Cyclone vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a cyclone type cleaner that can suppress dust going into a suction source even when air is sucked in a dust collection chamber.SOLUTION: The cleaner of the present invention includes: a dust collection container 210 for collection dust; a suction cylinder part 230 which is constituted to flow in air inside a separation chamber 222 and a dust collection chamber 223 formed in the dust collection container 210 and which forms a flow channel for the flowed in air to flow toward the suction source; a dust removal filter which is provided in the suction cylinder part 230 so that dust is removed from the air flowing in the suction cylinder part 230 from the separation chamber 222 and the dust collection chamber 223; and a reseparation part 250 which is provided in the suction cylinder part 230 and which is constituted to centrifugally separate dust from the air flowed into the suction cylinder part 230 to perform reseparation treatment by making centrifugally separated dust to fall in the lower end of the suction cylinder part 230.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A cyclone vacuum cleaner includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, and a dust collection container into which the dust sucked in by the suction force flows together with air (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The peripheral wall of the dust collection container is cylindrical, and an inlet is provided at the top of the dust collection container, which opens so that the air and dust that flow into the dust collection container flow along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container.

[0003] A disk-shaped partition is provided within the dust collection container, which partitions the internal space of the dust collection container into upper and lower spaces. The outer diameter of the partition is smaller than the inner diameter of the dust collection container, and an annular gap is formed between the outer periphery of the partition and the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container. The space above the partition is used as a separation chamber for centrifuging dust from the air that has flowed in through the inlet. The space below the partition is used as a dust storage chamber for storing the centrifuged dust.

[0004] A suction tube portion having a dust filter portion attached thereto that is configured to capture dust is provided at the center of the dust collection container. The suction tube portion is extended along the central axis of the separation chamber, and the lower end portion of the suction tube portion protrudes into the dust storage chamber. The suction tube portion is configured to allow the inflow of air from the separation chamber and the dust storage portion, and the upper end portion of the suction tube portion is configured to allow the air that has flowed into the suction tube portion through the dust filter portion to flow out toward the suction source. The dust filter portion is configured to remove dust from the air that flows into the suction tube portion from the separation chamber and the dust storage portion.

[0005] When the suction source generates a suction force, the air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber flows into the suction tube part through the dust removal filter part. Accordingly, the outside air flows into the separation chamber through the inlet part along with the dust. In the separation chamber, a swirling flow is generated in which the outside air and the dust flow along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container. During this time, the outside air flows so as to gradually approach the suction tube part, while the dust, which is heavier than the outside air, continues to flow near the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container. That is, the dust is centrifuged by the swirling flow in the separation chamber. The centrifuged dust flows into the dust storage chamber through the annular gap between the outer peripheral edge of the partition part and the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container due to its own weight. The dust that has flowed into the dust storage chamber is prevented from returning to the separation chamber by the partition part. Therefore, the dust is accumulated in the dust storage chamber.

[0006] The air in the dust storage chamber is also sucked into the suction source through the suction tube. This air causes the dust in the dust storage chamber to flow toward the suction tube and be captured by the dust filter. As a result, the dust in the dust storage chamber is stuck to the dust filter and reduced in volume. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-5921 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-282929 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] By sucking air not only in the separation chamber but also in the dust storage chamber, the dust volume can be reduced. However, since a relatively large amount of dust exists in the dust storage chamber, the amount of dust flowing into the suction tube through the filter and thus toward the suction source increases.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a cyclone type vacuum cleaner that can suppress dust from flowing toward the suction source even when air is sucked into a dust chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The vacuum cleaner in the present disclosure is configured to collect dust in a cyclone manner. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, a dust collection container configured to make the air that flows in together with the dust flow as a swirling flow along the inner circumferential surface and to cause the air inside to flow out upwards upon receipt of the suction force, a partitioning section that divides the inner space of the dust collection container into a separation chamber that centrifuges the dust by the swirling flow and a dust storage chamber that communicates with the separation chamber to allow the centrifuged dust to fall and stores the dust that flows in from the separation chamber, a suction tube section that is configured to receive the suction force and allows the air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber to flow in and forms a flow path through which the inflowing air flows toward the suction source, a dust removal filter section that is provided in the suction tube section to remove dust from the air that flows into the suction tube section from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber, and a re-separation section that is provided in the suction tube section and configured to perform a re-separation process of centrifuging the dust from the air that flows into the suction tube section and dropping the centrifuged dust. The lower end of the suction tube is open, and an inflow opening is formed in the peripheral wall of the suction tube to allow the air in the dust storage chamber to flow in. The dust collection container includes a bottom provided to be able to open the dust storage chamber, and the bottom is in airtight contact with the lower end of the suction tube when the dust storage chamber is closed. The dust removal filter section includes an outer filter attached to the peripheral wall of the suction tube to remove dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening, and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube with respect to the outer filter to remove dust from the air that has passed through the outer filter. The suction tube has a filter holding section that holds the inner filter to form a gap between the outer filter and the inner filter. The gap between the outer filter and the inner filter is open at the lower end of the suction tube when the dust storage chamber is open. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The above-mentioned cyclone type vacuum cleaner can suppress dust from flowing toward the suction source even when air is sucked in from the dust storage chamber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vacuum cleaner; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collecting section of the vacuum cleaner. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of air in a dust collecting section. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting unit having a suction tube whose lower end is spaced from the bottom of the dust collecting container. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection section configured to reduce the volume of dust between the bottom of the dust collection container and the lower end of the suction tube section. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation from becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Overall structure of the vacuum cleaner) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cyclone type dust collecting vacuum cleaner 100. The vacuum cleaner 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0015] The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 110, an attachment tube 120 configured to be attachable to the vacuum cleaner body 110, and a suction nozzle 130 configured to be attachable to the attachment tube 120.

[0016] The attachment pipe 120 has an upper end connected to the cleaner body 110 and a lower end connected to the suction nozzle 130, forming a dust flow path through which dust flows.

[0017] The suction nozzle 130 is long in the width direction and has a box shape that opens toward the floor surface. Inside the suction nozzle 130, a suction space that is wider than the dust flow path formed by the attachment pipe 120 is formed, and dust can flow into the inside of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the suction space.

[0018] The vacuum cleaner main body 110 has a substantially cylindrical housing 111. As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 111 contains a suction source 113 that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, and a battery 114 that is electrically connected to the suction source 113 and supplies power to the suction source 113. The suction source 113 may be composed of, for example, a fan and a motor that receives power from the battery 114 to drive the fan.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner body 110 further includes a substantially C-shaped handle portion 112 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 111, and a cylindrical attachment portion 115 protruding downward from the handle portion 112. The handle portion 112 has a shape that can be gripped by a user, and an operation portion 116 that is operated by the user is provided on the front surface of the handle portion 112, as shown in FIG. 1. The suction source 113 is activated or stopped by operating the operation portion 116. The attachment portion 115 opens downward, and the upper end of the attachment tube 120 is fitted into the opening of the attachment portion 115. Inside the attachment portion 115, a flow path 117 is formed that communicates with the dust flow path formed by the attachment tube 120, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner body 110 further has a dust collecting section 200 configured to be connectable to the lower surface of the housing 111 and the outer circumferential surface of the attachment section 115. The dust collecting section 200 is configured to collect dust contained in air that flows sequentially through the suction nozzle 130, the attachment tube 120, and the flow path 117 of the attachment section 115. The dust collecting section 200 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 4.

[0021] (Dust collection section structure) The dust collection unit 200 has a dust collection container 210 provided below the suction source 113. The dust collection container 210 is configured to allow air and dust to flow in. In detail, the dust collection container 210 has a peripheral wall portion 211, an upper wall portion 212, a bottom portion 213, and a connecting tube 214.

[0022] The peripheral wall portion 211 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. At an upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 211, the connecting tube 214 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 and is connected to the flow path 117 of the attachment portion 115. In detail, the connecting tube 214 protrudes in a tangential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 at the connection portion between the peripheral wall portion 211 and the connecting tube 214. As the connecting tube 214 protrudes in the tangential direction, the air that has flowed into the upper portion of the dust collection container 210 flows along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 and becomes a swirling flow.

[0023] The outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 is provided with a rotational holding portion 215 configured to rotatably hold the bottom portion 213. The bottom portion 213 includes a substantially disk-shaped lid portion 244 that closes the internal space of the dust collection container 210, and a disk-shaped seal portion 216 provided at the approximate center of the inner surface of the lid portion 244. The outer peripheral portion of the lid portion 244 is configured to be attachable to the rotational holding portion 215. In a state where the lid portion 244 is connected to the rotational holding portion 215, the lid portion 244 can rotate up and down around the rotational holding portion 215 as an axis. When the bottom portion 213 is in a substantially horizontal position, the internal space of the dust collection container 210 is closed. When the bottom portion 213 is rotated downward from the horizontal position, the internal space of the dust collection container 210 is opened. The seal portion 216 is provided to prevent dust stored in the dust collection container 210 from flowing to the suction source 113.

[0024] The upper wall portion 212 is a substantially disk-shaped member that is fitted into the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 211 and connected to the lower end of the housing 111. The upper wall portion 212 includes a disk-shaped opening disk portion 218 having seven openings 217 and an annular protruding portion 219 that protrudes upward from the outer periphery of the opening disk portion 218. One of the seven openings 217 is provided at the center of the opening disk portion 218. The remaining openings 217 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the opening disk portion 218. Air in the dust collection container 210 can flow upward toward the suction source 113 through the openings 217 of the opening disk portion 218. As shown in FIG. 2, a filter pad 286 is provided in the space surrounded by the annular protruding portion 219. The filter pad 286 is arranged to remove dust from the air that flows out to the suction source 113 through the openings 217.

[0025] A protruding tube portion 220 that protrudes downward is provided on the lower surface of the opening disk portion 218 at a position corresponding to the opening 217. The protruding tube portion 220 is provided to promote centrifugal separation of dust in the dust collection container 210.

[0026] A sealing sheet 225 is disposed below the upper wall portion 212. The sealing sheet 225 has an opening through which the protruding tube portion 220 is inserted.

[0027] The dust collection unit 200 has a partitioning portion 221 that partitions the internal space of the dust collection container 210 into upper and lower portions. The partitioning portion 221 is an annular member provided at a position lower than the connecting tube 214. In the internal space of the dust collection container 210, the space above the partitioning portion 221 is referred to as a "separation chamber 222" in the following description. In the internal space of the dust collection container 210, the space below the partitioning portion 221 is referred to as a "dust storage chamber 223" in the following description. The separation chamber 222 is a space for centrifugal separation of dust that has flowed into the dust collection container 210 together with air. The dust storage chamber 223 is a space for storing dust that has been centrifuged in the separation chamber 222.

[0028] The outer diameter of partition 221 is smaller than the inner diameter of dust collection container 210, and an annular space 224 is formed between the outer periphery of partition 221 and the inner periphery of dust collection container 210. That is, separation chamber 222 communicates with dust storage chamber 223 through annular space 224.

[0029] A suction tube section 230 is disposed in the dust collection container 210, which forms a flow path through which air sucked from the separation chamber 222 and the dust storage chamber 223 flows under the suction force of the suction source 113. The suction tube section 230 extends in the vertical direction along the central axis of the dust collection container 210. The suction tube section 230 includes an upper tube section 231 disposed in the separation chamber 222, a lower tube section 233 disposed in the dust storage chamber 223, and a filter holding section 234 disposed coaxially with the lower tube section 233 within the lower tube section 233. The upper tube section 231 constitutes the upper portion of the suction tube section 230, and the lower tube section 233 and the filter holding section 234 constitute the lower portion of the suction tube section 230.

[0030] The upper cylinder portion 231 is formed integrally with the partition portion 221 so as to protrude upward from the partition portion 221. The upper cylinder portion 231 is formed coaxially with the partition portion 221, and has a tapered cylindrical shape that narrows downward toward the partition portion 221.

[0031] The upper portion 235 of the upper cylinder portion 231 is formed so as to circumferentially surround the seven protruding cylinder portions 220 of the upper wall portion 212. The upper end of the upper portion 235 is pressed against the lower surface of the sealing sheet 225. The upper portion 235 has a wall structure that is continuous in the circumferential direction, and does not allow air to flow in from the separation chamber 222.

[0032] 3, a plurality of inflow openings 271 are provided in the peripheral wall of the lower portion 236 of the upper cylinder portion 231, and air in the separation chamber 222 can flow into the upper cylinder portion 231 through these inflow openings 271. An annular protrusion 237 that protrudes inward in the radial direction of the upper cylinder portion 231 is provided at the lower end of the lower portion 236 of the upper cylinder portion 231. The annular protrusion 237 is provided to sandwich the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 with the seal portion 216 from above and below.

[0033] The lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 are cylindrical members that are open at the upper and lower ends. A plurality of inflow openings 272 are formed in the peripheral wall portion of the lower cylinder portion 233, as shown in Fig. 3. A plurality of inflow openings 273 are also formed in the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234, as shown in Fig. 3. The inflow openings 272, 273 of the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 are provided to allow air in the dust storage chamber 223 to pass through the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 sequentially.

[0034] The inner diameter of lower cylinder portion 233 is larger than the outer diameter of filter holding portion 234, and a gap 240 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of lower cylinder portion 233 and the outer peripheral surface of filter holding portion 234 as shown in FIG.

[0035] The lower end of the lower cylinder portion 233 is pressed against the seal portion 216 and is airtightly connected to the bottom portion 213 of the dust collection container 210. Meanwhile, the upper end of the lower cylinder portion 233 abuts against the lower surface of the annular protruding portion 237 of the upper cylinder portion 231. A support ring 241 protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall portion of the lower cylinder portion 233 is provided between the upper end of the lower cylinder portion 233 and the inlet opening 272 of the peripheral wall portion of the lower cylinder portion 233. The support ring 241 is provided to support the partition portion 221 and the upper cylinder portion 231. That is, the partition portion 221 and the upper cylinder portion 231 are disposed on the support ring 241.

[0036] The inner diameter of the lower cylinder portion 233 above the support ring 241 is larger than the inner diameter of the lower cylinder portion 233 below the support ring 241. Therefore, an upwardly facing annular surface 242 is formed inside the lower cylinder portion 233 at the height position where the support ring 241 is provided.

[0037] The lower end of the filter holding portion 234 is pressed against the seal portion 216 and airtightly connected to the bottom portion 213 of the dust collection container 210. Meanwhile, the upper end of the filter holding portion 234 is abutted against the lower surface of the annular protruding portion 237 of the upper cylinder portion 231. Between the upper end of the filter holding portion 234 and the inlet opening 273 of the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234, an annular blocking portion 243 protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234 is provided. The blocking portion 243 closes the upper end of the gap 240 between the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 in a state where it is placed on the annular surface 242 of the lower cylinder portion 233. Meanwhile, the lower end of the gap 240 is closed by the bottom portion 213 of the dust collection container 210. When the bottom 213 of the dust-collecting container 210 is rotated downward to open the inner space of the dust-collecting container 210, the gap 240 is opened to the outer space of the dust-collecting container 210.

[0038] In order to remove dust from the air flowing into the suction tube portion 230, as shown in FIG. 3, the suction tube portion 230 is provided with a dust removal filter portion 260. The dust removal filter portion 260 includes a main filter 261, an outer filter 262, and an inner filter 263. The main filter 261 is attached to the peripheral wall portion of the main filter 261 so as to cover the inflow opening 271 of the upper tube portion 231. The outer filter 262 is attached to the peripheral wall portion of the lower tube portion 233 arranged in the dust storage chamber 223 so as to cover the inflow opening 272 of the lower tube portion 233. The inner filter 263 is provided to remove dust from the air that has passed through the outer filter 262. In detail, the inner filter 263 is attached to the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234 arranged in the lower tube portion 233 so as to cover the inflow opening 273 of the filter holding portion 234. The above-mentioned gap 240 is formed between the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263.

[0039] The mesh density (number of meshes per unit area) of the outer filter 262 and the main filter 261 is smaller than the mesh density (number of meshes per unit area) of the inner filter 263. The inner filter 263 has smaller meshes than the outer filter 262.

[0040] Inside the suction tube section 230, there is provided a re-separation section 250 configured to perform a re-separation process in which dust contained in the air flowing into the suction tube section 230 is centrifuged and the centrifuged dust falls. The re-separation section 250 has a cylindrical structure as a whole. The re-separation section 250 is configured such that the outer periphery of the re-separation section 250 is spaced radially inward from the inner periphery of the suction tube section 230 (i.e., the inner periphery of the upper tube section 231 and the inner periphery of the filter holding section 234). The space between the outer periphery of the re-separation section 250 and the inner periphery of the suction tube section 230 becomes a flow path for the air flowing into the suction tube section 230.

[0041] The re-separation section 250 includes a centrifugal separation section 281 configured to centrifuge dust contained in the air that has flowed into the suction tube section 230, and a storage section 232 that stores the dust centrifuged by the centrifugal separation section 281. The storage section 232 is configured as a cylinder extending downward from the centrifugal separation section 281.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the centrifugal separation section 281 has a structure in which seven separation tubes 251-257, which are open at the upper end and the lower end, are integrated. These separation tubes 251-257 are arranged according to the layout of the seven openings 217 of the upper wall section 212, and the internal spaces of the separation tubes 251-257 communicate with these openings 217. In detail, the separation tube 251 is provided at a position corresponding to the central opening 217. The remaining separation tubes 252-257 are arranged so as to surround the separation tube 251 in the circumferential direction. Note that the separation tubes 252, 257 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are arranged with an interval therebetween, and air is allowed to flow into the central separation tube 251 through the space between the separation tubes 252, 257.

[0043] 3, a substantially rectangular inlet 258 is formed in the upper part of the peripheral wall of each of the separation cylinders 251-257. The inlet 258 opens in the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of each of the separation cylinders 251-257 at the position where the inlet 258 is formed. As a result, the air that receives the suction force of the suction source 113 and flows into each of the separation cylinders 251-257 through the inlet 258 flows along the inner peripheral surface of each of the separation cylinders 251-257 and becomes a swirling flow.

[0044] The upper edges of the separation tubes 251-257 are pressed against the lower surface of the sealing sheet 225 to surround the opening of the sealing sheet 225. The protruding tube portion 220 of the upper wall portion 212 protruding downward through the opening of the sealing sheet 225 is inserted into the upper portions of the separation tubes 251-257. In detail, the insertion amount of the protruding tube portion 220 is set so that the lower end of the protruding tube portion 220 is located lower than the lower end of the inlet 258.

[0045] The central separation cylinder 251 is disposed coaxially with the suction cylinder section 230, and the lower part of the separation cylinder 251 has a shape that narrows downward. At the lower end of the separation cylinder 251, a drop port 282 that opens downward is formed to allow the drop of dust that has been centrifuged by the swirling flow inside the separation cylinder 251. The lower parts of the separation cylinders 252 to 257 disposed around the separation cylinder 251 also have a shape that narrows downward. A drop port 282 is also formed at the lower end of the separation cylinders 252 to 257, and the drop ports 282 of the separation cylinders 252 to 257 open toward the central axis of the suction cylinder section 230.

[0046] 3, a holding plate 259 formed integrally with the separation cylinders 251-257 is provided on the peripheral wall at the lower ends of the separation cylinders 251-257. The holding plate 259 is configured to hold the separation cylinders 251-257 together. The holding plate 259 is fitted into the upper end of the storage section 232. The upper end of the storage section 232 and the holding plate 259 have complementary shapes, and their connection portion has an airtight structure that prevents air from entering between the holding plate 259 and the storage section 232.

[0047] The storage section 232 is provided below the centrifugal separation section 281 so as to support the centrifugal separation section 281, and the downward-opening drop ports 282 of the separation cylinders 251-257 open towards the storage section 232. The upper end of the storage section 232 is also open so that the dust separated by the centrifugal separation section 281 falls into the storage section 232, and the internal space of the storage section 232 communicates with the internal spaces of the separation cylinders 251-257.

[0048] The storage section 232 includes an upper section 238 disposed within the internal space of the lower section 236 of the upper cylinder section 231 , and a lower section 239 that extends downward from the upper section 238 and is disposed within the dust storage chamber 223 .

[0049] The upper part 238 of the storage part 232 has a tapered cylindrical shape narrowing downward. The upper part 238 of the storage part 232 is inserted into an opening area surrounded by the annular protruding part 237 of the lower part 236 of the upper cylinder part 231. The outer peripheral surface of the upper part 238 of the storage part 232 is spaced radially inward from the inner edge of the annular protruding part 237, and an annular space is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the upper part 238 of the storage part 232 and the inner edge of the annular protruding part 237. Air flowing in from the dust storage chamber 223 is allowed to flow upward through the annular space.

[0050] Lower portion 239 of storage portion 232 is a cylindrical member extending downward from the lower end of upper portion 238 of storage portion 232, and the lower end of lower portion 239 opens downward. The lower end of lower portion 239 is pressed against seal portion 216, and dust that has fallen from centrifugal separation portion 281 is stored in storage portion 232 above seal portion 216.

[0051] The lower end of the storage section 232 is in airtight contact with the bottom 213 of the dust collection container 210 by the seal section 216. In addition, the upper end of the storage section 232 is airtightly connected to the centrifugal separation section 281. Therefore, even when the centrifugal separation section 281 is receiving the suction force of the suction source 113 and is centrifuging the dust, no air flows into the storage section 232. In other words, even if the air in the centrifugal separation section 281 above the storage section 232 is being sucked in by the suction source 113, an upward air flow is unlikely to occur in the storage section 232.

[0052] (Explanation of operation) The operation of the vacuum cleaner 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 5.

[0053] When a user operates operating unit 116 to activate suction source 113, the suction force of suction source 113 causes dust on the floor surface to flow together with air through suction nozzle 130, attachment tube 120, and flow path 117 of mounting unit 115 in that order. Then, the dust and air flow into dust collection container 210 through connecting tube 214 of dust collection unit 200, as shown by arrow A in FIG.

[0054] The air flowing in through the connecting tube 214 flows into the separation chamber 222. In the separation chamber 222, the air flows along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container 210 and becomes a swirling flow. As a result, dust that is heavier than air flows along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container 210, while the air flows while swirling around the upper tube portion 231 and gradually approaches the upper tube portion 231. This air flows into the upper tube portion 231 through the inlet opening 271 provided in the peripheral wall portion of the upper tube portion 231. This air may contain fine dust that is not easily subjected to the centrifugal separation action caused by the swirling flow, but such fine dust is captured by the main filter 261 provided in the peripheral wall portion of the upper tube portion 231. Note that most of the dust that flows into the separation chamber 222 is subjected to the centrifugal separation action caused by the swirling flow and flows along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container 210 at a position radially away from the upper tube portion 231, so that the main filter 261 is less likely to become clogged.

[0055] The dust separated by centrifugal separation due to the swirling flow in the separation chamber 222 gradually moves downward due to gravity. As a result, the dust falls into the dust storage chamber 223 through the annular space 224 formed between the partition 221 and the inner circumferential surface of the dust collection container 210. The dust that has flowed into the dust storage chamber 223 is shown in FIG.

[0056] Once the dust has flowed into the dust storage chamber 223, it is difficult for the dust to return to the separation chamber 222 because the partition section 221 is provided between the dust storage chamber 223 and the separation chamber 222. Therefore, the dust is stored in the dust storage chamber 223.

[0057] In the dust storage chamber 223, the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 having inflow openings 272, 273 formed in the peripheral wall are disposed, so that the air and dust in the dust storage chamber 223 are drawn toward the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234. As shown by the arrow B in FIG. 5, the air passes through the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263 in order, and flows into the space between the inner filter 263 and the lower portion 239 of the storage portion 232. As shown by the arrow C in FIG. 5, the air that flows into the space between the inner filter 263 and the lower portion 239 of the storage portion 232 flows upward, and passes through the annular space between the upper portion 238 of the storage portion 232 and the annular protruding portion 237. As shown by the arrow D in FIG. 5, the air that passes through the annular space between the upper portion 238 of the storage portion 232 and the annular protruding portion 237 joins with the air that flows into the upper cylinder portion 231, and flows further upward.

[0058] Meanwhile, dust attracted to the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 in the dust storage chamber 223 is captured by the outer filter 262. As a result, the dust is stuck to the outer filter 262, and the volume of dust in the dust storage chamber 223 is reduced.

[0059] Since the outer filter 262 has coarser mesh than the inner filter 263, some of the dust attracted to the lower tube portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 can pass through the outer filter 262. The dust that has passed through the outer filter 262 is captured by the inner filter 263.

[0060] Since a gap 240 is provided between the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263, dust captured by the inner filter 263 falls without becoming caught between the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263. Therefore, the dust captured by the inner filter 263 accumulates on the seal portion 216 in the gap 240. The upper end of the gap 240 is closed by the closing portion 243. Therefore, no air flow passes through the upper end of the gap 240, and the dust accumulated in the gap 240 is difficult to be sucked up.

[0061] Although the inner filter 263 has relatively small holes, fine dust can pass through the inner filter 263. Such fine dust can be carried upward by the air currents indicated by the arrows B to D.

[0062] As indicated by arrow D, an upward air flow is generated in the space between the upper cylinder portion 231 and the upper portion of the storage portion 232 and in the space between the upper cylinder portion 231 and the centrifugal separation portion 281. This air flows into the separation cylinders 251-257 through the inlets 258 provided in each of the separation cylinders 251-257 of the centrifugal separation portion 281.

[0063] Since the inlet 258 opens in the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the separation cylinder 251-257 at the position where the inlet 258 is formed, the air that flows into the separation cylinder 251-257 flows along the inner peripheral surface of the separation cylinder 251-257 and becomes a swirling flow. Since the lower end of the protruding cylinder part 220 is located lower than the lower end of the inlet 258, the air immediately after flowing into the separation cylinder 251-257 through the inlet 258 is less likely to flow out of the dust collection container 210 through the protruding cylinder part 220. That is, most of the air that flows into the separation cylinder 251-257 becomes a swirling flow and flows inside the separation cylinder 251-257.

[0064] Dust contained in the air flowing into the separation tubes 251-257 is centrifuged by the swirling flow in the separation tubes 251-257. This dust flows along the inner circumferential surface of the separation tubes 251-257 and moves downward by gravity. Finally, the dust falls from the centrifugal separation section 281 through the drop port 282 at the lower end of the separation tubes 251-257 as shown by the arrow E in FIG. 5. The fallen dust moves downward in the internal space of the storage section 232 and accumulates at the lower end of the storage section 232. Note that since the lower end of the storage section 232 is airtightly connected to the seal section 216, there is no inflow of air through the lower end of the storage section 232, and therefore no air flows upward inside the storage section 232. Therefore, the dust that has fallen into the storage section 232 is not sucked up by the suction force of the suction source 113.

[0065] Since the lower end of the storage section 232 is airtightly connected to the seal section 216, the suction force of the suction source 113 acts to cause air to flow in through the inlet 258 of the separation tubes 251-257 of the centrifugal separation section 281. The air that has flowed into the separation tubes 251-257 flows into the protruding tube section 220 through the opening at the lower end of the protruding tube section 220, as shown by the arrow F in FIG. 5, and flows out of the dust collection section 200 through the opening 217 of the upper wall section 212. The air then flows toward the suction source 113.

[0066] As described above, dust can accumulate in the dust storage chamber 223, the lower end of the housing portion 232, and the gap 240 between the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234. Dust that has accumulated in these areas can be easily removed by rotating the bottom portion 213 downward around the rotating holding portion 215 to open the dust storage chamber 223.

[0067] That is, when the dust storage chamber 223 is opened, the gap 240 between the lower end of the housing portion 232, the lower cylinder portion 233, and the filter holding portion 234 is opened downward. Therefore, dust accumulated in these portions falls downward.

[0068] Furthermore, most of the dust on the outside of the lower tube portion 233 falls when the dust storage chamber 223 is opened. However, some of the dust on the outside of the lower tube portion 233 may enter the mesh of the outer filter 262 due to the suction force of the suction source 113 and become stuck to the outer filter 262. However, the mesh density of the outer filter 262 is smaller than the mesh density of the inner filter 263, and the adhesion force of the dust to the outer filter 262 is smaller. Therefore, even if the dust is stuck to the outer filter 262, it can be easily separated from the outer filter 262.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the re-separation unit 250 has separation tubes 251-257, and is configured to perform a re-separation process in which dust is centrifuged in these separation tubes 251-257 and the centrifuged dust falls to the lower end of the suction tube unit 230. Therefore, even if dust flows into the suction tube unit 230, the re-separation process of the re-separation unit 250 reduces the amount of dust that flows to the suction source 113. Note that the re-separation unit 250 may have various structures as long as it is capable of performing the re-separation process. For example, the re-separation unit 250 may have one separation tube.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the inlet openings 272, 273 are provided in the peripheral wall portions of the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234, and these inlet openings 272, 273 are covered by the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263, respectively. In this structure, the inlet openings 272, 273, the outer filter 262, and the inner filter 263 can be made wider in the longitudinal direction of the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234. This makes it possible to lengthen the period until the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263 become completely clogged.

[0071] In the above embodiment, dust is stored in the dust storage chamber 223, so that there is more dust in the dust storage chamber 223 than in the separation chamber 222. For this reason, it is assumed that more dust flows into the lower tube portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 provided in the dust storage chamber 223 than into the upper tube portion 231 provided in the separation chamber 222. For this reason, a double filter structure of the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263 is adopted to suppress the dust in the dust storage chamber 223 from flowing into the suction tube portion 230. Note that an additional filter may be provided to increase the suppression effect against the inflow of dust into the suction tube portion 230. Alternatively, if the amount of dust flowing toward the suction source 113 can be sufficiently reduced by the re-separation process by the re-separation portion 250, the inner filter 263 may be omitted.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the lower ends of the suction tube portion 230 and the re-separation portion 250 are in contact with the bottom portion 213 of the dust collection container 210. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower ends of the suction tube portion 230 and the re-separation portion 250 may be spaced apart from the bottom portion 213 of the dust collection container 210. In this case, the seal portion 216 is removed, while a lid portion 283 that closes the openings at the lower ends of the suction tube portion 230 and the re-separation portion 250 is attached to the lower end of the suction tube portion 230. Preferably, the lid portion 283 is removable from the lower end of the suction tube portion 230.

[0073] 6, a space is formed between the lid portion 283 and the bottom portion 213, and dust can be stored by utilizing this space. When the bottom portion 213 is rotated downward, the dust in the dust storage chamber 223 is removed. Thereafter, when the lid portion 283 is removed from the suction tube portion 230, the dust accumulated in the gap 240 between the lower tube portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 and in the storage portion 232 can be removed.

[0074] 7, the lid portion 283 is configured to close the lower end of the storage portion 232, and an opening 284 communicating with the space between the lower cylinder portion 233 and the storage portion 232 may be formed in the lid portion 283. In this case, a filter 285 covering the opening 284 is attached to the lid portion 283.

[0075] 7, dust in the space between lid 283 and bottom 213 is attached to filter 285 by the suction force of suction source 113. That is, it becomes possible to reduce the volume of dust in the space between lid 283 and bottom 213.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the suction source 113 and the dust collection unit 200 are mounted on the stick type vacuum cleaner 100. Alternatively, the suction source 113 and the dust collection unit 200 may be mounted on a canister type vacuum cleaner.

[0077] (Effects, etc.) The vacuum cleaner 100 according to the above embodiment has the following characteristics and provides the following effects.

[0078] The vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the above-mentioned embodiment is configured to collect dust in a cyclone manner. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust, a dust collection container configured to make the air that flows in together with the dust flow into a swirling flow that flows along the inner circumferential surface and to cause the air inside to flow out upwards upon receipt of the suction force, a partitioning section that divides the inner space of the dust collection container into a separation chamber that centrifuges dust by the swirling flow and a dust storage chamber that communicates with the separation chamber to allow the centrifuged dust to fall and stores the dust that flows in from the separation chamber, a suction tube section that is configured to receive the suction force and receive the air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber, and forms a flow path through which the air that flows in flows toward the suction source, a dust removal filter section that is provided in the suction tube section to remove dust from the air that flows into the suction tube section from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber, and a re-separation section that is provided in the suction tube section and configured to perform a re-separation process of centrifuging dust from the air that flows into the suction tube section and dropping the centrifuged dust.

[0079] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the suction source generates a suction force, the air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber flows into the suction tube. At this time, a swirling flow is generated in the separation chamber, and the dust that has flowed into the separation chamber together with the air is centrifuged by this swirling flow. The dust that has been centrifuged in the separation chamber falls into the dust storage chamber and is stored therein. The dust that has flowed into the dust storage chamber flows toward the suction tube and is captured by the dust filter. As a result, the dust becomes attached to the dust filter and is reduced in volume.

[0080] In the dust storage chamber, while the dust volume is reduced by sucking in the dust, the amount of dust passing through the dust filter and flowing into the suction tube increases. For this reason, a re-separation section is provided in the suction tube. The re-separation section performs a re-separation process in which dust is separated by centrifugal force from the air that has flowed into the suction tube, and the separated dust falls. As a result of the re-separation process, the amount of dust flowing toward the suction source is reduced.

[0081] In the above-described configuration, the lower end of the suction tube may be open and in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust-collecting container. The bottom of the dust-collecting container may be provided so as to be able to open the dust storage chamber.

[0082] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the lower end of the suction tube is open, so that when the bottom of the dust container is in a state where the dust storage chamber is open, the dust accumulated at the lower end of the suction tube can be discharged from the dust container together with the dust outside the suction tube. Although the lower end of the suction tube is open, when the bottom of the dust container is in a closed state where the dust storage chamber is closed, the lower end of the suction tube is in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust container, so that the dust in the dust storage chamber is unlikely to flow into the suction tube from the lower end of the suction tube. Therefore, the amount of dust flowing toward the suction source is reduced.

[0083] In the above-mentioned configuration, the re-separation unit may include a centrifugal separation unit configured to separate dust from the air that has flowed into the suction tube unit by centrifugal separation, and a storage unit into which the dust separated by the centrifugal separation unit falls. The storage unit may be configured not to allow air to flow in.

[0084] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the storage section does not allow air to flow in, so that the dust that has fallen into the storage section is prevented from being blown up toward the centrifugal separation section, i.e., the backflow of dust from the storage section to the centrifugal separation section is prevented.

[0085] In the above-mentioned configuration, the centrifugal separation unit may include a separation tube having an inlet through which air in the suction tube receives the suction force of the suction source and flows in, and a drop port that opens toward the storage unit. tube The opening may be oriented in such a way that a swirling flow is generated therein.

[0086] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a swirling flow is generated in the separation tube by the suction force of the suction source. As a result, dust contained in the air flowing in through the inlet is centrifuged. The centrifuged dust falls into the storage section through the drop port. Since the storage section does not allow air to flow in, no air flows from the storage section into the separation tube through the drop port. Therefore, once dust falls into the storage section, the dust continues to remain in the storage section.

[0087] In the above-mentioned configuration, the re-separation unit may include a centrifugal separation unit configured to separate dust from the air that has flowed into the suction tube unit, and a storage unit into which the dust separated by the centrifugal separation unit falls. The dust collection container may include a bottom portion provided to be able to open the dust storage chamber. The centrifugal separation unit may be configured to allow the centrifugal separation-determined dust to fall into the storage unit. The storage unit may include a cylinder extending downward from the centrifugal separation unit. The lower end of the cylinder may be open and in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust collection container.

[0088] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the dust separated by the centrifugal separation unit falls into the cylindrical body constituting the storage unit. The lower end of the cylindrical body is open, but is in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust collection container, so the dust that falls into the cylindrical body does not leave the cylindrical body. On the other hand, if the bottom of the dust collection container opens the dust storage chamber, the dust that has accumulated at the lower end of the suction cylindrical part can be discharged from the dust collection container together with the dust in the dust storage chamber.

[0089] In the above-mentioned configuration, the suction tube may have a peripheral wall portion having an inflow opening formed therein to allow air in the dust storage chamber to flow in. The dust removal filter portion may be attached to the peripheral wall portion of the suction tube portion so as to remove dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening.

[0090] According to the above-mentioned configuration, since the inlet opening that allows the air in the dust storage chamber to flow in is formed in the peripheral wall of the suction tube, the inlet opening can be lengthened in the axial direction of the suction tube to increase the area of ​​the inlet opening. In this case, the dust filter section can also be lengthened in the axial direction of the suction tube to increase the filter area. As a result, the period until the dust filter section becomes completely clogged in the dust storage chamber is extended, and the air in the dust storage chamber can be sucked in for a long period of time.

[0091] In the above-mentioned configuration, the dust removal filter section may include an outer filter provided in the suction tube section to remove dust from the air flowing into the suction tube section in the dust storage chamber, and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube section with respect to the outer filter to remove dust from the air that has passed through the outer filter. The mesh density of the outer filter may be smaller than that of the inner filter. The inner filter may have smaller meshes than the outer filter.

[0092] According to the above-mentioned configuration, since the outer filter is provided outside the inner filter, dust sucked into the dust storage chamber enters the mesh of the outer filter 262 and becomes stuck to the outer filter. However, the mesh density of the outer filter 262 is smaller than that of the inner filter 263, and the adhesion force of the dust to the outer filter 262 is small. Therefore, it is easy to separate the dust from the outer filter. Since the inner filter has smaller mesh than the outer filter, it is possible to remove dust from the air that has passed through the outer filter.

[0093] In the above-mentioned configuration, the dust removing filter section may include an outer filter that removes dust from the air flowing into the inlet opening, and an inner filter that is provided inside the suction tube section with respect to the outer filter so as to remove dust from the air that has passed through the outer filter. The suction tube section may have a filter holding section that holds the inner filter so as to form a gap between the outer filter and the inner filter.

[0094] According to the above-described configuration, the filter holding portion holds the inner filter so as to form a gap between the outer filter and the inner filter, so that dust captured by the inner filter can fall without becoming trapped between the outer filter and the inner filter.

[0095] In the above-mentioned configuration, the peripheral wall of the suction tube may be formed with an inflow opening that allows the air in the dust storage chamber to flow in. The dust removal filter section may include an outer filter that removes dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening, and an inner filter that is provided inside the suction tube with respect to the outer filter so as to remove dust from the air that has passed through the outer filter. The suction tube may have a filter holding section that holds the inner filter so as to form a gap between the outer filter and the inner filter. The gap between the outer filter and the inner filter may be open at the lower end of the suction tube when the dust storage chamber is open.

[0096] According to the above-described configuration, the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter is open at the lower end of the suction tube when the dust storage chamber is open, so that dust captured by the inner filter and accumulated at the lower end of the suction tube can be discharged from the dust collection container when the dust storage chamber is opened.

[0097] In the above-mentioned configuration, the suction tube portion may have a closing portion that closes the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter above the outer filter and the inner filter, and the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter may be closed by the bottom of the dust collection container when the bottom of the dust collection container closes the dust storage chamber.

[0098] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter is closed by the closing part and the bottom of the dust container. Therefore, the air that has passed through the outer filter passes through the inner filter and then flows toward the suction source. Therefore, most of the dust that has passed through the outer filter is removed by the inner filter, and the amount of dust that flows toward the suction source is reduced. [Industrial Applicability]

[0099] The vacuum cleaner of the above-described embodiment is suitably used as a device for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100 vacuum cleaner 113 Suction source 210 Dust collection container 211 Peripheral wall section 213 Bottom 221 Partition 222 Separation room 223 Dust storage room 230 Suction cylinder part 232 Storage unit 234 Filter holder 240 void 243 Occlusion 250 Reseparation section 251 Separation tube 252 Separation tube 253 Separation tube 254 Separation tube 255 Separation tube 256 Separation tube 257 Separation tube 258 Inlet 260 Dust removal filter section 262 Outer Filter 263 Inner Filter 271 Inflow opening 272 Inflow opening 273 Inflow opening 281 Centrifugal separation section 282 Drop Hole 285 Filters

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner that collects dust using a cyclone method, A suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust; a dust collection container configured so that air flowing in together with dust becomes a swirling flow flowing along an inner circumferential surface, and so that the air inside flows out upwards by receiving the suction force; a partition section that partitions the internal space of the dust collecting container into a separation chamber in which dust is separated by centrifugal force using the swirling flow, and a dust storage chamber that communicates with the separation chamber to allow the centrifuged dust to fall and that stores the dust that has flowed in from the separation chamber; a suction tube portion configured to receive the suction force and receive air from within the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber, the suction tube portion forming a flow path through which the air flows toward the suction source; a dust filter section provided in the suction tube section to remove dust from the air flowing into the suction tube section from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber; a re-separation unit provided in the suction tube unit and configured to perform a re-separation process of centrifuging dust from the air that has flowed into the suction tube unit and dropping the centrifuged dust, The lower end of the suction tube portion is open, and an inflow opening is formed in a peripheral wall portion of the suction tube portion to allow air to flow into the dust storage chamber, the dust collection container includes a bottom portion provided so as to be able to open the dust storage chamber, the bottom portion being in airtight contact with the lower end portion of the suction tube portion when the dust storage chamber is closed; the dust removal filter section includes an outer filter attached to a peripheral wall of the suction tube section so as to remove dust from the air flowing into the inlet opening, and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube section with respect to the outer filter so as to remove dust from the air that has passed through the outer filter, the suction tube portion has a filter holding portion that holds the inner filter so as to form a gap between the outer filter and the inner filter, the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter is open at a lower end of the suction tube portion when the dust chamber is open.

2. The re-separation unit includes a centrifugal separation unit configured to centrifuge dust from the air that has flowed into the suction tube unit, and a storage unit into which the dust centrifuged by the centrifugal separation unit falls, 2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the container is configured to not allow air to enter.

3. the centrifugal separation unit includes a separation tube having an inlet through which air in the suction tube unit flows in by receiving the suction force of the suction source, and a drop port that opens toward the storage unit; The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 , wherein the inlet is open in a direction that generates a swirling flow in the separation cylinder.

4. The re-separation unit includes a centrifugal separation unit configured to centrifuge dust from the air that has flowed into the suction tube unit, and a storage unit into which the dust centrifuged by the centrifugal separation unit falls, The centrifugal separation unit is configured to allow the centrifuged dust to fall into the storage unit, The storage unit includes a cylinder extending downward from the centrifugal separation unit, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein a lower end of the cylinder is open and in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust container.

5. The mesh density of the outer filter is smaller than the mesh density of the inner filter, 5. A vacuum cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner filter has smaller holes than the outer filter.

6. the suction tube portion has a closing portion that closes the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter above the outer filter and the inner filter, 2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter is closed by the bottom of the dust container when the bottom of the dust container closes the dust storage chamber.

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