Electric cleaning device

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric cleaning device, including a station-connectable electric vacuum cleaner, that can efficiently transfer dust (especially fine dust) to the station. [Solution] The electric cleaning device comprises a station and an electric vacuum cleaner that can be connected to and disconnected from the station. The electric vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner body having a first electric blower, a main body separation dust collection unit, a lid, and a suction tube having a suction port for drawing in air by the suction force of the first electric blower. The lid has a pivot point at a position adjacent to the fine dust disposal port on the side furthest from the coarse dust disposal port, relative to the adjacent coarse dust disposal port and fine dust disposal port, and is positioned to open or close both the coarse dust disposal port and the fine dust disposal port simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

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[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 has accumulated is common. Also, every time the electric vacuum cleaner is connected (attached) to a dedicated station after cleaning, the dust temporarily accumulated inside the electric vacuum cleaner is transferred by the transfer air (airflow generating a transfer force by negative pressure) generated on the station side so as not to leave any on the electric vacuum cleaner side. An electric cleaning device has been proposed.

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 connected to a station as described above, the dust sucked by the electric vacuum cleaner sucks, for example, coarse dust with a large particle size and fine dust (e.g., powder, etc.) with a smaller particle size than this coarse dust together. 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 become clogged. Also, when transferring the dust (mixture of coarse dust and fine dust) sucked by the electric vacuum cleaner to the station side, the coarse dust is easily affected by the transfer air and is easily transferred, but the fine dust is hardly affected by the transfer air and is hardly transferred. As a result, there is a problem that fine dust is likely to remain on the electric vacuum cleaner side, which may cause a decrease in suction efficiency and malfunctions.

[0005] One example of a problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electrical cleaning device, including a station-connectable electrical vacuum cleaner, that can efficiently transfer dust (especially fine dust) to the station. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electric cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a station and an electric vacuum cleaner that can be connected to and disconnected from the station. The electric vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner body having a first electric blower that generates a suction force for sucking up dust, a main body separation dust collection unit, a lid that opens and closes a waste port provided in the main body separation dust collection unit, and a suction pipe having a suction port for drawing in air by the suction force of the first electric blower. The main body separation and dust collection unit comprises a first separation and dust collection unit including a coarse dust separation unit for separating coarse dust from air containing dust, a coarse dust collection chamber for accumulating the coarse dust separated by the coarse dust separation unit, and a coarse dust disposal port formed in a part of the coarse dust collection chamber for discharging the coarse dust; and a second separation and dust collection unit including a fine dust separation unit for separating fine dust contained in the air passing through the coarse dust separation unit, a fine dust collection chamber for accumulating the fine dust separated by the fine dust separation unit, and a fine dust disposal port formed in a part of the fine dust collection chamber at a position independent of and adjacent to the coarse dust disposal port for discharging the fine dust. The lid is provided with a pivot point at a position adjacent to the fine dust disposal port on the side farther from the coarse dust disposal port, with respect to the adjacent coarse dust disposal port and fine dust disposal port, and is positioned to open and close the coarse dust disposal port and the fine dust disposal port simultaneously. Furthermore, the station includes a dust inlet connected to the coarse dust outlet and the fine dust outlet when the vacuum cleaner is connected, a recirculating dust collection unit connected to the dust inlet and capable of receiving the coarse dust collected in the first separation dust collection unit and the fine dust collected in the second separation dust collection unit, and a second electric blower that applies negative pressure to the first separation dust collection unit and the second separation dust collection unit via the recirculating dust collection unit, generating a transfer force to move the coarse dust collected in the first separation dust collection unit and the fine dust collected in the second separation dust collection unit to the recirculating dust collection unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner may be, for example, equipped with a gripping part that can be held, and can be connected to the station in a mounted position where the vacuum cleaner body is upright, and the fine dust disposal port may be positioned such that when the vacuum cleaner is mounted to the station in the mounted position with the suction port facing downwards, the fine dust disposal port is positioned above the coarse dust disposal port, and the pivot point is positioned above the fine dust disposal port.

[0008] Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the coarse dust disposal port may be larger than, for example, the opening area of ​​the fine dust disposal port.

[0009] Furthermore, the station may include, for example, a connecting pipe that connects the dust inlet and the dust collection unit when the vacuum cleaner is connected in the mounting position, and the dust collection unit may be connected below the connecting pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the fine dust collection chamber of the second separation and dust collection unit may, for example, be located above the lower end of the fine dust disposal port when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the station in the mounting position, and may have a surface on which the fine dust settles.

[0011] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner body may be 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 first collection unit.

[0012] According to the above-described electric dust cleaning device, for example, the pivot point of the lid, which can simultaneously open and close both the fine dust discharge port and the coarse dust discharge port, is located on the side furthest from the coarse dust discharge port and adjacent to the fine dust discharge port. As a result, the area formed by the fine dust discharge port and the lid near the pivot point is narrower than the area formed by the coarse dust discharge port and the lid. Therefore, the airflow velocity from the fine dust collection unit to the station's recirculating dust collection unit is higher than the airflow velocity from the coarse dust collection unit to the station's recirculating dust collection unit. As a result, the efficiency of fine dust transfer is improved, and fine dust can be transferred as efficiently as coarse dust. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [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. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exemplary and schematic partial cross-sectional view showing other positional relationships between the coarse dust collection section (coarse dust discharge port) and the fine dust collection section (fine dust discharge port) of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the figures. Note that in this specification, components and descriptions of such components may be expressed in multiple ways. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions used herein. Components may also be identified by names different from those used herein. Furthermore, components may also be described using expressions different from those used herein.

[0015] <Configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner 1> Figure 1 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing an electric cleaning device 1 comprising an electric vacuum cleaner 10 and a station 12 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the electric cleaning device 1 comprises an electric vacuum cleaner 10 and a station 12. Arrows X1 and X2 are shown in each figure. In this embodiment, arrows X1 and X2 are aligned in the vertical direction. Arrow X1 coincides with upward, and arrow X2 coincides with downward.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of an upper region of a vacuum cleaner device 1 composed of a vacuum cleaner 10 and a 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 device 1 composed of the vacuum cleaner 10 and the station 12 shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] 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. 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 includes a suction port 15a (see FIGS. 7 and 8) communicating with an extension pipe 17. The suction pipe 15 is connected to the extension pipe 17. As described above, the cleaner main body 14 operates a switch or the like of the operation part 14a to drive the first electric blower 24 built therein by receiving power supply from the battery 22, thereby generating 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] <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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The detailed structure and opening / closing operation of the lid 54 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5 mentioned above.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 58 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Incidentally, coarse dust particles, being larger in size (for example, having a large particle size), are easily affected by the airflow and can be easily transported. On the other hand, fine dust particles, being smaller in size (for example, having a smaller particle size), are less affected by the airflow (the airflow simply passes around the fine dust particles), and their 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] <Summary> As described above, according to the electric cleaning device 1 of this embodiment, for example, the pivot point 58 of the lid 54, which can simultaneously open and close the fine dust disposal port 52 and the coarse dust disposal port 50, is located on the side farther from the coarse dust disposal port 50 and adjacent to the fine dust disposal port 52. As a result, the open region (space) M formed by the fine dust disposal port 52 and the lid 54 near the pivot point 58 is smaller than the open region (space) N formed by the coarse dust disposal port 50 and the lid 54 on the side farther from the pivot point 58. As a result, the flow velocity of the airflow W2 (W3) passing through the fine dust disposal port 52 flowing through the open region M is faster than the flow velocity of the airflow W1 passing through the coarse dust disposal port 50 flowing through the open region N. As a result, the transport efficiency of fine dust is improved, and fine dust can be transported as efficiently as coarse dust.

[0082] The electric cleaning device 1 according to the embodiment described above comprises a station 12 and an electric vacuum cleaner 10 that can be connected to and disconnected from the station 12. The electric vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 14 having a first electric blower 24 that generates suction force to suck up dust, a main body separation dust collection unit 28, a cover 54 that opens and closes a waste port 48 provided in the main body separation dust collection unit 28, and a suction pipe 15 that has a suction port 15a for sucking in air by the suction force of the first electric blower 24. The main unit separation and dust collection unit 28 comprises a first separation and dust collection unit 30 which includes a coarse dust separation unit 34 for separating coarse dust from dust-containing air, a coarse dust collection chamber 37 for accumulating the coarse dust separated by the coarse dust separation unit 34, and a coarse dust discharge port 50 formed in a part of the coarse dust collection chamber 37 from which coarse dust can be discharged; and a second separation and dust collection unit 32 which includes a fine dust separation unit 38 for separating fine dust contained in the air passing through the coarse dust separation unit 34, a fine dust collection chamber 41 for accumulating the fine dust separated by the fine dust separation unit 38, and a fine dust discharge port 52 formed in a part of the fine dust collection chamber 41 at a position independent of and adjacent to the coarse dust discharge port 50 from which fine dust can be discharged. The cover 54 is positioned so as to be able to open and close both the coarse dust outlet 50 and the fine dust outlet 52 simultaneously, with a pivot point 58 located on the side furthest from the coarse dust outlet 50 and adjacent to the fine dust outlet 52. The station 12 also includes a dust inlet 45 connected to the coarse dust outlet 50 and the fine dust outlet 52 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected, a dust collection unit 46 connected to the dust inlet 45 and 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, and a second electric blower 44 that 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, generating a transfer force to move 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. With this configuration, for example, the flow velocity of the airflow W2 (W3) passing through the fine dust disposal port 52 becomes faster than the flow velocity of the airflow W1 passing through the coarse dust disposal port 50. As a result, the transport efficiency of fine dust is improved, and fine dust can be transported as efficiently as coarse dust.

[0083] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 10 is, for example, equipped with a gripping part 11 that can be held, and can be connected to the station 12 in a mounted position with the vacuum cleaner body 14 standing upright. The coarse dust outlet 50 and the fine dust outlet 52 may be positioned such that when the vacuum cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 12 with the suction port 15a facing downwards, the fine dust outlet 52 is positioned above the coarse dust outlet 50, and the pivot point 58 is positioned above the fine dust outlet 52. With this configuration, for example, it becomes easier to prevent dust from getting stuck between the pivot point 58 or the cover 54 and the vacuum cleaner body 14, which can lead to malfunctions or incomplete blockage.

[0084] Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the coarse dust disposal port 50 may be larger than, for example, the opening area of ​​the fine dust disposal port 52. With this configuration, 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 disposal port 52 to be smaller than the opening area of ​​the coarse dust disposal port 50, the air velocity of the air passing through the fine dust disposal port 52 can be increased, and fine dust (dust that is finer or lighter than coarse dust) can be efficiently discharged by riding on the high-velocity airflow.

[0085] Furthermore, the station 12 includes a connecting pipe 42 that connects the dust inlet 45 and the dust collection unit 46 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected in the mounted position, and the dust collection unit 46 may be connected below the connecting pipe 42. With this configuration, for example, dust (fine and coarse dust) discharged through the waste port 48 (coarse dust waste port 50 and fine dust waste port 52) ​​and the dust inlet 45 can be smoothly moved to the dust collection unit 46 and collected.

[0086] Furthermore, the fine dust collection chamber 41 of the second separation and dust collection unit 32 may have an upper surface 31c on which fine dust accumulates, 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. With this configuration, for example, the transfer air can be efficiently directed onto the fine dust (residual dust) on the upper surface 31c for transfer. In other words, the efficiency of fine dust transfer is improved, and fine dust can be transferred as efficiently as coarse dust.

[0087] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner body 14 may also be equipped with an inlet 74 for introducing 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. With this configuration, for example, the inlet 74 communicates with an outside air intake 18a formed in a part of the support column 18, allowing outside air to flow into the second separation and collection unit 32 and contribute to the smooth transfer of fine dust as an airflow W2 (transfer air).

[0088] <Other examples> Figure 9 is an illustrative and schematic partial cross-sectional view showing other positional relationships between the coarse dust collection section (coarse dust discharge port) and the fine dust collection section (fine dust discharge port) of the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0089] In the embodiment described above, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the station 12 in a mounting position with the suction port 16 facing downwards and the suction pipe 15 positioned upright, the fine dust disposal port 52 is positioned above the coarse dust disposal port 50 (in the direction of arrow X1) (see Figure 5, etc.). On the other hand, in Figure 9, when the vacuum cleaner 10A is connected to the station 12 in a mounting position with the suction port 16 facing downwards and the suction pipe 15 positioned upright, the coarse dust disposal port 50A is positioned above the fine dust disposal port 52A. Note that in Figure 9, the vacuum cleaner 10A is equipped with a centrifugal separation dust collection unit 28A.

[0090] In this case as well, the fine dust outlet 52A and the coarse dust outlet 50A can be opened or closed by a single cover 54A. Even when the coarse dust outlet 50A is positioned above the fine dust outlet 52A, it is desirable to increase the flow velocity of the transport air (corresponding to airflow W2, etc. in Figure 5) passing through the fine dust outlet 52A, as explained in Figure 5. Therefore, in this case as well, the pivot point 58A, which is the center of rotation when the cover 54A is opened and closed, should be positioned on the side furthest from the coarse dust outlet 50A and adjacent to the fine dust outlet 52A, relative to the adjacent coarse dust outlet 50A and fine dust outlet 52A. In this configuration, the cover 54A rotates in the direction of arrow R in the figure. As a result, the open area (space) formed by the fine dust discharge port 52A and the cover 54A on the side closer to the pivot point 58A becomes smaller (the space is narrowed) than the open area (space) formed by the coarse dust discharge port 50A and the cover 54A on the side further from the pivot point 58A. Consequently, the flow velocity of the airflow passing through the fine dust discharge port 52A increases, making it easier to discharge (transport) fine dust from the fine dust discharge port 52A.

[0091] In the case of Figure 9, a pivot shaft is formed on the lid 54A side, and this pivot shaft is inserted into a support hole formed in a part of the side wall 29Ac of the case 29A of the main body separation and dust collection unit 28A, thereby constituting a pivot point 58A. In another embodiment, a support hole may be formed on the lid 54A side, and a pivot shaft formed in a part of the side wall 29Ac of the case 29A of the main body separation and dust collection unit 28A may be inserted into this support hole, thereby constituting a pivot point 58A.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in order to position the coarse dust outlet 50A above the fine dust outlet 52A, it is necessary to change the arrangement of the coarse dust separation unit 34A and coarse dust collection unit 36A and the fine dust separation unit 38A and fine dust collection unit 40A. For example, when an electric vacuum cleaner 10A is used, when dust is sucked in from the suction pipe 15A side along with the suction flow by the drive of a first electric blower (not shown), the suction flow and dust move to the first separation and collection unit 30A, which is composed of the coarse dust separation unit 34A and the coarse dust collection unit 36A. The suction flow and dust that flow into the first separation and collection unit 30A swirl along the outer circumference of the coarse dust separation unit 34A, that is, along the inner surface of the case 29A that constitutes the coarse dust collection unit 36A, and the coarse dust is separated from the suction flow (air) by centrifugal force. The separated coarse dust is accumulated (collected) in the coarse dust collection unit 36A.

[0093] Fine dust that has passed through the cylindrical member 34Aa (coarse dust collection section 36A) together with the suction flow (air) moves to the second separation and dust collection section 32A, which consists of a fine dust separation section 38A and a fine dust collection section 40A. The fine dust separation section 38A is equipped with a group of centrifugal bodies formed by a plurality of cone-shaped centrifugal bodies 38Aa. Air and dust flow into the interior of each centrifugal body 38Aa from the center of this group of centrifugal bodies, and the fine dust is centrifuged by the inner wall of the centrifugal body 38Aa. The air from which the fine dust has been separated is exhausted to the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 14A from the top of the centrifugal bodies 38Aa via a first electric blower (not shown in the figure). The fine dust separated by each centrifugal body 38Aa is accumulated (collected) in the fine dust collection section 40A.

[0094] Coarse dust accumulated in the coarse dust collection section 36A is discharged from the coarse dust disposal port 50A when the lid 54A is opened. Similarly, fine dust accumulated in the fine dust collection section 40A is discharged from the fine dust disposal port 52A when the lid 54A is opened. At this time, as described above, the flow velocity of the airflow passing through the fine dust disposal port 52A is increased, making it easier to discharge (transfer) the fine dust from the fine dust disposal port 52A.

[0095] Furthermore, in the structure shown in Figure 9, the structure of the receiving portion 60 and the holding portion 64 described in Figures 4 and 5 may also be applied to enhance the ability to maintain the closed position of the lid 54A.

[0096] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations 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]

[0097] 1...Electric cleaning device, 10...Electric vacuum cleaner, 11...Grip part, 12...Station, 14...Vacuum cleaner body, 15...Suction tube, 16...Suction port body, 18...Support column part, 20...Station body part, 24...First electric blower, 28...Main body separation and dust collection part, 30...First separation and dust collection part, 32...Second separation and dust collection part, 34...Coarse dust separation part, 34a...Support body, 34b...First filter, 36...Coarse dust collection part, 37...Coarse dust collection chamber, 38...Fine dust separation part, 40...Fine dust collection part, 41...Fine dust collection chamber, 42...Connecting pipe part, 44...Second electric blower, 45...Dust inlet, 46 Rotating dust collection section, 48...Disposal port, 50...Coarse dust disposal port, 52...Fine dust disposal port, 54...Lid, 56...Lid body, 58...Pivot point, 60...Receiving part, 62...First magnetic material, 64...Holding part, 66...Second magnetic material.

Claims

1. A station, and a vacuum cleaner that can be connected to and disconnected from the station, Equipped with, The aforementioned vacuum cleaner, The vacuum cleaner body comprises a first electric blower that generates suction force to suck up dust, a main body separation dust collection unit, a lid that opens and closes a waste port provided in the main body separation dust collection unit, and a suction pipe having a suction port for drawing in air by the suction force of the first electric blower. The aforementioned main body separation and dust collection unit is A first separation and dust collection unit includes a coarse dust separation unit for separating coarse dust from the air containing the aforementioned dust, a coarse dust collection chamber for accumulating the coarse dust separated in the coarse dust separation unit, and a coarse dust disposal port formed in a part of the coarse dust collection chamber for discharging the coarse dust. A second separation and dust collection unit includes: a fine dust separation unit for separating fine dust contained in the air passing through the coarse dust separation unit; a fine dust collection chamber for accumulating the fine dust separated in the fine dust separation unit; and a fine dust discharge port formed in a part of the fine dust collection chamber at a location independent of and adjacent to the coarse dust discharge port, from which the fine dust can be discharged. Equipped with, The aforementioned cover is With respect to the adjacent coarse dust disposal port and fine dust disposal port, a pivot point is provided at a position adjacent to the fine dust disposal port on the side furthest from the coarse dust disposal port, and is positioned to allow the coarse dust disposal port and the fine dust disposal port to be opened and closed simultaneously. The aforementioned station is When the vacuum cleaner is connected, the dust inlet is connected to the coarse dust outlet and the fine dust outlet, A dust collection unit connected to the dust inlet, which 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, A second electric blower generates a transfer force that 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 aforementioned vacuum cleaner is equipped with a gripping part that can be held, and is capable of being connected to the station in a mounted position with the vacuum cleaner body standing upright. The coarse dust disposal port and the fine dust disposal port are such that, when the vacuum cleaner is mounted on the station with the suction port facing downwards, the fine dust disposal port is positioned above the coarse dust disposal port, and the pivot point is positioned above the fine dust disposal port. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1.

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

4. The aforementioned station is When the electric vacuum cleaner is connected in the mounting position, it is provided with a connecting pipe that connects the dust inlet and the dust collection unit, and the dust collection unit is connected below the connecting pipe. The electric cleaning device according to claim 2.

5. The fine dust collection chamber of the second separation and dust collection unit is located above the lower end of the fine dust disposal port when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the station in the mounting position and has a surface on which the fine dust settles. The electric cleaning device according to claim 2.

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

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