 10 with the above configuration, the first separation and dust collection unit 30 and the second separation and dust collection unit 32 are located above the suction pipe 15, the first electric blower 24 is located above the first separation and dust collection unit 30 and the second separation and dust collection unit 32, and the fine dust separation unit 38 is located above the coarse dust separation unit 34. In addition, in the mounting position of the vacuum cleaner 10, the suction pipe 15, the first separation and dust collection unit 30 and the second separation and dust collection unit 32 and the first electric blower 24 are aligned vertically, and the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separation unit 38 are aligned vertically.

[0029] Next, Station 12 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, Station 12 consists of a support column 18 in which a connecting pipe 42 extending in the direction of arrows X1-X2 is formed inside, and a box-shaped station body 20 formed below the support column 18 (in the direction of arrow X2).

[0030] The station body 20 is equipped with a second electric blower 44 and a dust collection unit 46 inside. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12, the second electric blower 44 is driven for a predetermined period of time to generate an airflow (transfer air) with negative pressure transport force into the connecting pipe 42 via the dust collection unit 46. The transport air flows from the connecting pipe 42 toward the dust collection unit 46. As a result, dust accumulated by the vacuum cleaner 10 connected to the station 12 (support column 18) can be transferred to the dust collection unit 46. Specifically, the second electric blower 44 applies negative pressure to the first separation and collection unit 30 and the second separation and collection unit 32 via the dust collection unit 46, moving the coarse dust collected in the first separation and collection unit 30 and the fine dust collected in the second separation and collection unit 32 toward the dust collection unit 46.

[0031] The dust collection unit 46 can be fitted with, for example, a paper bag and can accumulate dust transferred from the vacuum cleaner 10. That is, the dust collection unit 46 can accept coarse dust collected in the first separation and collection unit 30 and fine dust collected in the second separation and collection unit 32. When a predetermined amount of dust has accumulated in the paper bag, the paper bag can be removed from the dust collection unit 46 and disposed of. The dust collection unit 46 may also be configured to directly accumulate dust without using a paper bag.

[0032] <Detailed structure of the main unit's separate dust collection section 28> Next, the structure of the main body separation dust collection unit 28 in the vacuum cleaner 10 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the state in which the exhaust ports (coarse dust exhaust port and fine dust exhaust port) of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment are closed by the closed lid. Figure 5 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the state in which the exhaust ports (coarse dust exhaust port and fine dust exhaust port) of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment are open by the opened lid.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the main body dust separation unit 28 comprises a case 29 and a sealing member 31. The case 29 houses the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separation unit 38 inside. The case 29 constitutes the coarse dust collection unit 36 ​​and the fine dust collection unit 40. The sealing member 31 is housed inside the case 29. The main body dust separation unit 28 constitutes a part of the vacuum cleaner body 14 and is detachable from the rest of the vacuum cleaner body 14. The rest of the vacuum cleaner body 14 includes the gripping unit 11, the battery 22, and the first electric blower 24, and constitutes the base unit 14b.

[0034] Case 29 comprises a lower wall 29a, an upper wall 29b, a side wall 29c, and a partition wall 29d. Case 29 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material. However, the material of case 29 is not limited to the above.

[0035] The lower wall 29a extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. A ventilation hole 29e is provided in the lower wall 29a. An on-off valve 29f is also provided in the lower wall 29a to open and close (open / close) the ventilation hole 29e. When the ventilation hole 29e is open by the on-off valve 29f, it connects to the suction pipe 15 and the coarse dust collection chamber 37 (Figure 5). In other words, the suction pipe 15 and the coarse dust collection chamber 37 are connected via the ventilation hole 29e.

[0036] The upper wall 29b is positioned above the lower wall 29a with a gap between them and extends in a direction that intersects the vertical direction. The upper wall 29b is provided with a ventilation hole 29g. The ventilation hole 29g connects the space inside the second filter 38a of the dust separation unit 38 to the suction port of the first electric blower 24. In other words, the space inside the second filter 38a of the dust separation unit 38 and the suction port of the first electric blower 24 are connected via the ventilation hole 29g.

[0037] The side wall 29c extends vertically and spans the outer peripheral edge of the lower wall 29a and the outer peripheral edge of the upper wall 29b. The side wall 29c is cylindrical, with at least a portion of it extending vertically. The side wall 29c may be entirely vertically extended, or it may have a stepped portion, with only a portion of it extending vertically.

[0038] The partition wall 29d is connected to the side wall 29c within the cylinder of the side wall 29c, dividing the case 29 into two upper and lower regions. Specifically, the partition wall 29d separates the coarse dust collection chamber 37 from the fine dust collection chamber 41. In other words, the partition wall 29d separates the coarse dust collection chamber 37 from the fine dust collection chamber 41. The coarse dust separation section 34 is located on the upper surface of this partition wall 29d. The partition wall 29d is provided with a ventilation hole 29h that opens the space inside the coarse dust separation section 34 downwards. The partition wall 29d is also called a partition wall.

[0039] Furthermore, case 29 comprises a coarse dust case section 29i and a fine dust case section 29j. The coarse dust case section 29i is included in the coarse dust collection section 36. The fine dust case section 29j is included in the fine dust collection section 40.

[0040] The coarse dust case section 29i is composed of a lower wall 29a, a partition wall 29d, and a portion 29ca of the side wall 29c between the lower wall 29a and the partition wall 29d. A part of the coarse dust collection chamber 37 is provided inside the coarse dust case section 29i. The coarse dust collection chamber 37 is a space that extends from the inside of the coarse dust case section 29i to the inside of the coarse dust separation section 34. In other words, the coarse dust collection chamber 37 is surrounded by the inner surface of the coarse dust case section 29i and the inner surface of the coarse dust separation section 34. To put it another way, the coarse dust case section 29i, together with the coarse dust separation section 34, forms the coarse dust collection chamber 37.

[0041] The fine dust case section 29j is composed of an upper wall 29b, a partition wall 29d, and a portion 29cb of the side wall 29c between the upper wall 29b and the partition wall 29d. A fine dust collection chamber 41 is provided inside the fine dust case section 29j. The fine dust collection chamber 41 is surrounded by the inner surface of the fine dust case section 29j, the outer surface of the fine dust separation section 38, and the outer surface of the coarse dust separation section 34. In other words, the fine dust case section 29j, together with the fine dust separation section 38 and the coarse dust separation section 34, forms a coarse dust collection chamber 37.

[0042] The fine dust collection chamber 41 has a first part 41a and a second part 41b. The first part 41a is the part between the inner surface of the fine dust case 29j and the outer surface of the fine dust separation section 38, and surrounds the outer periphery 38b of the fine dust separation section 38 (second filter 38a). The second part 41b is the part between the inner surface of the fine dust case 29j and the outer surface of the coarse dust separation section 34. That is, the second part 41b surrounds the coarse dust separation section 34. In the installed position, the second part 41b is located below the first part 41a and is connected to the first part 41a. The second part 41b is located below the fine dust separation section 38. That is, at least a part (for example, a part) of the fine dust collection chamber 41 is located below the fine dust separation section 38.

[0043] Figure 6 is an exemplary and schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the dust disposal port and the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the sealing member 31 is interposed between the upper surface 29da of the partition wall 29d and the lower end of the coarse dust separation section 34. The sealing member 31 is formed in an annular shape and is attached to the outer circumference of the lower end of the coarse dust separation section 34. The sealing member 31 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and has elasticity. The sealing member 31 seals the space between the partition wall 29d and the coarse dust separation section 34.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the sealing member 31 has a connecting portion 31a and a leg portion 31b. The connecting portion 31a is fitted to the lower end of the coarse dust separation portion 34. The leg portion 31b extends diagonally downward from the connecting portion 31a toward the inner surface of the side wall 29c and is in contact with the upper surface 29da of the partition wall 29d. The leg portion 31b is elastically deformed, for example, by being pressed against the upper surface 29da of the partition wall 29d. The upper surface 31c of the sealing member 31 is on which the fine dust in the fine dust collection chamber 41 rests. The upper surface 31c is an example of a surface.

[0046] Figure 7 is an illustrative and schematic perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment with the cover removed, exposing the waste ports (coarse dust waste port and fine dust waste port).

[0047] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the main body separation and dust collection unit 28 is provided with a waste port 48. The waste port 48 is provided on the side wall 29c of the case 29. For example, the waste port 48 is provided on the vertically extending portion of the side wall 29c. The waste port 48 allows coarse dust collected in the first separation and dust collection unit 30 and fine dust collected in the second separation and dust collection unit 32 to pass through. In detail, the waste port 48 includes a coarse dust waste port 50 and a fine dust waste port 52. The coarse dust waste port 50 and the fine dust waste port 52 are provided independently of each other. The coarse dust waste port 50 and the fine dust waste port 52 are spaced apart in the vertical direction (arrow X1-X2 direction). The coarse dust waste port 50 is located below the fine dust waste port 52 (arrow X2 side). In other words, the fine dust disposal port 52 is located above the coarse dust disposal port 50 (towards arrow X1).

[0048] The coarse dust disposal port 50 is provided on the side wall 29c of the coarse dust case section 29i and is connected to the coarse dust collection chamber 37 of the first separation and dust collection section 30. The coarse dust disposal port 50 is accessible to coarse dust collected in the first separation and dust collection section 30. The fine dust disposal port 52 is located below the fine dust separation section 38.

[0049] The fine dust discharge port 52 is provided on the side wall 29c of the fine dust case section 29j and is connected to the second portion 41b of the fine dust collection chamber 41 of the fine dust collection section 40. Fine dust collected in the second separation and collection section 32 can pass through the fine dust discharge port 52. The opening area of ​​the fine dust discharge port 52 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the coarse dust discharge port 50. In other words, the opening area of ​​the coarse dust discharge port 50 is larger than the opening area of ​​the fine dust discharge port 52. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fine dust discharge port 52 is connected to the suction pipe 15 via the fine dust collection chamber 41 of the second separation and collection section 32 and the first separation and collection section 30. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the lower end 52a (lower edge) of the fine dust discharge port 52 is located below the upper surface 31c of the sealing member 31 (in the direction of arrow X2) when installed. In other words, the upper surface 31c of the sealing member 31 is located above the lower end 52a of the dust disposal port 52 (in the direction of arrow X1) when installed. For example, the upper surface 31c of the sealing member 31 is located above the lower end 52a of the dust disposal port 52 and below the upper end 52b (upper edge) of the dust disposal port 52. With the above configuration, the airflow can be efficiently directed onto the dust on the upper surface 31c of the sealing member 31, making it easier to move the dust to the dust disposal port 52.

[0050] Figure 8 is an illustrative and schematic perspective view showing the state in which the exhaust ports (coarse dust outlet and fine dust outlet) of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment are closed with covers.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 8, the waste ports 48 (coarse dust waste port 50, fine dust waste port 52) ​​are opened and closed (open / closed) by the cover 54. When the waste ports 48 (coarse dust waste port 50, fine dust waste port 52) ​​are open by the cover 54, they are connected to the dust inlet 45 of station 12.

[0052] The airflow when the on-off valve 29f is opened by the suction force of the first electric blower 24 in the main body separation and dust collection unit 28 of the above configuration will be explained in detail. Air flows from the suction pipe 15 through the ventilation hole 29e in the lower wall 29a into the coarse dust collection chamber 37, and enters the inside of the coarse dust separation unit 34 through the ventilation hole 29h in the partition wall 29d. Then, the air passes from the inside to the outside of the coarse dust separation unit 34 and enters the second part 41b of the fine dust collection chamber 41. At this time, coarse dust in the air is separated by the coarse dust separation unit 34. After that, the air flows from the second part 41b of the fine dust collection chamber 41 to the first part 41a, passes from the outside to the inside of the fine dust separation unit 38 and flows into the second part 41b of the fine dust collection chamber 41. Then, the air passes from the outside to the inside of the fine dust separation unit 38 and the fine dust in the air is separated by the fine dust separation unit 38. Subsequently, air enters the suction port of the first electric blower 24 through the ventilation hole 29g in the upper wall 29b. As described above, the coarse dust separated by the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separated by the fine dust separation unit 38 are accumulated (collected) in the coarse dust collection chamber 37 and the fine dust collection chamber 41, respectively, by their own weight when the suction air stops. At this time, the coarse dust captured by the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust collected by the fine dust separation unit 38 may remain collected without falling out of the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separation unit 38. In other words, the coarse dust separation unit 34 separates and collects coarse dust, and the fine dust separation unit 38 separates and collects fine dust. Therefore, the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separation unit 38 can be defined as being included in the coarse dust collection unit 36 ​​and the fine dust collection unit 40, respectively.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the details of the structure that allows for the retention of dust and the discharge of accumulated dust in the main unit's dust collection section 28 will be explained.

[0054] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, that is, when it is disconnected from the station 12, it is necessary to prevent the dust (coarse and fine dust) accumulated (collected) in the main unit's separate dust collection unit 28 from spilling out of the main unit's separate dust collection unit 28. On the other hand, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12, it is necessary to open the main unit's separate dust collection unit 28 toward the connecting pipe 42 in order to transfer the dust from the main unit's separate dust collection unit 28 to the station 12 (return dust collection unit 46).

[0055] Therefore, a coarse dust outlet 50 is formed in a part of the side wall 29c that forms the coarse dust collection section 36 of the main body separation dust collection section 28, serving as a waste outlet 48 for discharging dust. Similarly, a fine dust outlet 52 is formed in a part of the side wall 29c of the vacuum cleaner body 14 that forms the fine dust collection section 40, serving as a waste outlet 48 for discharging fine dust.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the coarse dust outlet 50 and the fine dust outlet 52 in this embodiment are formed in independent and adjacent positions. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, when the vacuum cleaner body 14 (extension pipe 17) is connected to the station 12 in an attached position (upright position) with the suction port 16 facing downwards, the positional relationship between the coarse dust outlet 50 and the fine dust outlet 52 is set such that the fine dust outlet 52 is positioned above the coarse dust outlet 50. In other words, the coarse dust outlet 50 is positioned on the side closer to the suction port 16 (arrow X2 side) along the axial direction of the vacuum cleaner body 14, and the fine dust outlet 52 is positioned above it (arrow X1 side). Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the coarse dust outlet 50 is set to be larger than the opening area of ​​the fine dust outlet 52. As a result, when discharging the coarse dust and fine dust separately accumulated in the coarse dust collection section 36 and the fine dust collection section 40, the coarse dust, which is larger in shape than the fine dust, can be discharged smoothly. In addition, by narrowing the opening area of ​​the fine dust discharge port 52 to be smaller than the opening area of ​​the coarse dust discharge port 50, the air velocity of the air passing through the fine dust discharge port 52 can be increased, and fine dust (dust that is finer or lighter than coarse dust) can be efficiently discharged from the fine dust discharge port 52 by riding on the high-velocity airflow. In this embodiment, the opening shapes of the coarse dust discharge port 50 and the fine dust discharge port 52 are rectangular, but other shapes such as circles or ovals may also be used.

[0057] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 10 is equipped with an openable and closable cover 54 that closes the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52 to prevent dust accumulated (collected) in the main unit separation dust collection section 28 (coarse dust collection chamber 37 and fine dust collection chamber 41) from spilling out of the vacuum cleaner 10 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the station 12.

[0058] Figure 8 is an illustrative and schematic perspective view showing the state in which the exhaust ports 48 (coarse dust exhaust port 50 and fine dust exhaust port 52) ​​of the vacuum cleaner 10 are closed by a cover 54. In this embodiment, the cover 54 consists of a plate-shaped cover body 56 and a pivot point 58 that serves as the pivot center when the cover body 56 opens and closes. Figure 8 shows the state in which a single cover 54 (cover body 56) closes around the pivot point 58, simultaneously closing the coarse dust exhaust port 50 and the fine dust exhaust port 52. In Figure 8, a pivot axis is formed on the cover 54 side, and this pivot axis is inserted into a support hole formed in a part of the side wall 29c of the case 29 of the main body separation dust collection unit 28, thereby constituting the pivot point 58. In another embodiment, a support hole may be formed on the lid 54 side, and a pivot shaft formed in a part of the side wall 29c of the case 29 of the main body separation dust collection unit 28 may be inserted into the support hole to constitute a pivot point 58.

[0059] The detailed structure and opening / closing operation of the lid 54 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5 mentioned above.

[0060] As mentioned above, the lid 54 is composed of a plate-shaped lid body 56 and a pivot point 58 that serves as the pivot center when the lid body 56 opens and closes. On the lid body 56, sealing members such as resin packing may be placed around the surfaces that contact the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52, that is, around the closing portion 54a that closes the disposal ports 48 (coarse dust disposal port 50 and fine dust disposal port 52), in order to improve the airtightness when the lid 54 is closed so that dust does not spill out to the outside.

[0061] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pivot point 58 is positioned adjacent to the fine dust disposal port 52 and on the side furthest from the coarse dust disposal port 50, relative to the adjacent coarse dust disposal port 50 and fine dust disposal port 52, and supports the lid body 56 (lid 54) so ​​that the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52 can be opened or closed simultaneously by the lid body 56. The lid body 56 has, for example, a biasing member 58a (e.g., a torsion spring) located near the pivot point 58 that provides a biasing force to close the lid body 56 (closing the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52). Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is not connected to the station 12, that is, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is available for use, the lid body 54 (lid 56) can maintain the closed state (closing the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52) ​​due to the biasing force of the biasing member 58a.

[0062] Furthermore, the lid 54 is provided with a receiving portion 60 on the other end of the lid 54, for example, on the edge of the other end of the lid 54, to improve the ability to maintain the closed position of the lid 54. Inside this receiving portion 60 is a first magnetic material 62, such as iron or a permanent magnet. Note that the position of the receiving portion 60 provided on the edge of the other end of the lid 54 is not limited to the end of the lid 54, but can be in the vicinity (periphery) of the end. For example, the receiving portion 60 may be formed on the opposite side of the lid 54 from the pivot point 58, with the closing portion 54a that closes the waste opening 48 in between.

[0063] Furthermore, a holding portion 64 is formed on a part of the vacuum cleaner body 14 at a position where the receiving portion 60 faces it via a partition wall 14c when the lid 54 is closed. The holding portion 64 contains a second magnetic material 66 that exerts an attractive force on the first magnetic material 62. The second magnetic material 66 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The holding portion 64 has a substantially L-shaped lever portion 64a extending from the side containing the second magnetic material 66. A pivot point portion 64b is formed on a part of the lever portion 64a, and the holding portion 64 is rotatable around the pivot point portion 64b. The holding portion 64 is biased by a biasing member 64c (for example, a torsion spring) so that it rotates to a facing position facing the receiving portion 60 as shown in Figure 4. In other words, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is detached from the station 12, the holding part 64 containing the second magnetic material 66 attracts the receiving part 60 containing the first magnetic material 62 via the partition wall 14c, maintaining the closed state caused by the closing operation of the lid 54. As a result, when the lid 54 is closed, the biasing action of the biasing member 58a provided on the pivot point 58 side and the attraction force between the receiving part 60 (first magnetic material 62) and the holding part 64 (second magnetic material 66) press the lid 54 against the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52, causing the lid 54 to firmly close both the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52 simultaneously. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is detached from the station 12, it is possible to reliably prevent dust accumulated (collected) in the main unit separation dust collection section 28 (coarse dust collection chamber 37 and fine dust collection chamber 41) from spilling out of the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fine dust outlet 52 is located above the coarse dust outlet 50, and the pivot point 58 is located above the fine dust outlet 52. As a result, even if dust is present around the outside of the lid 54, it is easier to prevent dust from getting stuck between the pivot point 58 or the lid 54 and the vacuum cleaner body 14, thus preventing rotational malfunction or incomplete closure. For example, even if fine dust spills during dust transport, it is less likely to adhere to the pivot point 8 of the lid 54, thus reducing the likelihood of rotational malfunction. Also, as shown in Figure 5, since heavy objects such as the first magnetic material 62 are spaced apart from the pivot point 58, the rotational operation of the lid 54 during closing is made easier. Furthermore, when the supply of transported air stops, the lid 54 closes easily due to its own weight, allowing the attraction operation between the first magnetic material 62 and the second magnetic material 66 to proceed smoothly.

[0065] In the case of Figures 4 and 5, a pivot shaft is formed on the holding portion 64 side, and this pivot shaft is inserted into a support hole formed in a part of the side wall 29c of the case 29 of the main body separation and dust collection portion 28, thereby constituting a pivot point portion 64b. In another embodiment, a support hole may be formed on the holding portion 64 side, and a pivot shaft formed in a part of the side wall 29c of the case 29 of the main body separation and dust collection portion 28 may be inserted into this support hole, thereby constituting a pivot point portion 64b.

[0066] Furthermore, by having a structure in which the holding part 64 encloses the second magnetic material 66 via the partition wall 14c, even if metal dust or the like is adsorbed onto the partition wall 14c or the holding part 64, it can be easily removed (cleaned). As a result, the holding part 64 can stably adsorb the lid 54 (receiving part 60), making it easier to suppress malfunctions in the closing operation (failure to seal) of the lid 54.

[0067] In the case of Figure 4, the receiving portion 60 is formed, for example, on the edge of the other end furthest from the side where the pivot point portion 58 is formed, and the holding portion 64 is formed at a position corresponding to the receiving portion 60. As a result, the lid body 56 can be biased at both ends, efficiently applying biasing force to the lid body 56 and maintaining a stable closed position. In other embodiments, the receiving portion 60 may be located at the other end of the side where the pivot point portion 58 is formed, and the holding portion 64 may be formed at a position corresponding to the receiving portion 60. In this case as well, the lid body 56 can be biased at two points, contributing to maintaining the closed position of the lid 54.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12 with the lid 54 closed, the dust inlet 45, which is opened in a part of the support column 18 of the station 12 (for example, the upper part), faces the lid 54, as shown in Figure 5. At this time, the first projection 68 formed on a part of the support column 18 comes into contact with the lever 64a, causing the holding part 64 to rotate clockwise in Figure 5. As a result, the holding part 64 moves (rotates) to a retracted position Q (see Figure 5) that is separated from the opposing position P (see Figure 4) of the receiving part 60, in conjunction with the connection operation of connecting the vacuum cleaner 10 to the station 12. By moving (rotating) the holding part 64 to the retracted position Q, the attractive force of the receiving part 60 on the first magnetic material 62 is reduced, making it easier to open the lid 54. In other words, it allows the lid 54 to be opened. In other words, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12, the suction force of the lid 54 is reduced, making it easy to open the lid 54 and allowing the collected dust to be smoothly transferred to the station 12. Furthermore, by configuring the holding part 64 to move to the retracted position Q, it becomes unnecessary to employ a structure such as a locking claw that mechanically locks the receiving part 60. As a result, it becomes easier to suppress malfunctions in the opening and closing operation of the lid 54 caused by dust getting caught, which can occur when a structure such as a locking claw is used.

[0069] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is detached from the station 12, the engagement between the first projection 68 and the lever portion 64a is released, and the holding portion 64 returns to the opposing position P due to the biasing force of the biasing member 64c. Also, since the supply of airflow (negative pressure) from the station 12 side stops, the lid 54 closes due to the biasing force of the biasing member 58a. As a result, the lid returns to the closed position (the position in which the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52 are closed by the lid body 56) due to the attraction between the first magnetic material 62 of the receiving portion 60 and the second magnetic material 66 of the holding portion 64.

[0070] As mentioned above, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12, the second electric blower 44 of the station 12 is driven for a predetermined period of time to generate an airflow (transfer air) with a negative pressure transfer force into the connecting pipe section 42 via the dust collection section 46. As described above, when connected, the lid 54 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is made easier to open. As a result, air is drawn in from the main body separation dust collection section 28 and suction pipe 15 (see Figure 2) on the connected vacuum cleaner 10 side. This airflow promotes the opening of the lid 54, achieving the open state shown in Figure 5. In other words, the dust inlet 45 and the waste outlet 48 (coarse dust waste outlet 50 and fine dust waste outlet 52) ​​opened by the opened lid 54 are connected.

[0071] Furthermore, the connecting pipe section 42, which has a dust inlet 45 above it, has a nearly straight flow path and is connected to the dust collection section 46 of the station main body 20 located below the connecting pipe section 42. Therefore, dust (fine and coarse dust) discharged through the waste outlet 48 (coarse dust waste outlet 50 and fine dust waste outlet 52) ​​and the dust inlet 45 can be smoothly moved to the dust collection section 46 and collected.

[0072] When airflow flows from the station 12 side, for example, the airflow from the suction pipe 15 side opens the on-off valve 29f, generating airflow W1 (transfer air). As a result, the coarse dust accumulated in the coarse dust collection section 36 (coarse dust collection chamber 37) is discharged from the coarse dust disposal port 50, which is opened by the opening operation of the lid 54, and transferred to the connecting pipe section 42. In other words, the coarse dust can be transferred to the re-collection dust section 46. At this time, airflow W3 is also generated from the suction pipe 15, passing through the coarse dust collection section 36 (coarse dust collection chamber 37) and the coarse dust separation section 34, and through the fine dust collection section 40 (second part 41b of the fine dust collection chamber 41) toward the fine dust disposal port 52. This airflow W3 transfers the fine dust from the fine dust collection section 40 (fine dust collection chamber 41) to the re-collection dust section 46.

[0073] Similarly, when airflow flows from the station 12 side, airflow W2 (transfer air) is generated by the airflow from the main body separation and dust collection unit 28 side. As a result, the fine dust accumulated in the fine dust collection unit 40 (fine dust collection chamber 41) is discharged from the fine dust disposal port 52, which is opened by the opening operation of the lid 54, and transferred to the connecting pipe section 42. In other words, the fine dust can be transferred to the re-collection dust unit 46. As will be described later, airflow W2 includes the airflow passing through the inlet 74 of the vacuum cleaner body 14 and the airflow passing through the first electric blower 24. The inlet 74 introduces air between the second separation and dust collection unit 32 and the first electric blower 24.

[0074] Incidentally, coarse dust particles, being larger in size (for example, having a large particle size), are easily affected by the transport airflow and can be transported easily. On the other hand, fine dust particles, being smaller in size (for example, having a smaller particle size), are less affected by the transport airflow (the airflow simply passes around the fine dust particles), and the transport efficiency may be worse than that of coarse dust. As a result, fine dust particles may remain in the fine dust collection chamber 41.

[0075] In the case of the vacuum cleaner body 14 of this embodiment, as described above, the pivot point 58 of the lid 54 is positioned on the side furthest from the coarse dust outlet 50 and adjacent to the fine dust outlet 52, relative to the adjacent coarse dust outlet 50 and fine dust outlet 52. As a result, when the lid 54 is opened, the open region (space) M formed by the fine dust outlet 52 on the side closer to the pivot point 58 and the lid 54 becomes smaller (the space is narrowed) than the open region (space) N formed by the coarse dust outlet 50 on the side farther from the pivot point 58 and the lid 54. As a result, the flow velocity of the airflow W2 passing through the fine dust outlet 52 in the open region M becomes faster than the flow velocity of the airflow W1 passing through the coarse dust outlet 50 in the open region N.

[0076] As mentioned above, the fine dust collection chamber 41 of the second separation and dust collection unit 32 has an upper surface 31c on which fine dust rests, located above the lower end of the fine dust discharge port 52 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12 in an attached position (upright position). As a result, the airflow W2, whose flow velocity is accelerated in the open region (space) M narrowed by the lid 54, can efficiently transport the fine dust that has settled on the upper surface 31c. In other words, the efficiency of fine dust transport is improved, and fine dust can be transported as efficiently as coarse dust.

[0077] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to station 12, the first electric blower 24 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is stopped. As a result, the airflow resistance increases, and the amount of air flowing in from the outside through the inside and around the first electric blower 24 is small. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner body 14 is equipped with an intake door section 70 that opens when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to station 12, as shown in Figure 5. The intake door section 70 is a roughly L-shaped component and is equipped with a lever section 70a. A pivot point section 70b is formed on a part of the lever section 70a, and the intake door section 70 is rotatable around the pivot point section 70b. In addition, a biasing member 70c (for example, a torsion spring) is attached to the intake door section 70 to generate a biasing force that maintains the closed state. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12, the lever portion 70a of the intake door portion 70 engages with a second projection 72 formed on a part of the support column portion 18 of the station 12 (in the case of Figure 5, it is pushed up in a clockwise direction), and opens against the biasing force of the biasing member 70c as shown in Figure 5. As a result, the intake door portion 70 is formed on a part of the vacuum cleaner body 14 and opens an inlet 74 that introduces air between the second separation and dust collection section 32 and the first electric blower 24. As a result, the inlet 74 communicates with the outside air intake port 18a formed on a part of the support column portion 18, allowing outside air to flow into the second separation and dust collection section 32, contributing to the transport of fine dust as airflow W2 (transport air). In other words, by making it easier to take in outside air and increasing the airflow, it contributes to improving the transport force of dust, especially fine dust, and is configured to transport fine dust as efficiently as coarse dust.

[0078] In the case of Figures 4 and 5, a pivot shaft is formed on the intake door portion 70 side, and this pivot shaft is inserted into a support hole formed in a part of the side wall 29c of the case 29 of the main body separation dust collection portion 28, thereby constituting a pivot point portion 70b. In another embodiment, a support hole may be formed on the intake door portion 70 side, and a pivot shaft formed in a part of the side wall 29c of the case 29 of the main body separation dust collection portion 28 may be inserted into this support hole, thereby constituting a pivot point portion 70b.

[0079] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is disconnected from the station 12 and the engagement between the lever portion 70a and the second projection portion 72 is released, the intake door portion 70 closes due to the biasing force of the biasing member 70c. As a result, the inlet 74 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the suction force generated by the first electric blower 24 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use.

[0080] Thus, according to the electric vacuum cleaner 1 of this embodiment, when the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12, the dust accumulated (collected) in the main body separation dust collection unit 28 can be efficiently transferred to the return dust collection unit 46 of the station 12 by the airflows W1, W2, W3 (transfer air) generated when the lid 54 is opened. Furthermore, when the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is disconnected from the station 12, the closing operation of the lid 54 and the suction operation of the receiving unit 60 and the holding unit 64 ensure that the waste outlet 48 (coarse dust waste outlet 50 and fine dust waste outlet 52) ​​is reliably closed. As a result, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the dust accumulated (collected) by the electric vacuum cleaner 10 from spilling out of the main body separation dust collection unit 28.

[0081] In the examples described in Figures 4 and 5, the case in which the second magnetic material 66 contained in the holding part 64 is a permanent magnet is shown, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the second magnetic material 66 may be composed of an electromagnet 66E. In this case, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is disconnected from the station 12 (when the vacuum cleaner 10 is usable), the electromagnet 66E receives power from the battery 22 and generates a magnetic force by electromagnetic induction. As a result, the holding part 64 (electromagnet 66E) attracts the first magnetic material 62 of the receiving part 60 of the lid 54 via the partition wall 14c, ensuring reliable closure of the waste port 48 (coarse dust waste port 50 and fine dust waste port 52) ​​by the lid 54. Furthermore, when it is detected that the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12, for example, when it is detected that a contact that enables charging of the battery 22 has been connected, the power supply to the electromagnet 66E is cut off and electromagnetic induction is stopped. As a result, the attraction of the first magnetic material 62 to the receiving portion 60 of the lid 54 by the holding portion 64 (electromagnet 66E) is eliminated. Consequently, the biasing force on the lid 54 is reduced to only the biasing force of the biasing member 58a, making it easier to open the lid 54 (allowing the lid 54 to open). Furthermore, if the second magnetic material 66 is an electromagnet, by cutting off the power supply to the electromagnet 66E, any metal dust or other debris that may be attracted to the holding portion 64 can be easily removed (cleaned). As a result, the holding portion 64 can stably attract the lid 54 (receiving portion 60), making it easier to suppress malfunctions in the closing operation (failure to close) of the lid 54.

[0082] When the second magnetic body 66 is composed of an electromagnet 66E, a configuration may be provided to move the holding part 64 to the retracted position Q. However, by stopping the power supply to the electromagnet 66E, the attractive force on the first magnetic body 62 can be reduced or eliminated. Therefore, when the second magnetic body 66 is composed of an electromagnet 66E, the movable mechanism of the holding part 64 (the mechanism for moving to the retracted position Q) may be omitted, and it may be configured to be fixed at the opposing position P shown in Figure 4. In this case, the first projection 68 on the support column 18 side can also be omitted. As a result, the structure of the vacuum cleaner body 14 and the support column 18 can be simplified, contributing to improved aesthetics and simplified design.

[0083] <Summary> As described above, the electric cleaning device 1 of this embodiment comprises a station 12 and an electric vacuum cleaner 10. The electric vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 14. The vacuum cleaner body 14 has a gripping part 11 that can be gripped, a first electric blower 24 that generates suction force, a main body separation dust collection unit 28, and a suction pipe 15. The suction pipe 15 has a suction port 15a that sucks in air by the suction force of the first electric blower 24. The electric vacuum cleaner 10 can be attached to and detached from the station 12 in an upright mounting position with the vacuum cleaner body 14 having the suction port 15a facing downwards relative to the main body separation dust collection unit 28. The main body separation dust collection unit 28 comprises a first separation dust collection unit 30, a second separation dust collection unit 32, a coarse dust disposal port 50, and a fine dust disposal port 52. The first separation dust collection unit 30 separates and collects coarse dust from the dust-containing air that is sucked in by the suction port 15a and passes through the suction pipe 15. The second separation and dust collection unit 32 is positioned above the first separation and dust collection unit 30 in the mounted position, and separates and collects fine dust contained in the air that has passed through the first separation and dust collection unit 30. The coarse dust discharge port 50 is through which the coarse dust collected in the first separation and dust collection unit 30 can pass. The fine dust discharge port 52 is provided independently of the coarse dust discharge port 50, and is through which the fine dust collected in the second separation and dust collection unit 32 can pass. The second separation and dust collection unit 32 includes a fine dust separation unit 38 that separates fine dust from the air that has passed through the first separation and dust collection unit 30, and a fine dust collection chamber 41 that accumulates the fine dust separated in the fine dust separation unit 38. The fine dust discharge port 52 is connected to the suction pipe 15 via the fine dust collection chamber 41 and the first separation and dust collection unit 30. The station 12 includes a dust inlet 45, a dust collection unit 46, and a second electric blower 44. The dust inlet 45 is connected to the coarse dust outlet 50 and the fine dust outlet 52. The dust collection unit 46 is in communication with the dust inlet 45 and is capable of receiving coarse dust collected in the first separation and collection unit 30 and fine dust collected in the second separation and collection unit 32. The second electric blower 44 applies negative pressure to the first separation and collection unit 30 and the second separation and collection unit 32 via the dust collection unit 46, moving the coarse dust collected in the first separation and collection unit 30 and the fine dust collected in the second separation and collection unit 32 to the dust collection unit 46.

[0084] With this configuration, the first separation and dust collection unit 30 separates and collects coarse dust from the air, and the second separation and dust collection unit 32 separates and collects fine dust contained in the air that has passed through the first separation and dust collection unit 30, thereby suppressing the occurrence of dust clogging in the main body separation and dust collection unit 28. Therefore, a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 10 can be suppressed. In addition, the airflow W3 generated by the air introduced from the suction port 15a via the suction pipe 15 can transfer the fine dust in the fine dust collection chamber 41 of the second separation and dust collection unit 32 to the re-collection dust unit 46 via the fine dust disposal port 52. However, when introducing air from the exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner body 14, the amount of air introduced tends to be reduced due to airflow resistance such as the fan and windings of the first electric blower 24. In contrast, with the above configuration, the airflow W3 generated by the air introduced from the suction port 15a through the suction pipe 15 can move the fine dust in the fine dust collection chamber 41 of the second separation and dust collection unit 32 to the re-collection dust unit 46, thus allowing the fine dust to be moved to the re-collection dust unit 46 more efficiently.

[0085] Furthermore, the second separation and dust collection unit 32 separates fine dust from the air by filtration.

[0086] With this configuration, the airflow W2 generated by blowing air in the opposite direction to when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, passing through the first electric blower 24, can detach the fine dust captured in the second separation and collection unit 32 and move it to the re-collection unit 46. As a result, the two airflows, W2 and W3, can work together to move the fine dust to the re-collection unit 46.

[0087] Furthermore, in the wearing position, at least a portion of the dust collection chamber 41 is located below the dust separation unit 38. The dust disposal port 52 is located below the dust separation unit 38.

[0088] With this configuration, the fine dust separation unit 38 can be air-cleaned by the airflow when dust is transferred to station 12. At this time, the coarse dust separation unit 34 acts as resistance to the airflow, so the air that has cleaned the fine dust separation unit 38 flows around the outer circumference of the coarse dust separation unit 34, where there is less resistance.

[0089] Furthermore, the first separation and dust collection unit 30 includes a coarse dust separation unit 34 and a coarse dust collection chamber 37. The coarse dust separation unit 34 separates coarse dust from the air. The coarse dust collection chamber 37 accumulates the coarse dust separated by the coarse dust separation unit 34. In the mounted position, the second separation and dust collection unit 32 has the first separation and dust collection unit 30 and the second separation and dust collection unit 32 positioned above the suction pipe 15, the first electric blower 24 positioned above the first separation and dust collection unit 30 and the second separation and dust collection unit 32, and the fine dust separation unit 38 positioned above the coarse dust separation unit 34. The suction pipe 15, the first separation and dust collection unit 30 and the second separation and dust collection unit 32, and the first electric blower 24 are aligned vertically, and the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separation unit 38 are aligned vertically.

[0090] This configuration makes it easier to design the vacuum cleaner body 14 so that the first separation and collection unit 30 does not protrude, and consequently, the main unit separation and collection unit 28 and the vacuum cleaner body 14 can be made thinner. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner body 14 is easy to operate when cleaning in narrow spaces or under furniture. In addition, when using the electric vacuum cleaner 10, it is easy to create a linear airflow inside the electric vacuum cleaner 10, resulting in efficient cleaning. Furthermore, both coarse and fine dust can be efficiently moved to the station 12.

[0091] Furthermore, the main unit's dust collection section 28 is equipped with a side wall 29c. At least a portion of the side wall 29c extends vertically when the unit is mounted. The coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52 are provided on the side wall 29c.

[0092] With this configuration, since the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the fine dust disposal port 52 are provided on the side wall 29c, it is easy to design the main body separation dust collection unit 28 so that it does not protrude from the vacuum cleaner body 14, and consequently, it is easy to make the main body separation dust collection unit 28 and the vacuum cleaner body 14 thinner.

[0093] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner body 14 is equipped with an inlet 74. The inlet 74 introduces air between the second separation and collection unit 32 and the first electric blower 24 when the second electric blower 44 moves fine dust from the second separation and collection unit 32 to the return dust collection unit 46.

[0094] With this configuration, when dust is transferred to station 12, outside air is introduced from the inlet 74 in addition to the air drawn in from the suction port 15a, so that the air in the fine dust separation unit 38 can be cleaned more reliably, and fine dust can be removed from the fine dust separation unit 38 more reliably.

[0095] Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the fine dust disposal port 52 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the coarse dust disposal port 50.

[0096] With this configuration, coarse dust passes through the coarse dust outlet 50 and fine dust passes through the fine dust outlet 52. Therefore, even if the opening area of ​​the fine dust outlet 52 is smaller than that of the coarse dust outlet 50, fine dust can still be discharged. Furthermore, fine dust passing through the fine dust outlet 52 tends to adhere to the surface of components such as the second filter 38a. In contrast, reducing the opening area of ​​the fine dust outlet 52 increases the airflow velocity, making it easier to move the fine dust adhering to the surface of the components.

[0097] Furthermore, the second separation and dust collection unit 32 is equipped with an upper surface 31c. The upper surface 31c is located above the lower end 52a of the fine dust disposal port 52 in the mounted position, and the fine dust in the fine dust collection chamber 41 rests on it.

[0098] With this configuration, fine dust on the upper surface 31c can be discharged more reliably from the dust disposal port 52.

[0099] In the above embodiment, a filtration separation method was shown as an example of the separation method for the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separation unit 38, but it is not limited to this. For example, the separation method for the coarse dust separation unit 34 and the fine dust separation unit 38 may be a centrifugal separation method or the like. Also, in the above embodiment, an example of a vacuum cleaner 10 with a top center of gravity, in which the vacuum cleaner body 14 is located at the top, was shown, but it is not limited to this. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may be a vacuum cleaner 10 with a bottom center of gravity, in which the vacuum cleaner body 14 is located at the bottom. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 10 may be a handheld type in which the suction pipe 15 and the suction port body 16 are directly connected without an extension pipe 17, or a handheld type in which the suction port body 16 and extension pipe 17 are not provided.

[0100] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the waste ports 48 (coarse dust waste port 50, fine dust waste port 52) ​​are provided in a portion of the side wall 29c that extends in the vertical direction, the invention is not limited to this. For example, a stepped portion may be provided in the side wall 29c, and the waste ports 48 (coarse dust waste port 50, fine dust waste port 52) ​​may be provided in the portion of the side wall 29c that includes the stepped portion. Also, the waste ports 48 (coarse dust waste port 50, fine dust waste port 52) ​​may protrude from the side wall 29c.

[0101] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1...Electric cleaning device, 10...Electric vacuum cleaner, 11...Grip part, 12...Station, 14...Vacuum cleaner body, 15...Suction pipe, 15a...Suction port, 24...First electric blower, 28...Main body separation dust collection section, 29c...Side wall, 30...First separation dust collection section, 31c...Top surface, 32...Second separation dust collection section, 38...Fine dust separation section, 38a...Second filter, 41...Fine dust collection chamber, 41a...First part, 42a...Second part, 44...Second electric blower, 45...Dust inlet, 46...Recycled dust collection section, 48...Disposal port, 50...Coarse dust disposal port, 52...Fine dust disposal port, 74...Inlet.

Claims

1. The station and A vacuum cleaner and, Equipped with, The aforementioned vacuum cleaner, A vacuum cleaner body having a gripping part that can be gripped, a first electric blower that generates suction force, a main body separation dust collection part, and a suction tube having a suction port that draws in air by the suction force of the first electric blower, The vacuum cleaner body is equipped with such a mechanism, and can be attached to and detached from the station in an upright mounting position with the suction port facing downwards relative to the main unit separation dust collection section. The aforementioned main body separation and dust collection unit is A first separation and dust collection unit separates and collects coarse dust from air containing dust, which is drawn in by the aforementioned suction port and passes through the aforementioned suction pipe. In the aforementioned mounting position, at least a portion of the second separation and dust collection unit is located above the first separation and dust collection unit, and the second separation and dust collection unit further separates and collects fine dust contained in the air that has passed through the first separation and dust collection unit. The first separation and dust collection unit has a coarse dust disposal port through which the collected coarse dust can pass, A fine dust disposal port is provided independently of the coarse dust disposal port, through which the fine dust collected in the second separation and dust collection section can pass, Equipped with, The second separation and dust collection unit is, A dust separation unit that separates the fine dust from the air that has passed through the first separation and dust collection unit, A dust collection chamber for accumulating the dust separated in the dust separation unit, Equipped with, The dust disposal port is connected to the suction pipe via the dust collection chamber and the first separation and collection unit. The aforementioned station is A dust inlet connected to the coarse dust outlet and the fine dust outlet, A dust collection section is connected to the dust inlet and is capable of receiving the coarse dust collected in the first separation and dust collection section and the fine dust collected in the second separation and dust collection section, A second electric blower applies negative pressure to the first separation and collection section and the second separation and collection section via the aforementioned dust collection section, thereby moving the coarse dust collected in the first separation and collection section and the fine dust collected in the second separation and collection section to the aforementioned dust collection section. Equipped with, Electric vacuum cleaner.

2. The second separation and dust collection unit separates the fine dust from the air by filtration. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

3. In the aforementioned mounting position, at least a portion of the fine dust collection chamber is located below the fine dust separation section. The dust disposal port is located below the dust separation section. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

4. The first separation and dust collection unit is, A coarse dust separation unit for separating the coarse dust from the air, A coarse dust collection chamber for accumulating the coarse dust separated in the coarse dust separation unit, Equipped with, In the aforementioned mounting position, the first separation and dust collection unit and the second separation and dust collection unit are positioned above the suction pipe, the first electric blower is positioned above the first separation and dust collection unit and the second separation and dust collection unit, the fine dust separation unit is positioned above the coarse dust separation unit, the suction pipe, the first separation and dust collection unit and the second separation and dust collection unit and the first electric blower are aligned in the vertical direction, and the coarse dust separation unit and the fine dust separation unit are aligned in the vertical direction. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

5. The main body separation and dust collection unit is provided with side walls that, in the mounting position, at least a portion of which extends in the vertical direction, The coarse dust disposal port and the fine dust disposal port are provided in the side wall. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

6. The vacuum cleaner body is provided with an air inlet for introducing air between the second separation and collection unit and the first electric blower when the second electric blower moves the fine dust from the second separation and collection unit to the return dust collection unit. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

7. The opening area of ​​the fine dust disposal port is smaller than the opening area of ​​the coarse dust disposal port. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

8. The second separation and dust collection unit is located above the lower end of the fine dust disposal port in the mounting position and has a surface on which the fine dust in the fine dust collection chamber rests. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

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