Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide an electric vacuum cleaner with improved operability.SOLUTION: An electric vacuum cleaner includes: a body having an electric blower that generates suction force; a dust collector where dust is collected; and a handle. One side of the body in a first direction is provided with the dust collector, while the other side of the body in the first direction is provided with the handle. The handle has: a first extension part that extends in the first direction; a second extension part that extends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a curved part that has a curved shape and connects the first extension part and the second extension part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been provided a rechargeable vacuum cleaner as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. This rechargeable vacuum cleaner is provided with a fan motor and a rechargeable secondary battery that supplies power to the fan motor in the vacuum cleaner body, a floor suction port is connected to the suction port of the vacuum cleaner body via an extension tube, and the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner body is located rearward of the center of the grip of the vacuum cleaner body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 61-47961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in the rechargeable vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1, the opening formed by the grip for inserting the hand is on the opposite side of the secondary battery with respect to the rotation axis of the fan motor. With such a configuration, there are problems such as a strain on the user's wrist and poor operability.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to realize a vacuum cleaner which is easier to operate than those of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vacuum cleaner of the present invention, provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises a main body portion having an electric blower that generates suction force, a dust collection portion for collecting dust, and a handle portion, wherein the dust collection portion is arranged on one side of the main body portion in a first direction and the handle portion is arranged on the other side of the main body portion in the first direction, and the handle portion has a first extension portion extending in the first direction, a second extension portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a curved portion having a curved shape connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

[0007] In the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, the handle portion includes a first extension portion extending in a first direction of the main body portion, and a second extension portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention can be used by gripping either the first extension portion or the second extension portion, whichever is easier to grip, depending on the usage mode, etc. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention is provided with a curved portion having a curved shape at the portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention can be smoothly switched from one of the first extension portion and the second extension portion to the other without putting strain on the user's wrist, etc. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner with improved operability compared to the conventional techniques. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vacuum cleaner that is easier to operate than the prior art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which a portion housing a first electric blower is exposed. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5A to 5D are diagrams showing a first electric blower, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a perspective view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a right side view. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a first dust collecting unit in the vacuum cleaner with the opening / closing unit in a closed state. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a first dust collecting unit in the vacuum cleaner with the opening / closing unit in an open state. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a dust collecting unit attached to the vacuum cleaner body. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the dust collecting section of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the dust collecting unit of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first inner cylinder is disposed inside an outer cylinder in the dust collecting section of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view showing a first inner cylinder constituting the dust collecting section of FIG. 9. [Figure 14] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a second inner cylinder included in the dust collecting unit of FIG. 9. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the dust collecting and recovering device with the lid removed. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 2. [Figure 19] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of a configuration in which a locking portion is provided on the opening / closing portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a vacuum cleaner system S according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner system S will be outlined, and then the main parts will be described in more detail. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships in the up-down direction, width direction, front-rear direction, etc. will be described based on the state in which the vacuum cleaner 1 is erected as shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down direction (the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner 1) in the state shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the first direction, and the direction intersecting the first direction (the horizontal direction in the illustrated example) will be referred to as the second direction. In addition, among the horizontal directions in the state shown in FIG. 1, those that need to be described as different from the direction described as the second direction will be referred to as the third direction.

[0011] <Overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner system S> 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner system S includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100. The vacuum cleaner system S of this embodiment also includes a stand 200, but the stand 200 may be included as part of the dust collection device 100. With the vacuum cleaner 1 set on the stand 200, the vacuum cleaner system S is capable of collecting dust collected in the vacuum cleaner 1 in the dust collection device 100. The configuration of each part of the vacuum cleaner system S will be described in more detail below.

[0012] <Overall configuration of vacuum cleaner 1> As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, the vacuum cleaner 1 is a stick-shaped (vertical) vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be, for example, a rechargeable type or a type that obtains power from an external power source via a power cord. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a main body 10, a first dust collecting section 50, an extension tube 180, and a suction tool 190.

[0013] The main body 10 forms the main body of the vacuum cleaner 1 and is the part that exerts a suction force to collect dust. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the main body 10 includes, inside a main body case 12 that forms a housing, a first electric blower 14 for sucking in air and generating an airflow, a drive circuit for driving other electronic components, and other components.

[0014] The main body 10 also includes a battery storage section 15, a handle section 16, and a control section 17. The battery storage section 15 stores a battery 15a. The battery 15a can be attached and detached from the outside of the main body 10 by sliding it in a first direction. The handle section 16 is a section provided for a user of the vacuum cleaner 1 to grip the main body 10. The vacuum cleaner 1 is configured so that the user can grip the main body 10 by, for example, passing his or her fingers, except for the thumb, through an opening portion formed by the handle section 16. The control section 17 controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1. An electronic board forming the control section 17 is housed inside the main body 10.

[0015] The main body 10 is provided with a pipe section 38x having a suction port 38y for connecting an extension pipe 180 or a suction tool 190. The suction port 38y is formed to open at the lower end side (one side in the first direction) of the main body 10. The pipe section 38x is arranged to be aligned with the first dust collecting section 50 in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0016] The first dust collecting section 50 is a section where dust sucked by the vacuum cleaner 1 is collected. The first dust collecting section 50 is provided so as to be continuous with the main body section 10. Specifically, the first dust collecting section 50 is arranged so as to be aligned with the pipe section 38x in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (first direction) of the main body section 10. The first dust collecting section 50 has a characteristic configuration in the vacuum cleaner 1, and therefore the specific structure will be described in detail later.

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

[0018] Suction tool 190 is connected directly to suction port 38y of main body 10, or indirectly via extension pipe 180. Suction tool 190 has suction port 192 and joint portion 194. Suction port 192 opens toward the bottom surface. In addition, joint portion 194 is connectable to suction port 38y or extension pipe 180. Characteristic features of suction tool 190 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is roughly configured as described above. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is characterized by the layout of each component thereof, the structure of the handle portion 16 and the first dust collecting portion 50, etc. These characteristic components will be described in more detail below.

[0020] <Configuration of the handle portion 16> In the main body 10, the main body case 12 is formed to extend toward one side (the downward side in FIG. 1) in a first direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 1; the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner 1), whereas the handle portion 16 is formed to extend toward the other side in the first direction (the upward side in FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the handle portion 16 includes a first extension portion 16a, a second extension portion 16b, a curved portion 16c, and an operating portion 16e. An opening 16d is formed between the main body 10 (main body case 12) and the handle portion 16.

[0021] The first extension portion 16a is a portion of the handle portion 16 that extends in a first direction. The first extension portion 16a extends in the first direction from the other side (the upper side in the illustrated example) of the first electric blower 14. The size of the first extension portion 16a can be set appropriately, but in this embodiment, the size is set to be in the range of 6 cm to 10 cm in consideration of ease of gripping, etc.

[0022] The second extension portion 16b is a portion that extends in a second direction (horizontal direction in the illustrated example) perpendicular to the first direction. Like the first extension portion 16a, the second extension portion 16b can also be of any appropriate size, but in this embodiment, the size is set to be in the range of 6 cm to 10 cm in consideration of ease of gripping. In addition, in this embodiment, the second extension portion 16b is of the same size as the first extension portion 16a. This allows the handle portion 16 to be used with the same feel whether the first extension portion 16a or the second extension portion 16b is gripped.

[0023] The curved portion 16c is a curved portion that connects the first extension portion 16a and the second extension portion 16b. By providing the curved portion 16c, the handle portion 16 has a shape in which the boundary portion between the first extension portion 16a and the second extension portion 16b is curved in an arc shape, and the first extension portion 16a to the second extension portion 16b are continuously connected without any steps. As a result, when one of the first extension portion 16a and the second extension portion 16b is gripped, the gripping position of the handle portion 16 can be changed to the other side of the first extension portion 16a and the second extension portion 16b by sliding the hand along the handle portion 16. In other words, the gripping form of the handle portion 16 can be changed without releasing the hand.

[0024] The opening 16d is an opening region formed in the handle portion 16 between the first extension portion 16a, the second extension portion 16b, and the curved portion 16c, and the main body case 12. The opening 16d can be used to insert a hand when gripping the handle portion 16. The opening 16d is located on the other side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the first electric blower 14 in the first direction (up-down direction in FIG. 1).

[0025] The operation unit 16e is provided for operating the vacuum cleaner 1. The operation unit 16e may include various switches. The operation unit 16e may be provided on any of the first extension 16a, the second extension 16b, and the curved portion 16c, but in this embodiment, the operation unit 16e is provided on the first extension 16a, which is likely to be gripped in normal use. The operation unit 16e may be provided on any part of the first extension 16a. In this embodiment, the operation unit 16e is provided on a surface facing the opposite side to the opening 16d so that it can be easily operated by the thumb during use.

[0026] <About Battery 15a> Battery 15a is arranged to be aligned with first electric blower 14 in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of main body 10. In other words, first electric blower 14 and battery housing section 15 are arranged to be aligned in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the axial direction (first direction) of main body 10. Furthermore, battery 15a is arranged to overlap first dust collecting section 50 at least in part when viewed from the first direction.

[0027] <About control unit 17> The control unit 17 is disposed inside the main body 10 on the opposite side to the battery 15a with respect to the first electric blower 14. That is, the control unit 17 is disposed on one side in the second direction (the front side of the vacuum cleaner 1) with respect to the first electric blower 14, and the battery 15a is disposed on the other side in the second direction (the rear side of the vacuum cleaner 1) with respect to the first electric blower 14. The control unit 17 exists within a projected area of ​​the tube 38x (suction port 38y) constituting the main body 10 in the first direction. The control unit 17 is also disposed in an area on the other side (the lower side in FIG. 1) of the opening 16d of the handle 16 in the first direction.

[0028] <<About the First Electric Blower 14>> As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the first electric blower 14 is accommodated inside the main body 10 while being covered by the case body 14a. The case body 14a has an exhaust opening 14x on a peripheral surface 14b. The exhaust opening 14x is in a horizontal direction intersecting with the first direction (up-down direction) and is present on one side (the direction of the right side of the vacuum cleaner 1 in the illustrated example) of a third direction (the left-right direction of the vacuum cleaner 1) perpendicular to the second direction (the front-rear direction of the vacuum cleaner 1). In contrast, the external exhaust opening 10x provided on the outer periphery of the main body 10 is provided on the other side of the third direction (the direction of the left side of the vacuum cleaner 1 in the illustrated example). That is, the exhaust opening 14x provided in the case body 14a is provided on the opposite side in the third direction to the external exhaust opening 10x provided in the main body 10.

[0029] As described above, the control unit 17 is provided at a position offset from the first electric blower 14 in the second direction (front-rear direction of the vacuum cleaner 1). That is, the control unit 17 is provided at a position circumferentially away from the exhaust opening 14x by a predetermined amount (about 90 degrees in this embodiment). The external exhaust opening 10x is provided at a position further circumferentially away from the control unit 17 by a predetermined amount (about 90 degrees in this embodiment). Therefore, the control unit 17 is disposed in the middle of the path from the exhaust opening 14x to the external exhaust opening 10x. As a result, the exhaust air discharged from the first electric blower 14 is exhausted to the outside of the main body 10 through a path passing through the control unit 17. The exhaust opening 14x and the external exhaust opening 10x may be arranged to overlap at least partially when viewed from the third direction, or may be offset from each other.

[0030] In addition, the center position of the first electric blower 14 is located on the opposite side to the side on which the battery 15a is located in a second direction (the horizontal direction in the attitude shown in Figure 1) that intersects with a central axis extending in a direction along the first direction of the first dust collecting section 50 (the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner 1; the vertical direction in the attitude shown in Figure 1) based on the first direction (the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner 1; the vertical direction in the attitude shown in Figure 1).

[0031] <<Configuration of the first dust collecting section 50>> The first dust collecting section 50 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 and Figs. 7 to 14. The first dust collecting section 50 is detachably provided on the main body 10. The first dust collecting section 50 is a so-called cyclone type dust collecting device. That is, the first dust collecting section 50 is configured to introduce the air sucked by operating the first electric blower 14 into the first dust collecting container 52, form a swirling air current in the first dust collecting container 52, and then collect dust contained in the air in the process of discharging the air. The first dust collecting section 50 can adopt a so-called single-stage or multiple-stage separation type, but in this embodiment, a single-stage separation type is adopted.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the first dust collecting section 50 is disposed on one side (lower side) of the main body 10 in the first direction (longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner 1). The first dust collecting section 50 has a first dust collecting container 52 (outer cylinder) and a structure 54, and a dust collecting space 56 is formed between them. The first dust collecting section 50 is capable of forming a swirling air current that swirls air introduced into the dust collecting space 56 between the structure 54 and the first dust collecting container 52. The first dust collecting section 50 is detachably attached to a position below the first electric blower 14 in the main body 10. For example, the first dust collecting section 50 may be configured such that the bottom side is engaged with the pipe 38x and the upper side is provided with a lock button 52j for locking or unlocking the main body case 12, or the bottom side is provided with a lock button for locking or unlocking the pipe 38x and the upper side is engaged with the main body case 12.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 7 to 9, the first dust collecting container 52 is a container for accumulating dust therein. The first dust collecting container 52 is a hollow cylinder. As a result, the first dust collecting section 50 is provided with a first dust collecting chamber 52a that forms a dust collecting space 56 inside the first dust collecting container 52. The first dust collecting container 52 is open on the other side (upper side) in the axial direction. The first dust collecting container 52 also has a waste opening 52b and an opening / closing portion 52c at the lower end side of the first dust collecting chamber 52a.

[0034] The first dust collecting container 52 has a waste port 52b (opening) on ​​one side (lower side) in the axial direction. The waste port 52b is an opening for disposing of dust from the first dust collecting chamber 52a. The waste port 52b opens at the lower end of the first dust collecting chamber 52a. The opening / closing part 52c can close the waste port 52b at the bottom of the first dust collecting chamber 52a. Therefore, when the opening / closing part 52c is in an open state, the dust accumulated in the first dust collecting chamber 52a can be disposed of through the waste port 52b. An example of the opening / closing part 52c is a lid or a valve, but in this embodiment, a lid that can close the waste port 52b is the opening / closing part 52c. The opening / closing part 52c is connected to the first dust collecting chamber 52a (the outer cylinder constituting the first dust collecting container 52) so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 52e. The opening / closing portion 52c has a contact portion 52f in an area on one side of the rotation shaft 52e, and a closing portion 52g in an area on the other side.

[0035] The abutment portion 52f can be abutted by the abutment portion 152 provided on the receiving portion 130, which will be described later in detail. The blocking portion 52g is a portion that blocks the disposal port 52b. The opening / closing portion 52c is biased by a biasing member 52h (torsion spring in this embodiment) at a portion closer to the abutment portion 52f than the rotation shaft 52e. This biases the blocking portion 52g in a direction to close the disposal port 52b. The opening / closing portion 52c can rotate the blocking portion 52g so that the blocking portion 52g moves away from the disposal port 52b and open the disposal port 52b by applying a force to the abutment portion 52f against the biasing force of the biasing member 52h, for example by abutting the abutment portion 152 against the abutment portion 52f. Although the waste port 52b has an opening surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52, the opening surface may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52. For example, the opening surface of the waste port 52b may be inclined toward one side or the other side of the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52 as it moves away from the rotating shaft 52e. This makes it easier for the dust in the first dust collecting chamber 52a to form clumps, making it easier for the dust collection device 100 to suck them up.

[0036] Here, the configuration in which the abutting portion 152 abuts against the abutted portion 52f to open the opening / closing portion 52c has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a configuration in which the abutting portion 152 is not biased by the biasing member 52h, and a locking portion that locks the opening / closing portion 52c (blocking portion 52g) in a state in which the opening / closing portion 52c (blocking portion 52g) closes the waste port 52b of the first dust collecting container 52 as shown in FIG. 19 is provided on either the opening / closing portion 52c (blocking portion 52g) or the first dust collecting container 52, and the opening / closing portion 52c opens when the lock is released, and abutting portion 152A that can abut against the locking portion is provided on the receiving portion 130 instead of the abutting portion 152, and the lock is released when the abutting portion 152A abuts against the locking portion. In this case, the locking portion has abutted portion 52f1 against which the abutting portion 152A abuts. As shown in FIG. 19, it is preferable that the locking portion is configured to rotate by a rotating shaft. Although not shown in FIG. 19, the rotation shaft 52e of the opening / closing portion 52c is located on the opposite side to the lock portion.

[0037] Alternatively, on the premise that the opening / closing part 52c is biased by the biasing member 52h as described above, in addition to the configuration in which the abutting part 152 abuts against the abutted part 52f, the receiving part 130 may be provided with the abutting part 152A capable of abutting against a locking part that locks the opening / closing part 52c (blocking part 52g) in a closed state of the waste outlet 52b of the first dust collecting container 52. In this case, it is preferable that the abutting part 152A abuts against the locking part (the abutted part 52f1) before the abutting part 152 abuts against the abutted part 52f. In this way, the opening / closing part 52c can be opened smoothly. On the other hand, when the opening / closing part 52c closes the waste outlet 52b, it is preferable that the abutting part 152 leaves the opening / closing part 52c, the opening / closing part 52c closes the waste outlet 52b by biasing, and then the abutting part 152A leaves the locking part to lock the opening / closing part 52c. In this manner, it is preferable that the abutting portion 152A is appropriately designed to be longer than the abutting portion 152. An opening may be provided in the blocking portion 52g, and a valve or a lid may be provided on the blocking portion 52g so as to be rotatable to open and close the opening. In this case, the operation of opening the valve or the lid can be mechanically performed by the abutting portion 152 and the abutted portions 52f and 52f1.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the first dust collecting container 52 has a dust collecting inlet 52x (inlet) on the periphery. The dust collecting inlet 52x is an inlet for allowing air sucked from the suction port 38y into an air passage formed inside the pipe portion 38x to flow into the inside of the first dust collecting container 52. The dust collecting inlet 52x is provided at a position corresponding to an opening provided at the end of the pipe portion 38x, and is located, for example, at the middle of the first dust collecting container 52 in the first direction (axial direction). Therefore, by attaching the first dust collecting unit 50 to the main body portion 10, the dust collecting inlet 52x can be communicated with the air passage formed inside the pipe portion 38x. In addition, the dust collecting inlet 52x can introduce air discharged from the air passage formed inside the pipe portion 38x into the dust collecting space 56 in the tangential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collecting container 52. Therefore, the air introduced into the inside of the dust collecting space 56 from the dust collecting section inlet 52x forms a swirling flow that flows along the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collecting container 52.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, the structure 54 is a member disposed inside the first dust collecting container 52. The structure 54 is a member that constitutes a dust collecting space 56 into which air flows between the structure 54 and the first dust collecting container 52. The structure 54 is disposed so that the axial center position is approximately aligned with that of the first dust collecting container 52. The structure 54 has a portion (tapered portion 70 described later) that is formed so that the outer shape becomes smaller from one side (upper side in the figure) in the axial direction toward the other side (lower side in the figure). The structure 54 has a first inner tube 60 (inner tube) and one side tube portion 64, and further has a connector 62, which is not an essential component. The first inner tube 60 is connected to the one side tube portion 64, and when the connector 62 is provided, it is connected to at least one of the one side tube portion 64 and the connector 62.

[0040] 9, 12, 13, etc., the first inner tube 60 includes a tapered portion 70 and an extending portion 72. The first inner tube 60 also includes a first guide portion 74 and a second guide portion 76 on the outer periphery of the tapered portion 70. The first inner tube 60 also includes a third guide portion 78 on the inner periphery of the tapered portion 70, although this is not an essential component.

[0041] The tapered portion 70 is a portion formed so that the outer shape becomes smaller from one axial side (upper side in the figure) to the other axial side (lower side in the figure). The tapered portion 70 is formed in a truncated cone shape, and is formed so that the outer circumferential surface is linearly inclined toward the axial center as it moves from one axial side to the other axial side. The tapered portion 70 is open toward one axial side (upper side), while including a closed portion 70a that is closed on the other axial side (lower side).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, the tapered portion 70 is formed so that the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 70b on one side in the axial direction is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the first dust collecting container 52. In addition, a circumferential groove 70c extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 70b. The tapered portion 70 can form a first sealing portion 73 that seals a gap formed between the tapered portion 70 and the inner peripheral surface of the first dust collecting container 52 by an airtight member (first airtight member 70d) made of an O-ring or the like that is attached to the circumferential groove 70c. That is, by setting the tapered portion 70 inside the first dust collecting container 52 with the blocking portion 70a facing the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52, the first sealing portion 73 in which the first airtight member 70d attached to the circumferential groove 70c and the inner peripheral surface of the first dust collecting container 52 are in close contact with each other is formed. Further, on the other axial direction side (the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52) of the first sealing portion 73, a dust collecting space 56 is formed between the tapered portion 70 (first inner cylinder 60) and the first dust collecting container 52. Further, the first sealing portion 73 is formed above the dust collecting portion inlet 52x communicating with the dust collecting space 56.

[0043] The tapered portion 70 has a function of forming the dust collection space 56 as described above, and also a function of the dust collection space exhaust portion 80 for exhausting air from the dust collection space 56. Specifically, the tapered portion 70 has a large number of vent holes 70e formed in the circumferential direction so as to communicate the inside and outside. The tapered portion 70 may be formed by resin molding, or may be formed by a mesh member 82. The mesh member 82 is a mesh-like member formed of a resin material, a metal material, or a combination of these. Therefore, dust contained in the air passing through the vent holes 70e forming the dust collection space exhaust portion 80 can be captured by the mesh member 82. The surface of the tapered portion 70 is smoother when the tapered portion 70 is formed by resin molding than when the mesh member 82 is formed, so that it is possible to reduce the catching of dust.

[0044] The extension portion 72 is a portion formed so as to extend further from the tapered portion 70 toward the other side in the axial direction, but in this embodiment, it extends toward the other side in the axial direction from the end portion on the other side in the axial direction (the lower end portion in the illustrated example) as a base end. The extension portion 72 is formed so as to be spaced apart from the bottom of the first dust collection container 52 toward one side in the axial direction (the upper side in the illustrated example) inside the dust collection space 56. The extension portion 72 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the blocking portion 70a. As a result, the extension portion 72 has a cylindrical shape whose upper end side is blocked by the blocking portion 70a and whose lower end side is open. Since the extension portion 72 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the blocking portion 70a, airflow and dust that fly up from the bottom of the first dust collection container 52 at a position on the axial center side of the dust collection space 56 collide with the blocking portion 70a, and are less likely to spread in a direction intersecting the axial direction. As a result, in the vacuum cleaner 1, dust such as hair and dirt contained in the airflow is less likely to become entangled in the tapered portion 70. The extension portion 72 is cylindrical. It is preferable that the extension portion 72 is cylindrical with the same outer dimensions from the upper end to the lower end, or is a tapered cylindrical shape with the outer dimensions becoming smaller from the upper end to the lower end. This makes it possible to prevent the airflow and dust that have been guided by the first guide portion 74 and smoothly guided toward the other axial side (the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52) from becoming entangled in the extension portion 72. Note that the extension portion 72 is not limited to being cylindrical, and may be configured to have a configuration in which a plurality of extension members extending in the axial direction are provided at intervals from each other.

[0045] Furthermore, the blocking portion 70a may have a convex shape on the center side toward the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 with respect to the outside, and more preferably may be curved. This makes it easier for the air current and dust that have risen from the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 at a position on the axial center side of the dust collecting space 56 to move toward the extending portion 72 by the blocking portion 70a.

[0046] In addition, a bottom portion integrally formed as the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, or a lid-shaped bottom portion of the first dust collecting container 52 that is pivotally supported via a support shaft provided on the periphery of the first dust collecting container 52 to open and close the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, may be provided with a plurality of ribs (projections) 52d for restricting the movement of dust by a swirling air current. The plurality of ribs 52i extend toward the structure 54 and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, as described above, a bottom portion integrally formed as the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 or a lid-shaped portion that is capable of opening and closing the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 may be provided with a projection extending toward the structure 54 (blocking portion 70a) instead of or in addition to the plurality of ribs 52i. When a projection is provided together with the plurality of ribs 52i, the plurality of ribs 52i are arranged at intervals around the projection in a direction intersecting the axis (in the present embodiment, the radial direction). The protruding portion is columnar, and may be, for example, a cylindrical, rectangular, or cross-shaped column, or a cylindrical, rectangular, or cross-shaped column tapered toward the structure 54. This makes it possible to prevent dust collected below the blocking portion 70a from being moved by air currents. If the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 is a lid-shaped bottom that can be opened and closed by rotating, dust can be easily disposed of even if it gets tangled in the protruding portion or the rib 52i.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the first guide portion 74 is a rib-like portion provided on the outer periphery of the tapered portion 70 and abuts against the inner periphery of the first dust collecting container 52. The first guide portion 74 is disposed between the first dust collecting container 52 and the first inner cylinder 60 in a state in which the structure 54 is inserted into the first dust collecting container 52 with the tapered portion 70 and the extended portion 72 facing the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52. The first guide portion 74 functions as a guide member for guiding the airflow that flows from the dust collecting portion inlet 52x into the dust collecting space 56 and swirls in a direction along the inner periphery of the first dust collecting container 52 to the other side in the axial direction (the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52). The first guide portion 74 extends so as to approach the dust collecting portion inlet 52x as it moves from one side to the other side in the axial direction (from the upper side to the lower side in the illustrated example). An end of the first guide portion 74 may reach the dust collecting portion inlet 52x. In other words, the first guide portion 74 extends from one side to the other side in the axial direction (from the upper side to the lower side in the illustrated example) so as to approach the dust-collecting inlet 52x from a position upstream in the swirling direction of the airflow relative to the dust-collecting inlet 52x. Note that, although the first guide portion 74 has been described as being provided on the structure 54, it may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first dust-collecting container 52. In this case, it is preferable that the first guide portion 74 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 70 (structure 54).

[0048] The second guide portion 76 is a rib-like portion provided on the outer circumferential side of the tapered portion 70, similar to the first guide portion 74. The second guide portion 76 is a rib that functions as a guide member for guiding the airflow flowing from the dust-collecting portion inlet 52x into the dust-collecting space 56. The second guide portion 76 is formed between the first dust-collecting container 52 and the first inner cylinder 60 so as to intersect with the axial direction and extend along the swirling direction. The second guide portion 76 is connected to the terminal end of the first guide portion 74 described above.

[0049] The third guide portion 78 is a rib-like portion provided on the inner circumferential side of the first inner tube 60. The third guide portion 78 is disposed inside the internal space 84 of the first inner tube 60. A plurality of third guide portions 78 are provided in the internal space 84 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The third guide portion 78 is formed so as to extend from one circumferential side to the other side of the internal space 84. In this embodiment, in a state in which the structure 54 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction and viewed from one axial side (upper side), the third guide portion 78 is formed so that the tip portion (free end) is located at a position away from the base end portion (connection portion with the inner circumferential surface of the tapered portion 70) in the clockwise direction (the same direction as the turning direction). Note that, when the connector 62 is provided, the third guide portion 78 is disposed in the internal space 84 formed between the tapered portion 70 (first inner tube 60) and the connector 62.

[0050] The connector 62 functions as an airflow outlet 67 for discharging the air that has flowed into the dust collection space 56 to the outside of the first dust collection section 50. Although not essential, the airflow outlet 67 may have a filter. The connector 62 may be detachably connected to the first inner cylinder 60. In this case, the other axial end of the connector 62 is connected to the inside of the first inner cylinder 60. As shown in FIG. 9 and other figures, the connector 62 is formed of, for example, a cylindrical frame. In the following, the connector 62 will be described as a second inner cylinder 62A as an example. The second inner cylinder 62A is disposed inside the first inner cylinder 60 (on the axial center side of the first dust collection section 50). The second inner cylinder 62A is connected to both or one of the first inner cylinder 60 and the one-side cylinder portion 64. In this embodiment, the second inner cylinder 62A is connected to the first inner cylinder 60. As a result, an internal space 84 is formed between the first inner cylinder 60 and the second inner cylinder 62A. A plurality of the third guide portions 78 described above are provided inside the internal space 84 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 14, the second inner cylinder 62A has a second inner cylinder outer frame 90, a second inner cylinder inner frame 92, and a second inner cylinder filter 94 (filter).

[0052] The second inner cylinder outer frame 90 is cylindrical and has a support portion 90a and an opening 90b in the middle in the axial direction. The support portion 90a is a columnar portion extending in the axial direction, and a plurality of support portions 90a (four in this embodiment) are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the second inner cylinder outer frame 90. The opening portion 90b is an opening in the second inner cylinder outer frame 90 between the support portions 90a, 90a aligned in the circumferential direction.

[0053] The second inner cylinder inner frame 92 is a cylindrical member disposed inside the second inner cylinder outer frame 90. The second inner cylinder inner frame 92 has a support portion 92a and an opening portion 92b in the middle portion in the cylindrical axis direction. The support portion 92a is a columnar portion extending in the cylindrical axis direction, and a plurality of support portions 92a (four in this embodiment) are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the second inner cylinder inner frame 92. The opening portion 92b is an opening portion in the second inner cylinder inner frame 92 between the support portions 92a, 92a aligned in the circumferential direction.

[0054] The second inner cylinder filter 94 is for capturing dust contained in the air discharged from the internal space 84 through the second inner cylinder 62A. The second inner cylinder filter 94 is a mesh-like filter having many fine holes. The second inner cylinder filter 94 is curved along the second inner cylinder outer frame 90 and the second inner cylinder inner frame 92, and is sandwiched between the second inner cylinder outer frame 90 and the second inner cylinder inner frame 92. As a result, the second inner cylinder filter 94 becomes a wall part of the second inner cylinder 62A and is capable of capturing dust contained in the air that is about to pass through the opening 90b of the second inner cylinder outer frame 90 and the opening 92b of the second inner cylinder inner frame 92. In this embodiment, the second inner cylinder filter 94 is configured to be disposed, but it may not be provided.

[0055] 9 and 11, the one side cylinder portion 64 is provided in a direction away from the bottom side of the first dust collecting container 52 (one axial side) with respect to the above-mentioned second inner cylinder 62A. The one side cylinder portion 64 is provided integrally with or detachably attached to the second inner cylinder 62A, and is provided at a position adjacent to the upper side of the second inner cylinder 62A. As shown in Fig. 11, the one side cylinder portion 64 has an expanded diameter portion 64a, an intermediate portion 64b, and a filter arrangement portion 64c.

[0056] The expanded diameter portion 64a is a portion continuing from the second inner cylinder 62A side to the upper side. The expanded diameter portion 64a is formed so as to expand in a tapered shape toward the upper side. The intermediate portion 64b is a portion provided at a position adjacent to the expanded diameter portion 64a on the axially upward side. The intermediate portion 64b is formed so as to extend in the axial direction of the first dust collecting container 52. A circumferential groove 64d extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the one side cylinder portion 64. The one side cylinder portion 64 can form a second sealing portion 65 that seals a gap formed between the one side cylinder portion 64 and the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collecting container 52 by an airtight member (second airtight member 64e) made of an O-ring or the like attached to the circumferential groove 64d. The filter arrangement portion 64c is made to have approximately the same inner diameter as the first dust collecting container 52. Therefore, almost no gap is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the filter arrangement portion 64c and the inner circumferential surface of the first dust collecting container 52.

[0057] In addition, the filter arrangement portion 64c has a step portion 64f formed at a portion that forms a boundary with the intermediate portion 64b on the inner circumferential side. A ring-shaped groove portion in which an airtight member 64j is arranged is provided in the step portion 64f, and the step portion 64f abuts against the lower end portion of the second filter 64h to improve airtightness. A first filter 64g and a second filter 64h are arranged inside the filter arrangement portion 64c. The first filter 64g is a filter made of, for example, nonwoven fabric or sponge. The first filter 64g is arranged on the step portion 64f. The second filter 64h has at least a pleated filter and a frame body 64i that surrounds the periphery of the filter. The airtight member 64j abuts against the lower end portion of the frame body 64i. The pleated filter that constitutes the second filter 64h is arranged on the first filter 64g, and the frame body 64i is arranged inside so as to surround the periphery of the first filter 64g. In addition, the second filter 64h has an airtight member 64k disposed on the upper surface of the frame 64i, and the airtight member 64k abuts against the intake side component 42a, thereby improving airtightness. Since the pleated filter of the second filter 64h and the first filter 64g are spaced apart, air is dispersed in the space, and the surface of the pleated filter can be effectively utilized. This solves the problem of the filter becoming clogged early and reducing suction power.

[0058] <<About the dust collection device 100>> As shown in FIG. 15 etc., the dust collection device 100 is disposed on the back side of a support 202 constituting a stand 200. The dust collection device 100 communicates with the first dust collection section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1. The dust collection device 100 includes a device body including the second dust collection section 110 and the second electric blower 120, and a receiving section 130. Preferably, when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100, the device body of the dust collection device 100 is located directly below at least one of the first electric blower 14 and the battery 15a. This allows the space on the back side of the support 202 and below the vacuum cleaner 1 to be utilized. Moreover, the dust collection device 100 is configured such that the receiving portion 130 is provided with a space portion 132 and a support portion 134, and the receiving portion 130 and the second dust collection portion 110 are connected to communicate with each other via a communication portion 136. Furthermore, the dust collection device 100 is provided with an opening means 150 for opening the first dust collection portion 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 by disposing the first dust collection portion 50 on the receiving portion 130. As a result, the dust collection device 100 is capable of collecting dust from the first dust collection portion 50 to the second dust collection portion 110 via the communication portion 136 by opening the first dust collection portion 50 and applying a suction force generated by the operation of the second electric blower 120. The configuration of each portion will be described in more detail below.

[0059] The second dust collecting section 110 is a section that collects dust sucked from the first dust collecting section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1. The second dust collecting section 110 can be a section that directly collects dust therein, or a cyclone type dust collecting section like the first dust collecting section 50, but in this embodiment, it is a section that can collect dust inside a paper bag by attaching the paper bag (a so-called "paper bag type" section). As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the second dust collecting section 110 has a second dust collecting container 112 and a connection section 114.

[0060] The second dust collecting container 112 is a hollow container having a second dust collecting chamber 112a therein. A paper pack fixing portion 112b is provided inside the second dust collecting container 112 to sandwich and fix a backing provided at a connection portion of a paper pack (not shown) for collecting dust. Furthermore, on the surface (circumferential surface in this embodiment) constituting the second dust collecting container 112, a communication hole 112c is provided at a position corresponding to an opening provided on the backing of the paper pack when the paper pack is attached to the paper pack fixing portion 112b. The second dust collecting container 112 can be opened and closed by attaching and detaching the lid 112d. Therefore, the opening of the paper pack can be communicated with the communication hole 112c by removing the lid 112d, placing the paper pack inside the second dust collecting chamber 112a, and fixing the backing of the paper pack to the paper pack fixing portion 112b. In addition, among the surfaces constituting the second dust collecting container 112 (the bottom surface in this embodiment), an air vent 112e is provided on the surface separating the second dust collecting container 112 from the second motor housing chamber 140 (blower arrangement space) in which the second electric blower 120 is housed.

[0061] The connecting portion 114 has a receiving port 114a and a connection passage 114b. The receiving port 114a is a portion to which a pipe portion 136b constituting a communication portion 136 that connects the receiving portion 130 and the second dust collecting portion 110 is connected. The connection passage 114b is a passage that connects the receiving port 114a and a communication hole 112c provided in the second dust collecting container 112 so that air and dust can pass through.

[0062] The second electric blower 120 can generate a suction force when it operates. The second electric blower 120 is disposed in a second motor housing chamber 140 that communicates with the second dust collection container 112 of the second dust collection section 110 via an air hole 112e. The second electric blower 120 can be disposed or installed in any suitable manner as long as it can exert a suction force on the second dust collection container 112. In this embodiment, the second electric blower 120 is disposed so that the rotation shaft of the motor of the second electric blower 120 faces in the vertical direction in order to suppress the generation of vibration noise at the contact portion between the main body of the dust collection device 100 and the floor on which the main body of the dust collection device 100 is disposed, taking into consideration that vibration tends to occur in the radial direction of the motor of the second electric blower 120 when the second electric blower 120 operates, and that the second electric motor housing chamber 140 is disposed on the bottom side of the dust collection device 100.

[0063] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the receiving part 130 receives the first dust collecting part 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1. Specifically, the receiving part 130 has a recess 130a for the first dust collecting part formed so that the lower end part of the first dust collecting part 50 fits in it. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the receiving part 130 has a recess 130b for an extension tube formed so that the recess 130b fits in or abuts on a part of the periphery of the cylindrical part having the suction port 38y of the main body part 10. Preferably, the cylindrical part of the main body part 10 has a stepped shape, and the receiving part 130 may support the stepped surface 10a from below. The recess 130b for the extension tube may be fitted in or abutted on a part of the periphery of the extension tube 180. Furthermore, the receiving part 130 is provided with an opening means 150.

[0064] The opening means 150 is for opening the first dust collecting chamber 52a of the first dust collecting section 50. The opening means 150 can be structurally (mechanically) opened by rotating the opening / closing section 52c provided in the first dust collecting section 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the abutting section 152 protruding like a protrusion is provided to function as the opening means 150 at a position where the abutted section 52f of the opening / closing section 52c arrives when the first dust collecting section 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for the first dust collecting section. When the first dust collecting section 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for the first dust collecting section, the abutting section 152 abuts against the abutted section 52f on the first dust collecting section 50 side. By fitting the first dust collecting part 50 into the recess 130a for the first dust collecting part, a pressing force acts from the contact part 152 on the contacted part 52f in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the biasing member 52h, and the opening / closing part 52c rotates around the rotation shaft 52e to be in an open state. On the other hand, when the first dust collecting part 50 is removed from the recess 130a for the first dust collecting part to release the engagement between the two, the pressing force acting from the contact part 152 on the contacted part 52f is released. Accordingly, the opening / closing part 52c returns to the closed state due to the biasing force of the biasing member 52h. Note that the opening / closing part 52c may be configured to engage with the first dust collecting container 52 when the opening / closing part 52c returns to the closed state. Note that, as described above, the receiving part 130 may be provided with the contact part 152A instead of or in addition to the contact part 152.

[0065] Further, the space 132 provided in the receiving portion 130 forms a space capable of receiving the opening / closing portion 52c that is opened by fitting the first dust collecting portion 50 into the recess 130a for the first dust collecting portion, at a position in the opening direction of the opening / closing portion 52c (lower side in this embodiment) relative to the recess 130a for the first dust collecting portion. Therefore, the opening / closing portion 52c can perform a smooth opening and closing operation without interfering with the receiving portion 130.

[0066] Furthermore, the receiving portion 130 is provided with a support portion 134, and the opening / closing portion 52c, which is opened by fitting the first dust collecting portion 50 into the recess 130a for the first dust collecting portion, can be supported by the support portion 134. In this embodiment, when the opening / closing portion 52c is opened, the opening / closing portion 52c is inclined. Therefore, the support portion 134 is formed in an inclined state so as to fit along the opening / closing portion 52c in the open state.

[0067] The receiving portion 130 communicates with the first dust collecting portion 50 through the communication portion 136 so that dust can be sucked from the first dust collecting portion 50 toward the second dust collecting portion 110. The communication portion 136 has a communication port 136a that communicates with the first dust collecting portion recess 130a, and a pipe portion 136b that is connected to the communication port 136a. The pipe portion 136b is formed of a hose, a pipe, or the like (a pipe in this embodiment). The communication portion 136 communicates with the first dust collecting portion 50 that is in an open state by being fitted into the first dust collecting portion recess 130a of the receiving portion 130. The communication portion 136 is formed so that the distance between the open / close portion 52c in the open state and the inner wall of the communication portion 136 becomes narrower toward the downstream side in the dust suction direction from the first dust collecting portion 50 to the second dust collecting portion 110. Moreover, the portion of the pipe portion 136b opposite to the side connected to the communication port 136a is connected to the receiving port 114a provided in the connection portion 114 of the second dust collecting portion 110. As a result, the receiving portion 130 is supported by the pipe portion 136b on the upper side with respect to the second dust collecting portion 110. Therefore, by fitting the first dust collecting portion 50 into the first dust collecting portion recess 130a of the receiving portion 130, the vacuum cleaner 1 is supported by the pipe portion 136b via the receiving portion 130. Moreover, the pipe portion 136b is aligned with the extension tube 180 fitted into the extension tube recess 130b of the receiving portion 130. Therefore, by placing the suction tool 190 connected to the tip end of the extension tube 180 on the stand 200 and fitting the first dust collecting part 50 into the receiving part 130, the vacuum cleaner 1 is stably supported by the extension tube 180 and the tube part 136b arranged side by side.

[0068] <About the control of the vacuum cleaner system S> The vacuum cleaner system S may be configured such that when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100, the dust collection device 100 starts operating. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be connected to the dust collection device 100, and the vacuum cleaner 1 may contact a switch provided on the stand 200 to turn it ON, causing the dust collection device 100 to start suction operation. As another embodiment, the stand 200 may have a charging mechanism, and when electricity is detected between the stand 200 and the vacuum cleaner 1, the dust collection device 100 may start suction operation. In this case, a wiring for detecting electricity may be provided between the electricity terminal of the stand 200 and the control unit 17, in addition to the wiring for charging.

[0069] <<Variations>> The vacuum cleaner system S of this embodiment is configured as described above, but may be different from the above without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the first dust collecting part 50 is fitted into the receiving part 130, and the contact part 152 naturally contacts the contacted part 52f, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0070] Specifically, an operating unit for operating either or both of the contacted portion 52f and the contacting portion 152 may be provided, and the two may come into contact with each other by operating the operating unit. In this case, the operating unit may be provided in either the vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 together with a member that is operated by operating the operating unit. More specifically, the contacting portion 152 may be configured as a movable member, and the contacting portion 152 may be brought into contact with the contacted portion 52f by operating the operating unit. This allows the user of the vacuum cleaner system S to open the blocking portion 52g or transfer dust from the first dust collecting portion 50 to the second dust collecting portion 110 at a desired timing.

[0071] In addition, when the contact portion 152 is movable, the contact portion 152 (opening means 150) may be provided on the first dust collecting container 50 side. For example, the contact portion 152 may be, for example, a shaft-shaped one, and the contact portion 152 may push the blocking portion 52g from inside the first dust collecting container 52 to open the blocking portion 52g. In this case, the position where the contact portion 152 contacts the blocking portion 52g is the contacted portion 52f2 (not shown). Preferably, the contact portion 152 is configured to push a position of the blocking portion 52g that is away from the pivot shaft 52e and the axial center position of the first dust collecting container 52 as the contacted portion 52f2. In the case where there is a locking structure that locks the blocking portion 52g with the first dust collecting container 52 in the closed state, it is preferable that the contact portion 152 presses the locking structure side from the pivot shaft 52e. In addition, an opening may be provided in the closing portion 52g, and a valve or a lid may be provided on the closing portion 52g so as to be rotatable to open and close the opening. In this case, the operation of opening the valve or the lid can be mechanically performed by the contact portion 152 and the contacted portions 52f and 52f2, regardless of whether they are movable or not.

[0072] Further, the dust collection device 100 is configured such that the device body and the receiving part 130 are connected by the pipe part 136b, but this is not limiting. The device body may be configured to have the receiving part 130, and the device body may be extended together with the connection path 114b to a height where the first dust collection part 50 fits into the receiving part 130 connected to the connection path 114b. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate pipe part 136b.

[0073] In addition, the first dust collecting unit 50 is configured to open the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, but the waste port may be formed by opening the side surface. Even in this case, it is sufficient that the receiving portion 130 receives the waste port side of the side surface of the first dust collecting container 52, and the opening / closing portion 52c can be opened in an oblique direction or horizontal direction by rotating.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100 with the main body 10 and the suction tool 190 connected by the extension tube 180, but the present invention is not limited to this. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be connected to the dust collection device 100 with the suction tool 190 attached to the suction port 38y of the main body 10.

[0075] The above-mentioned vacuum cleaner system S is preferably configured such that the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is fitted into the receiving part 130 of the dust collection device 100, and the second electric blower 120 is operated with the opening / closing part 52c open, so that not only the dust in the first dust collection part 50 but also the dust adhering to the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h (if either the first filter 64g or the second filter 64h is provided, the dust adhering to one of the filters) can be sucked in. Specifically, the structure 54 of the vacuum cleaner 1 has the extension part 72 extending toward the closing part 52g (opening / closing part 52c) forming the bottom of the first dust collection part 50, and preferably abuts against the bottom of the closed opening / closing part 52c. Then, an opening is provided in the part corresponding to the closing part 70a by, for example, not providing the closing part 70a provided in the first inner cylinder 60. This allows the first inner cylinder 60 to communicate with the extension part 72. With this configuration, the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is fitted into the receiving part 130 of the dust collection device 100, and the second electric blower 120 is operated with the opening / closing part 52c open, so that the suction force of the second electric blower 120 acts on the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h, thereby removing dust adhering thereto.

[0076] Also, an on-off valve may be provided to adjust the air flowing into the dust collection space 56 from the dust collection section inlet 52x by the suction of the second electric blower 120, and the on-off valve may be closed when removing dust adhering to the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h, and opened in other cases. If the on-off valve is closed in this manner, the suction force of the second electric blower 120 makes it easier for air to flow from the external exhaust opening 10x through the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h (one of the filters when one of the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h is provided), through the extension portion 72, and to the dust collection device 100, so that dust adhering to the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h (one of the filters when one of the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h is provided) can be sucked in.

[0077] The on-off valve may be provided anywhere between the suction port of the suction tool 190 and the dust collection inlet 52x, and is preferably an on-off valve 170 that opens and closes an opening of the pipe section 38x that faces the dust collection inlet 52x (see FIG. 3). This on-off valve 170 may be configured to be electrically opened and closed, or may be configured to be opened and closed by manual operation (for example, a shutter mechanism). If the on-off valve 170 can be electrically opened and closed, the vacuum cleaner 1 may have an operation button for opening and closing, or may be configured to close when the vacuum cleaner 1 detects the above-mentioned current flow between the vacuum cleaner 1 and the dust collection device 100 by attaching the vacuum cleaner 1 to the dust collection device 100, and open when the current flow is no longer detected.

[0078] In addition, it is preferable to provide an airtight member 160 such as an O-ring so as to surround the periphery of the blocking portion 52g in a state in which the main body 10 is fitted into the receiving portion 130 of the dust collection device 100. The airtight member 160 may be provided on either or both of the receiving portion 130 and the bottom of the first dust collection container 52.

[0079] <<Effects obtained by the configuration of the vacuum cleaner system S and the vacuum cleaner 1>> Hereinafter, the effects and the like obtained by the above-described vacuum cleaner system S and vacuum cleaner 1 will be described for each aspect of the present invention.

[0080] [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the first aspect of the present invention] (1-1) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a main body portion 10 having a first electric blower 14 (electric blower) that generates suction force, a first dust collecting portion 50 that collects dust, and a handle portion 16, in which the first dust collecting portion 50 (dust collecting portion) is arranged on one side of the main body portion 10 in a first direction and the handle portion 16 is arranged on the other side of the main body portion 10 in the first direction, and the handle portion 16 is characterized in having a first extension portion 16a extending in the first direction, a second extension portion 16b extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a curved portion 16c having a curved shape connecting the first extension portion 16a and the second extension portion 16b.

[0081] In the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the handle portion 16 includes a first extension portion 16a extending in a first direction of the main body portion 10, and a second extension portion 16b extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can be used by gripping either the first extension portion 16a or the second extension portion 16b, whichever is easier to grip, depending on the usage mode, etc. Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a curved portion 16c having a curved shape at a portion connecting the first extension portion 16a and the second extension portion 16b. Therefore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can be smoothly switched from one of the first extension portion 16a and the second extension portion 16b to the other without putting a strain on the user's wrist, etc. Therefore, according to the present invention, a highly maneuverable electric vacuum cleaner 1 can be provided.

[0082] (1-2) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be the above-mentioned (1-1) electric vacuum cleaner, characterized in that the first extension 16a is provided with an operating part 16e.

[0083] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be made highly convenient, since the operating part 16e can be easily operated while the handle part 16 is being gripped.

[0084] (1-3) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be any of the above electric vacuum cleaners (1-1) to (1-2) characterized in that the first extension portion 16a extends from the other side of the first electric blower 14 in the first direction.

[0085] By configuring the vacuum cleaner 1 in this manner, it is possible to ensure sufficient space for arranging the first electric blower 14, compared to a case in which the handle portion 16 is arranged in a position adjacent to the first electric blower 14 in the second direction.

[0086] (1-4) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be any of the above electric vacuum cleaners (1-1) to (1-3), further comprising a battery 15a disposed alongside the first electric blower 14 in the second direction.

[0087] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can prevent the battery 15a, which is a heavy object like the first electric blower 14, from being disposed at a position that deviates from the first direction relative to the first electric blower 14. This prevents the heavy object from being disposed all over the first direction, making the vacuum cleaner 1 highly stable and easy to operate.

[0088] (1-5) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably characterized in that, in the electric vacuum cleaner (1-4) above, the central position of the first electric blower 14 is located on the opposite side in the second direction from the side on which the battery 15a is located, based on a central axis L extending in a direction along the first direction of the first dust collecting section 50.

[0089] As described above, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can be configured with each part compactly arranged by arranging the battery 15a on one side in the second direction with respect to the central axis L of the first dust collecting part 50 as the reference, and arranging the first electric blower 14 so that the center position of the first electric blower 14 is on the other side. This allows the electric vacuum cleaner 1 to be made compact.

[0090] (1-6) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be any of the above electric vacuum cleaners (1-1) to (1-5), characterized in that the first dust collecting section 50 and the battery 15a are arranged so as to overlap at least partially when viewed from the first direction.

[0091] By arranging first dust collecting section 50 and battery 15a in the layout as described above, vacuum cleaner 1 can be made compact in the second direction intersecting with the first direction.

[0092] (1-7) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably any of the above-mentioned (1-1) to (1-6) electric vacuum cleaners, characterized in that the length of the first extension portion 16a is not less than 6 cm and not more than 10 cm.

[0093] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be easily used by gripping the first extension portion 16a.

[0094] (1-8) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably any of the above-mentioned (1-1) to (1-7) electric vacuum cleaners, wherein the length of the second extension portion 16b is not less than 6 cm and not more than 10 cm.

[0095] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be easily used by gripping the second extension portion 16b.

[0096] [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the second aspect of the present invention] Conventionally, there has been provided a rechargeable vacuum cleaner as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-47961. This rechargeable vacuum cleaner is provided with a fan motor and a rechargeable secondary battery that supplies power to the fan motor in the vacuum cleaner body, a floor suction port is connected to the suction port of the vacuum cleaner body via an extension tube, and the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner body is located rearward of the center of the grip of the vacuum cleaner body.

[0097] Here, the rechargeable vacuum cleaner of the above-mentioned conventional technology has a problem that when the secondary battery becomes large in size in order to improve the battery capacity, for example, the vacuum cleaner body becomes large in size.

[0098] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS The present invention has an object to provide a vacuum cleaner that can be made compact while still being equipped with a battery.

[0099] (2-1) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 provided to solve the above-mentioned problems comprises a main body portion 10 having a first electric blower 14 (electric blower) that generates suction force, a first dust collecting portion 50 arranged on one side of the main body portion 10 in a first direction and collecting dust, a handle portion 16 arranged on the other side of the first direction of the main body portion 10, and a battery 15a arranged alongside the first electric blower 14 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is characterized in that the central position of the first electric blower 14 is located on the opposite side in the second direction from the side on which the battery 15a is located, based on a central axis L extending in a direction along the first direction of the first dust collecting portion 50.

[0100] The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is laid out such that the battery 15a is disposed on one side in the second direction based on the central axis L of the first dust collecting part 50, while the first electric blower 14 is disposed so that its center position is on the other side. As a result, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is configured with the various parts compactly disposed while being equipped with the battery 15a, and can be made compact.

[0101] (2-2) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be the electric vacuum cleaner of (2-1) above, characterized in that the first dust collecting section 50 and the battery 15a are arranged so as to overlap at least partially when viewed from the first direction.

[0102] By arranging first dust collecting section 50 and battery 15a in the layout as described above, vacuum cleaner 1 can be made compact in the second direction intersecting with the first direction.

[0103] (2-3) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be any of the above electric vacuum cleaners (2-1) to (2-2) characterized in that the handle portion 16 extends from the other side of the first electric blower 14 in the first direction.

[0104] With this configuration, vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure a sufficient space for arranging first electric blower 14 at a position in the second direction relative to first electric blower 14.

[0105] (2-4) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably the electric vacuum cleaner of any one of (2-1) to (2-3) above, characterized in that the handle portion 16 defines an opening 16d for inserting a hand, and the opening 16d is located on the other side of the first electric blower 14 in the first direction.

[0106] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure a space for arranging at least the first electric blower 14 in the second direction.

[0107] (2-5) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably the electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of (2-1) to (2-4) above, further comprising a control unit 17 for controlling the first electric blower 14, the control unit 17 being disposed on the opposite side of the battery 15a with respect to the first electric blower 14.

[0108] The electric vacuum cleaner 1 can be made compact by providing the battery 15a and the control unit 17 with the first electric blower 14 as a base in the layout described above.

[0109] (2-6) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably characterized in that, in the above-mentioned (2-1) to (2-5) vacuum cleaners, the main body 10 has a tube portion 38x having a suction port 38y for sucking in dust, the tube portion 38x is arranged to be aligned with the first dust collecting portion 50 in the second direction, and the control portion 17 is present within a projection area of ​​the tube portion 38x in the first direction.

[0110] As described above, the vacuum cleaner 1 has the pipe section 38x and the first dust collecting section 50 arranged side by side in the second direction, and the control section 17 is arranged within the projected area of ​​the pipe section 38x, so that the battery 15a can be located as close as possible to the first electric blower 14 compared to a configuration in which the control section is located between the first electric blower 14 and the battery 15a, resulting in a compact layout in the second direction. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be made even smaller.

[0111] [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the third aspect of the present invention] Conventionally, there has been provided a rechargeable vacuum cleaner as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-47961. This rechargeable vacuum cleaner is provided with a fan motor and a rechargeable secondary battery that supplies power to the fan motor in the vacuum cleaner body, a floor suction port is connected to the suction port of the vacuum cleaner body via an extension tube, and the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner body is located rearward of the center of the grip of the vacuum cleaner body.

[0112] Here, the rechargeable vacuum cleaner of the above-mentioned conventional technology has a problem that when the secondary battery becomes large in size in order to improve the battery capacity, for example, the vacuum cleaner body becomes large in size.

[0113] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS The present invention has an object to provide a vacuum cleaner that can be made compact while still being equipped with a battery.

[0114] (3-1) The vacuum cleaner 1 provided to solve the above-mentioned problems comprises a main body portion 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force, a first dust collecting portion 50 arranged on one side of the main body portion 10 in a first direction for collecting dust, a handle portion 16 arranged on the other side of the main body portion 10 in the first direction, a battery 15a arranged alongside the first electric blower 14 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a control portion 17 that controls the first electric blower 14, wherein the control portion 17 is arranged on the opposite side of the battery 15a with respect to the first electric blower 14.

[0115] By arranging battery 15a and control unit 17 based on first electric blower 14 in the layout described above, vacuum cleaner 1 can be made compact while still incorporating battery 15a.

[0116] (3-2) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be the electric vacuum cleaner of (3-1) above, characterized in that the first dust collecting section 50 and the battery 15a are arranged so as to overlap at least partially when viewed from the first direction.

[0117] By arranging first dust collecting section 50 and battery 15a in the layout described above, vacuum cleaner 1 can be configured to be compact in the second direction intersecting with the first direction while still carrying battery 15a.

[0118] (3-3) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be the electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of (3-1) to (3-2) above, characterized in that the handle portion 16 extends from the other side of the first electric blower 14 in the first direction.

[0119] With this configuration, vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure a sufficient space for arranging first electric blower 14 at a position in the second direction relative to first electric blower 14.

[0120] (3-4) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably the electric vacuum cleaner of (3-1) to (3-3) above, characterized in that the handle portion 16 defines an opening 16d for inserting a hand, and the opening 16d is located on the other side of the first electric blower 14 in the first direction.

[0121] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure a space for arranging at least the first electric blower 14 in the second direction.

[0122] (3-5) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably characterized in that, in the above-mentioned vacuum cleaners (3-1) to (3-4), the main body 10 has a pipe portion 38x having a suction port 38y for sucking in dust, the pipe portion 38x is arranged to be aligned with the first dust collecting portion 50 in the second direction, and the control portion 17 is present within a projection area of ​​the pipe portion 38x in the first direction.

[0123] As described above, the vacuum cleaner 1 has the pipe section 38x and the first dust collecting section 50 arranged side by side in the second direction, and the control section 17 is arranged within the projected area of ​​the pipe section 38x, so that the battery 15a can be located as close as possible to the first electric blower 14 compared to a configuration in which the control section is located between the first electric blower 14 and the battery 15a, resulting in a compact layout in the second direction. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be made even smaller.

[0124] (3-6) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be any of the above-mentioned (3-1) to (3-5) vacuum cleaners, characterized in that the control unit 17 is located on the other side of the opening 16d in the first direction.

[0125] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure a space for arranging at least the first electric blower 14 in the second direction.

[0126] (3-7) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be any of the above electric vacuum cleaners (3-1) to (3-6) characterized in that the exhaust air of the first electric blower 14 can be exhausted to the outside of the main body 10 through a path that passes through the control unit 17.

[0127] With this configuration, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 can cool the control unit 17 by utilizing the exhaust air from the first electric blower 14. This allows the cooling structure of the control unit 17 in the electric vacuum cleaner 1 to be simplified and the size of the control unit 17 to be reduced.

[0128] (3-8) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is preferably the vacuum cleaner (3-7) above, characterized in that it has a case body 14a covering the first electric blower 14, the case body 14a having an exhaust opening 14x on one side of a third direction perpendicular to the direction in which the control unit 17 and the first electric blower 14 are aligned and to the first direction, and the main body 10 has an external exhaust opening 10x on the other side of the third direction.

[0129] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be configured so that the exhaust air discharged from the first electric blower 14 and discharged outside the case body 14a through the exhaust opening 14x is moved to the external exhaust opening 10x provided on the opposite side in the third direction and then discharged. This allows the control unit 17 to be cooled more efficiently. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure a long passage for the exhaust air. This allows the vacuum cleaner 1 to suppress noise associated with the flow of exhaust sound.

[0130] (3-9) The electric vacuum cleaner 1 may be the electric vacuum cleaner according to (3-8) above, characterized in that the external exhaust opening 10x and the exhaust opening 14x at least partially overlap when viewed from the third direction.

[0131] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 can ensure a sufficient passage for the exhaust airflow and suppress noise associated with the flow of the exhaust air.

[0132] [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention] Conventionally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-283327, there is provided a vacuum cleaner that generates a suction airflow and collects dust with the generated airflow. The vacuum cleaner disclosed in this patent document is composed of a vacuum cleaner main body having a dust case on the main body side that collects and stores dust, and an installation stand having a dust case on the installation stand side that stores dust from the dust case on the main body side, and is equipped with a means for discharging dust in the dust case on the main body side of the vacuum cleaner main body into the dust case on the installation stand side when the vacuum cleaner main body is installed on the installation stand. In addition, the vacuum cleaner disclosed in the patent document is provided with valves on both the vacuum cleaner main body and the installation stand, and the valves are opened by the airflow of the fan motor, so that dust can be discharged from the dust case on the vacuum cleaner main body side to the dust case on the installation stand side.

[0133] However, the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that dust tends to remain in the dust case on the main body side because the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 uses circulating air currents to collect dust in a dust case on the installation stand side.

[0134] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner unit that can easily collect dust from the vacuum cleaner.

[0135] (4-1) A vacuum cleaner system S provided to solve the above-mentioned problems includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100, in which the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force, and a first dust collection section 50 in which dust is collected, and the first dust collection section 50 includes a first dust collection container 52 (outer cylinder) having a dust collection section inlet 52x, a structure 54 having a dust collection space exhaust section 80 and forming a dust collection space 56 between the first dust collection container 52 and the structure 54, and a bottom of the first dust collection container 52. and an opening / closing portion 52c capable of opening and closing the opening 16d, the structure 54 having a tapered portion 70 whose outer shape becomes smaller from one side to the other side in the central axis direction, the dust collection device 100 collects dust from the first dust collection portion 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 and is provided with a second dust collection portion 110 in which the dust is collected, and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force, and the vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 is provided with an opening means 150 for opening the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0136] In the vacuum cleaner system S, an opening 16d provided at the bottom of a first dust collecting container 52 constituting a first dust collecting section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be opened and closed by an opening / closing section 52c. The vacuum cleaner system S also includes a dust collection device 100 for collecting dust from the first dust collecting section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1, and is capable of collecting dust in a second dust collecting section 110 by generating suction force with a second electric blower 120. Furthermore, in the vacuum cleaner system S, the vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 includes an opening means 150 for opening the opening / closing section 52c. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner system S can cause the dust collected in the first dust collecting section 50 to fall under the influence of gravity by opening the opening / closing section 52c provided at the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52 with the opening means 150. In addition, by operating the second electric blower 120 provided in the dust collection device 100 with the opening / closing part 52c open, a suction force can be applied to the dust in a direction toward the second dust collecting part 110. Therefore, the electric vacuum cleaner system S can apply both gravity and the suction force of the second electric blower 120 to the dust collected in the first dust collecting part 50, and collect the dust in the second dust collecting part 110. Therefore, the electric vacuum cleaner system S can easily and smoothly collect the dust collected on the electric vacuum cleaner 1 side in the dust collection device 100.

[0137] (4-2) The electric vacuum cleaner system S is preferably characterized in that, in the electric vacuum cleaner system S of (4-1) above, the structure 54 has a first inner tube 60 (inner tube) having a tapered portion 70, and an extension portion 72 extending from the first inner tube 60 to the other side in the central axis direction.

[0138] Since the vacuum cleaner system S is configured as described above, in a state in which an airflow is generated that swirls in the dust collection space 56 and rises toward the tapered portion 70 at a position on the axial side of the dust collection space 56, the flow of the airflow and dust contained therein is obstructed by the extension portion 72. That is, with the above-described configuration, the airflow and dust that rise from the bottom of the first dust collection container 52 at a position on the axial side of the dust collection space 56 are less likely to spread in a direction intersecting the axial direction. As a result, the vacuum cleaner system S can make it difficult for dust such as hair and dirt contained in the airflow to become entangled in the tapered portion 70 in the dust collection space 56.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the extending portion 72 is tubular, but the present invention is not limited to this. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be provided with, for example, a brush or comb teeth extending from the first inner cylinder 60 to the other side in the axial direction as the extending portion 72.

[0140] (4-3) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that in the electric vacuum cleaner system S of (4-2) above, the extension portion 72 has an end portion on the other side in the central axis direction spaced apart from the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0141] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can suppress the air current rising from the bottom of the first dust collection container 52 from spreading outward while ensuring a sufficient internal volume of the dust collection space 56. In other words, with the above-mentioned configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S makes it easier for dust to collect below the first inner cylinder 60 and inside the extension portion 72.

[0142] (4-4) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that the first inner cylinder 60 in the electric vacuum cleaner system S of (4-2) to (4-3) above is closed at the other end in the central axis direction.

[0143] By being configured as described above, the electric vacuum cleaner system S can prevent the end of the first inner cylinder 60 on the other axial side from being clogged with dust.

[0144] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the end portion on the other axial direction side of the first inner cylinder 60 is closed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the end portion on the other axial direction side of the first inner cylinder 60 may not be closed. When the end portion on the other axial direction side of the first inner cylinder 60 is not closed, it is preferable to configure the part so that it is less likely to become clogged with dust.

[0145] (4-5) The vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that, in the vacuum cleaner system S of (4-1) to (4-4) above, the structure 54 or the first dust collecting container 52 has a first guide portion 74 that extends from the upstream side in the swiveling direction toward the dust collecting section inlet 52x as it moves from one side to the other side in the central axis direction.

[0146] Since the vacuum cleaner system S includes the first guide portion 74 as described above, the airflow that flows into the dust collection space 56 from the dust collection section inlet 52x is guided by the first guide portion 74 and smoothly guided toward the other axial side (the bottom of the first dust collection container 52). That is, in the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present embodiment, the swirling airflow that flows into the dust collection space 56 from the dust collection section inlet 52x and is generated on one axial side (upper side) is made to easily flow toward the other axial side, thereby making it possible to prevent dust such as hair and dirt contained in the airflow from wrapping around the tapered portion 70 of the first inner cylinder 60.

[0147] In the present embodiment, an example in which the first guide portion 74 as described above is provided has been shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first guide portion 74 may not be provided, or another guide member may be provided instead of the first guide portion 74. In the case where the first guide portion 74 is not provided, for example, measures such as optimizing the shape of the dust collection portion inlet 52x so that the inflow direction of the airflow at the dust collection portion inlet 52x faces the other axial direction side (the bottom of the first dust collection container 52) may be taken. In addition, in the case where another guide member is provided instead of the first guide portion 74, it is preferable to guide the airflow that flows from the dust collection portion inlet 52x into the dust collection space 56 to flow smoothly toward the other axial direction side, as with the first guide portion 74, or to guide the airflow to change its direction to the other axial direction side before the airflow that flows from the dust collection portion inlet 52x makes one revolution in the circumferential direction of the dust collection space 56.

[0148] (4-6) The vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that, in the vacuum cleaner system S of (4-1) to (4-4) above, the structure 54 or the first dust collection container 52 has a second guide portion 76 that guides the airflow flowing from the dust collection section inlet 52x (inlet) into the dust collection space 56, and the second guide portion 76 is arranged to extend in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0149] The vacuum cleaner 1 of the present embodiment includes the second guide portion 76 as described above, and therefore can smoothly introduce and swirl the airflow from the dust-collecting-portion inlet 52x into the dust-collecting space 56.

[0150] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the above-mentioned second guide portion 76 is provided has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the second guide portion 76 is not provided, or a configuration which performs the same function as the second guide portion 76, may be provided.

[0151] (4-7) The vacuum cleaner system S may be any of the vacuum cleaner systems S described above in (4-1) to (4-6), characterized in that the first dust collecting section 50 has a contact section that contacts the structure 54 on one side of the dust collecting section inlet 52x in the central axis direction. The contact section may be, for example, a brush, a blade, or a combination of these.

[0152] Since the vacuum cleaner system S is configured as described above, when the structure 54 is removed from the first dust collecting section 50, dust entangled in the structure 54 can be removed by the contact portion.

[0153] (4-8) The vacuum cleaner system S is preferably characterized in that in the vacuum cleaner system S of (4-1) to (4-7) above, a contact portion (contact portion 152, 152A) as an opening means 150 is provided on one side of the dust collection device 100 and the vacuum cleaner 1, and a contacted portion (contacted portion 52f, 52f1) is provided on the other side, and the opening / closing portion 52c opens when the contact portion abuts against the contacted portion.

[0154] Since the vacuum cleaner system S is configured in this manner, by positioning the vacuum cleaner 1 relative to the dust collection device 100 so that the abutting portion and the abutted portion abut, the opening / closing portion 52c can be put into an open state by the opening means 150.

[0155] (4-9) The vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that, in the vacuum cleaner system S of (4-8) above, the abutting portion (abutting portion 152, 152A) abuts against the abutted portion (abutted portion 52f, 52f1), provided that the vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the dust collection device 100.

[0156] Because the vacuum cleaner system S is configured as described above, by connecting the vacuum cleaner 1 to the dust collection device 100, the abutting part 152 naturally abuts against the abutted part 52f, and the opening / closing part 52c can be opened. As a result, the vacuum cleaner system S does not require a separate operation to open the opening / closing part 52c, and is also excellent in terms of convenience.

[0157] (4-10) The vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that, in the vacuum cleaner system S of (4-1) to (4-10) above, the structure 54 or the first dust collecting container 52 has a first guide portion 74 that extends from the upstream side in the swiveling direction toward the dust collecting portion inlet 52x as it moves from one side to the other side in the central axis direction.

[0158] Since the vacuum cleaner 1 of this embodiment includes the first guide portion 74 as described above, the airflow that flows into the dust collection space 56 from the dust collection section inlet 52x is guided by the first guide portion 74 and smoothly guided toward the other axial side (the bottom of the first dust collection container 52). That is, in the vacuum cleaner 1 of this embodiment, the swirling airflow that flows into the dust collection space 56 from the dust collection section inlet 52x and is generated on one axial side (upper side) can be easily directed toward the other axial side. This makes it possible to prevent dust such as hair and dirt contained in the airflow from wrapping around the structure 54. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner 1 that can prevent dust such as hair and dirt from wrapping around the dust collection device.

[0159] (4-11) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that, in the electric vacuum cleaner system S of (4-10) above, it has an opening operation part that operates the abutment part 152 so that the abutment part 152 and the abutted part 52f abut.

[0160] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can bring the opening / closing part 52c into an open state by bringing the abutting part 152 into contact with the abutted part 52f by operating the operating part 16e. This allows the vacuum cleaner system S to open the opening / closing part 52c according to the user's intention.

[0161] (4-12) The vacuum cleaner system S may be the vacuum cleaner system S of (4-11) above, characterized in that the opening operation unit is provided in either the vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 together with a member that is operated by operating the operation unit 16e.

[0162] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S in this manner, a member that operates by operating the operating unit 16e can be used to abut the abutting portion (abutting portion 152, 152A) against the abutted portion (abutted portion 52f, 52f1), thereby placing the opening / closing portion 52c in an open state.

[0163] (4-13) The vacuum cleaner system S may be any of the vacuum cleaner systems S described above in (4-1) to (4-12), characterized in that the dust collection device 100 includes a receiving portion 130 that receives the first dust collecting portion 50, and the receiving portion 130 has an opening means 150.

[0164] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S in this manner, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be positioned so that the first dust collecting part 50 is received in the receiving part 130, and the opening / closing part 52c can be put into an open state by the opening means 150.

[0165] (4-14) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be the electric vacuum cleaner system S of (4-1) to (4-13) above, characterized in that the dust collection device 100 has a contact portion 152 as an opening means 150, the opening / closing portion 52c is rotatable around a rotation axis, has a contacted portion 52f with which the contact portion 152 can contact in an area on one side of the rotation axis, and has a closing portion that closes the opening 16d in an area on the other side of the rotation axis, and when the contact portion 152 contacts the contacted portion 52f, the closing portion rotates away from the opening 16d to enter an open state.

[0166] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can open and close the opening means 150 by using the principle of leverage with the pivot shaft 52e as a fulcrum and the point at which the abutting portion 152 abuts on the abutted portion 52f as a point of application. Therefore, as exemplified in the above embodiment, the blocking portion 52g can be rotated without applying an excessively large force to the abutted portion 52f.

[0167] (4-15) In the electric vacuum cleaner system S according to any one of (4-1) to (4-14) above, the first dust collecting section 50 may be characterized in that an opening surface of the opening 16d is inclined with respect to the central axis direction.

[0168] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S makes it easier for the dust in the first dust collection chamber 52a to clump together, making it easier for the dust collection device 100 to suck up the dust.

[0169] (4-16) The vacuum cleaner system S is the vacuum cleaner system S of (4-8) above, in which the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a contact portion (contact portion 152, 152A) as an opening means 150, and the dust collection device 100 is provided with a contacted portion (contact portion 52f, 52f1), and when the first contact portion (contact portion 152A) abuts against the first contact portion (contact portion 52f1), the locking portion that locks the opening / closing portion 52c in the closed state is unlocked, and when the second contact portion (contact portion 152) abuts against the second contact portion (contact portion 52f), the opening / closing portion 52c is opened.

[0170] [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the fifth aspect of the present invention] Conventionally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-283327, there is provided a vacuum cleaner that generates a suction airflow and collects dust with the generated airflow. This vacuum cleaner is composed of a vacuum cleaner main body having a dust case on the main body side that collects and stores dust, and an installation stand having a dust case on the installation stand side that stores dust from the dust case on the main body side, and is provided with a means for discharging dust in the dust case on the main body side of the vacuum cleaner main body into the dust case on the installation stand side when the vacuum cleaner main body is installed on the installation stand. The vacuum cleaner disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document is provided with valves on both the vacuum cleaner main body and the installation stand, and the valves are opened by the airflow of the fan motor, so that dust can be discharged from the dust case on the vacuum cleaner main body side to the dust case on the installation stand side.

[0171] Furthermore, as disclosed in JP 2016-26686 A, a cyclone dust collecting device is disclosed in which an air filter is provided that further filters the air exhausted from the inner cylinder and flowing along the exhaust path.

[0172] However, when configured like the vacuum cleaner disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, the circulating airflow can collect dust in a dust case on the installation stand, but it is difficult to collect dust that adheres to the filter that filters the air discharged from the dust case.

[0173] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a vacuum cleaner system S capable of collecting dust adhering to a filter that filters air discharged from a dust collection container.

[0174] (5-1) A vacuum cleaner system S provided to solve the above-mentioned problems includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100, in which the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force, and a first dust collecting section 50 in which dust is collected, and the first dust collecting section 50 includes a first dust collecting container 52 having a dust collecting section inlet 52x, a structure 54 having a dust collecting space exhaust section 80 and forming a dust collecting space 56 between the first dust collecting container 52 and the structure 54, an opening / closing section 52c that is capable of opening and closing an opening (e.g., a waste outlet 52b) at the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, and and the first electric blower 14 (first filter 64g and second filter 64h, or one of the first filter 64g and second filter 64h when one of the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h is arranged), the structure 54 is formed so that the first inner tube 60 having the dust collection space exhaust section 80 extends toward the opening, and the dust collection device 100 collects dust from the first dust collection section 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1, and is characterized in that it comprises a second dust collection section 110 in which dust is collected, and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force.

[0175] In the vacuum cleaner system S, an opening provided at the bottom of a first dust collecting container 52 constituting a first dust collecting section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be opened and closed by an opening / closing section 52c. The vacuum cleaner system S also includes a dust collection device 100 for collecting dust from the first dust collecting section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1, and is capable of collecting dust in a second dust collecting section 110 by generating suction force by a second electric blower 120. Furthermore, in the vacuum cleaner system S, the structure 54 is formed such that a first inner cylinder 60 having a dust collecting space exhaust section 80 is formed so as to extend toward the opening at the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52. Therefore, by operating the second electric blower 120 provided in the dust collection device 100 while opening / closing section 52c provided at the bottom of first dust collection container 52 by opening means 150, the vacuum cleaner system S can apply a suction force to the filter via first inner cylinder 60 forming structure 54, and suck the filter toward second dust collection section 110. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner system S can collect dust attached to the filter that filters the air discharged from first dust collection container 52.

[0176] (5-2) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be the electric vacuum cleaner system S of (5-1) above, characterized in that the storage space in which the filters (the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h, or one of the first filter 64g and the second filter 64h if either one of them is provided) are arranged communicates with the first inner tube 60, and the first inner tube 60 communicates with the second dust collecting section 110 when the opening / closing section 52c is open.

[0177] Because the electric vacuum cleaner system S is configured as described above, the suction force generated by the second electric blower 120 provided in the second dust collecting unit 110 can be reliably applied to the filter disposed in the accommodation space. This allows the electric vacuum cleaner system S to more reliably collect dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the dust collecting container.

[0178] (5-3) The vacuum cleaner system S may be any of the vacuum cleaner systems S described above in (5-1) to (5-2), characterized in that the vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 includes an opening means 150 for opening the opening / closing part 52c.

[0179] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S in this manner, the opening means 150 can be used to open the opening / closing section 52c provided at the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, and dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the dust collecting container can be collected in the second dust collecting section 110.

[0180] (5-4) The vacuum cleaner system S may be the vacuum cleaner system S of (5-3) above, characterized in that a contact portion (contact portion 152, 152A) as an opening means 150 is provided on one side of the dust collection device 100 and the vacuum cleaner 1, and a contacted portion (contact portion 52f, 52f1) is provided on the other side, and the opening / closing portion 52c opens on the condition that the contact portion abuts against the contacted portion.

[0181] Since the vacuum cleaner system S is configured in this manner, by positioning the vacuum cleaner 1 relative to the dust collection device 100 so that the abutting portion and the abutted portion abut, the opening / closing portion 52c can be put into an open state by the opening means 150.

[0182] (5-5) The vacuum cleaner system S may be any of the vacuum cleaner systems S described above in (5-1) to (5-4), characterized in that the dust collection device 100 is provided with a receiving portion 130 that receives the first dust collecting portion 50, and the receiving portion 130 has an opening means 150.

[0183] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S in this manner, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be positioned so that the first dust collecting part 50 is received in the receiving part 130, and the opening / closing part 52c can be put into an open state by the opening means 150.

[0184] (5-6) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be characterized in that, in the electric vacuum cleaner system S of (5-1) to (5-5) above, the dust collection device 100 has an abutment portion 152 as an opening means 150, the opening / closing portion 52c is rotatable about a rotation axis, has an abutted portion 52f with which the abutment portion 152 can abut in an area on one side of the rotation axis, and has a blocking portion that blocks an opening (e.g., waste outlet 52b) in an area on the other side of the rotation axis, and, on condition that the abutment portion 152 abuts against the abutment portion 52f, the blocking portion rotates away from the opening to enter the open state.

[0185] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can open and close the opening means 150 by using the principle of leverage with the pivot shaft 52e as a fulcrum and the point at which the abutting portion 152 abuts on the abutted portion 52f as a point of application. Therefore, as exemplified in the above embodiment, the blocking portion 52g can be rotated without applying an excessively large force to the abutted portion 52f.

[0186] (5-7) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be any of the electric vacuum cleaner systems S of (5-1) to (5-6) above, characterized in that it includes an airtight member 160 provided on either the receiving part 130 or the bottom of the first dust collecting container 52, and the first dust collecting container 52 and the receiving part 130 are in airtight contact with each other through the airtight member 160.

[0187] According to this configuration, the first dust collecting container 52 can be airtightly connected to the receiving portion 130 when the first dust collecting container 52 is fitted into the receiving portion 130. This allows dust to be collected smoothly when dust is sucked from the first dust collecting portion 50 to the second dust collecting portion 110.

[0188] (5-8) The vacuum cleaner system S may be any of the vacuum cleaner systems S described above in (5-1) to (5-7), characterized in that the vacuum cleaner is provided with an open / close valve for adjusting the air flowing into the dust collection space.

[0189] According to this configuration, by operating the second electric blower 120 with the on-off valve closed, it is possible to collect dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the dust collection container. (5-9) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may be any of the electric vacuum cleaner systems S of (5-1) to (5-8) above, characterized in that the electric vacuum cleaner is provided with an opening / closing valve capable of opening and closing an opening in the main body 10 that faces the dust collection section inlet 52x. According to this configuration, by operating the second electric blower 120 with the on-off valve closed, it is possible to collect dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the dust collection container.

[0190] (5-10) The vacuum cleaner system S is the vacuum cleaner system S of (5-4) above, in which the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a contact portion (contact portion 152, 152A) as an opening means 150, and the dust collection device 100 is provided with a contacted portion (contact portion 52f, 52f1), and when the first contact portion (contact portion 152A) abuts against the first contact portion (contact portion 52f1), the locking portion that locks the opening / closing portion 52c in the closed state is unlocked, and when the second contact portion (contact portion 152) abuts against the second contact portion (contact portion 52f), the opening / closing portion 52c is opened.

[0191] [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the sixth aspect of the present invention] In order to solve the same problem as that described above in [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the fifth aspect of the present invention], the present invention aims to realize a vacuum cleaner system S capable of collecting dust adhering to a filter that filters the air discharged from a dust collection container.

[0192] (6-1) A vacuum cleaner system S provided to solve the above-mentioned problems includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100, in which the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and an external exhaust opening 10x for discharging exhaust air from the first electric blower 14 to the outside, and a first dust collecting section 50 in which dust is collected, the first dust collecting section 50 includes a first dust collecting container 52 having a dust collecting section inlet 52x, a dust collecting space exhaust section 80, a structure 54 that defines a dust collecting space 56 between itself and the first dust collecting container 52, and a valve 52 for opening and closing an opening of the first dust collecting container 52 (e.g., a waste outlet 52b). the electric vacuum cleaner is provided with an openable / closable valve for adjusting the air flowing into the dust collection space, and the dust collection device 100 collects dust from the first dust collection section 50 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1, and is provided with a second dust collection section 110 in which dust is collected, and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force.

[0193] According to this configuration, by operating the second electric blower 120 with the on-off valve closed, it is possible to facilitate the flow of air from the external exhaust opening 10x through the filter to the dust collection device 100. This makes it possible to collect dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the first dust collection container 52. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner system S can collect dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the dust collection container.

[0194] (6-2) A vacuum cleaner system S provided to solve the above-mentioned problems includes a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100, in which the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and an external exhaust opening 10x for discharging exhaust air from the first electric blower 14 to the outside, and a first dust collecting section 50 in which dust is collected, the first dust collecting section 50 includes a first dust collecting container 52 having a dust collecting section inlet 52x, a dust collecting space exhaust section 80, a structure 54 that defines a dust collecting space 56 between the first dust collecting container 52, and a discharge port 52b capable of opening and closing an opening of the first dust collecting container 52 (e.g., a waste port 52b). The vacuum cleaner has an opening / closing section (e.g., opening / closing section 52c) and a filter (first filter 64g and second filter 64h, or one of the first filter 64g and second filter 64h if one of them is arranged) arranged between the structure 54 and the first electric blower 14, and the vacuum cleaner is provided with an opening / closing valve capable of opening and closing an opening in the main body 10 that faces the dust collection section inlet 52x, and the dust collection device 100 collects dust from the first dust collection section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1, and is characterized in that it comprises a second dust collection section 110 in which dust is collected, and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force.

[0195] According to this configuration, by operating the second electric blower 120 with the on-off valve closed, it is possible to facilitate the flow of air from the external exhaust opening 10x through the filter to the dust collection device 100. This makes it possible to collect dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the first dust collection container 52. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner system S can collect dust adhering to the filter that filters the air discharged from the dust collection container.

[0196] (6-3) The electric vacuum cleaner system S may have the above-mentioned configurations (5-3) to (5-7) in the electric vacuum cleaner system S described above in (6-1) to (6-2).

[0197] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and other embodiments may be possible within the scope of the claims. The components of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Any component of the embodiment may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component that embodies any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention also intends to obtain rights to these by amending this application or filing a divisional application. [Industrial Applicability]

[0198] The present invention can be suitably used in vacuum cleaners in general. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 1: Vacuum cleaner 10: Main body 10x: External exhaust opening 14:First electric blower 14a: Case body 14x: Exhaust opening 15a: Battery 16: Handle section 16a: First extension part 16b: Second stretching part 16c: Curved section 16d: opening 16e:Operation unit 17: Control section 38x: pipe section 38y: Inlet 50:First dust collection section (dust collection section) 52: First dust collection container (outer cylinder) 52a: First dust collection room 52c: Opening and closing section 52e: Rotating shaft 52f: Abutted part 52g:Occluded area 52x: Dust collection inlet 54 :Structure 56: Dust collection space 60: First inner cylinder (inner cylinder) 70: Tapered section 72: Extension part 74: First guide part 76: Second guide part 80: Dust collection space exhaust section 94: Second inner cylinder filter (filter) 100: Dust collection device 110:Second dust collection section 120:Second electric blower 130: Receiving section 150: Opening means 152: Contact part 160: Airtight material S: Vacuum cleaner system

Claims

1. a main body having an electric blower that generates a suction force and a control unit that controls the electric blower; A dust collecting section in which dust is collected; A vacuum cleaner comprising a handle portion, The dust collecting unit is disposed on one side of the main body in a first direction, The handle portion is disposed on the other side of the main body portion in the first direction, The handle portion is A first extension portion extending in the first direction; A second extension portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A curved portion having a curved shape connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion, a battery disposed on a rear side of the vacuum cleaner so as to be aligned with the electric blower in the second direction; the control unit is disposed on a front side of the vacuum cleaner, on the opposite side of the battery with respect to the electric blower; The handle portion defines an opening between the handle portion and the main body portion for inserting a hand therein; the opening is located on the other side of the electric blower in the first direction, The electric vacuum cleaner, wherein the handle portion extends from a side other than the electric blower in the first direction.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the first extension portion is provided with an operating portion.

3. 2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a center position of the electric blower is located on a side opposite to the side on which the battery is located in the second direction, based on a central axis of the dust collecting part extending in the first direction.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dust collecting unit and the battery are arranged to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the first direction.

5. The main body portion has a pipe portion having a suction port for sucking dust, and the pipe portion is arranged to be aligned with the dust collecting portion in the second direction, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the control portion is present within a projected area of ​​the tube portion in the first direction.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first extension portion has a length of 6 cm or more and 10 cm or less.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second extension portion has a length of 6 cm or more and 10 cm or less.

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