A collection device that collects dust from a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a collection device for suppressing generation of noise due to an actuation of a dust suction fan, which is not intended by a user, in the collection device to which a cleaner can be connected.SOLUTION: A collection device 200 is constituted to collect dust from a dust storage chamber 152 while a cleaner 100 is connected. The collection device 200 includes: a dust suction fan 250 for generating suction force to suck dust; a control section 260 for actuating the dust collection fan 250; and a power cable 262. The control section 260 actuates the dust suction fan 250 when the cleaner 100 is connected to the dust collection device 200 while power is supplied to the control section 260, and keeps the stop state of the dust suction fan 250 when power supply to the control section 260 is started while the cleaner 100 is connected to the dust collection device 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a collecting device for collecting dust from a vacuum cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stick-type vacuum cleaner 300 shown in FIG. 9. This vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 310, a suction tube 320 extending downward from the vacuum cleaner main body 310, and a suction nozzle 330 connected to the lower end of the suction tube 320. The vacuum cleaner main body 310 is configured to suck in dust through the suction nozzle 330 and store the sucked dust. The vacuum cleaner main body 310 includes a rectangular box-shaped housing 311. The housing 311 has a fan chamber 315 that houses a dust suction source 312 that generates suction force for sucking in dust, and a dust storage chamber 317 that is separated from the fan chamber 315 by a filter unit 313 and stores dust captured by the filter unit 313. The housing 311 is formed with a dust discharge port 319 for discharging dust stored in the dust storage chamber 317.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a collection device 400 shown in Fig. 10 is used to collect dust accumulated in a dust storage chamber 317 of a vacuum cleaner 300. The collection device 400 includes a housing 410, a dust suction fan 420 that generates suction force, a power supply circuit 414 that drives the dust suction fan 420, a dust collection chamber 440 that collects dust from the vacuum cleaner 300, and a dust flow path 430 that extends from the dust collection chamber 440. The tip of the dust flow path 430 is formed so as to be connectable to the dust discharge port 319 of the vacuum cleaner 300. A connection piece 431 that opens and closes the power supply circuit 414 is provided at the tip of the dust flow path 430, and when the connection piece 431 comes into contact with the dust discharge port 319, the power supply circuit 414 drives the dust suction fan 420. When the dust suction fan 420 is driven, the suction force of the dust suction fan 420 acts on the dust in the dust storage chamber 317 through the dust flow path 430 , and the dust is sucked from the dust storage chamber 317 into the dust collection chamber 440 . [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-267032 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a collection device configured to collect dust from a vacuum cleaner by connecting the device to the collection device, if the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device while the collection device's power cable is connected to an external power source, there is a high probability that the user intends for the collection device to collect dust. On the other hand, if the user connects the power cable to an external power source without intending for the collection device to collect dust while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device, or if the power supply from the external power source is temporarily interrupted and then restored, the user would prefer that the collection device not collect dust. However, in the collection device of Patent Document 1, if the collection device's power cable is connected to an external power source and power supply is started while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device, the dust suction fan will operate and collect dust unintentionally. In this case, the operation of the dust suction fan may generate noise that is unpleasant to the user.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a dust collection device that suppresses noise caused by unintended operation of a dust collection fan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The recovery device in the present disclosure comprises: The vacuum cleaner comprises a suction fan that generates a suction force to suck in dust, a battery that supplies power to the suction fan, and a charging circuit that charges the battery. With the vacuum cleaner connected , sweep This is a dust collection device that sucks out dust from the dust storage chamber inside the vacuum cleaner and collects the dust. .times The collection device , savings A dust collection fan that generates suction power to suck out dust from the dust chamber. , suck A control unit that operates the dust fan and can be connected to an external power source and is powered by the external power source. Control a power cable for transmitting power to the control unit; a current path for passing a current from the control unit to the charging circuit; Equipped with . system The , electric Power through the power cable is controlled Being supplied to the department , sweep removing machine Turn When connected to a collection device , suck Turn on the dust fan , sweep removing machine Turn When connected to a collection device , electric Through the power cable system Power supply to the headquarters begins. and suck Keep the dust fan off While charging, current flows through the current path to the charging circuit. .

[0008] When a user uses a vacuum cleaner and a collection device, the user usually connects the vacuum cleaner to the collection device with the intention of collecting dust after completing cleaning work with the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, the collection device is usually used with the power cable still connected to an external power source. That is, if the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device while the power cable is still connected to the external power source, it is highly likely that the user intends to collect dust, and it is preferable to operate the dust suction fan.

[0009] On the other hand, a user may connect the power cable to an external power source while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device, regardless of whether the vacuum cleaner is being used for cleaning. Alternatively, when the power supply from the external power source is temporarily stopped due to a power outage or the like and then restored to the collection device while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device, power may be supplied to the control unit via the power cable. In these cases, the user does not intend to collect dust, and it is preferable not to operate the dust collection fan.

[0010] In the collection device configured as described above, when a vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device while power is being supplied to the control unit via the power cable, the dust suction fan operates to collect dust. That is, the collection device is configured to collect dust when the user intends to collect dust. Furthermore, in this collection device, when power supply to the control unit via the power cable begins while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device, the dust suction fan remains stopped and dust collection is not performed. That is, the collection device is configured to not collect dust when the user does not intend to collect dust. This prevents the dust suction fan from operating unintentionally, thereby preventing noise caused by dust collection.

[0011] electric The flow path is , sweep removing machine Turn connected to a collection device and Power Supply Through the power cable Control Power is supplied to the control unit. attitude It may be in a powered state when , sweep removing machine Turn Not connected to a collection device and Power Supply Through the power cable Control It may be in a non-energized state when power is supplied to the control unit. , sweep removing machine Turn connected to a collection device and 1 system The control unit may be in a power-on state when power is not being supplied to the control unit. . system The , electric When the current path switches from a non-energized state to an energized state , suck You can turn on the dust fan. , electric When the current path switches from an energizable state to an energized state , suck The dust fan may be kept off.

[0012] In this configuration, the dust fan operates when the current path is energized by connecting the vacuum cleaner to the collection device, but the dust suction fan does not operate when the current path is energized by connecting the power cable to an external power source. Therefore, the operation of the dust fan can be controlled according to the state of the current path before switching to the energized state.

[0013] The recovery device may further include a connection detection unit capable of detecting a current flowing through the current path. In this aspect, the connection detection unit detects the current in the current path, thereby making it possible to determine that the current path has switched to a conducting state.

[0014] The vacuum cleaner may have a battery that stores power for operating the vacuum cleaner and a charging circuit that enables charging of the battery. The control unit may be configured to supply power to the charging circuit to charge the battery when power is supplied to the control unit through the power cable and the vacuum cleaner and the collection device are connected. In this aspect, the battery of the vacuum cleaner can be charged when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the above-described collection device, it is possible to provide a collection device that suppresses noise caused by unintended operation of the dust suction fan by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-section of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 2] Front view of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Cross-section of the vacuum cleaner around the dust chamber [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and collection device [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and collection device from above [Figure 6] Front view of the recovery device [Figure 7]1 is a schematic functional diagram of a connection circuit between a collection device and a vacuum cleaner; [Figure 8] Flowchart of the control unit of the recovery device [Figure 9] Schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner and collection device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0018] (Overall structure of the vacuum cleaner) Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stick-type vacuum cleaner 100. Fig. 2 is a front view of the vacuum cleaner 100. The vacuum cleaner 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a suction nozzle 130 that sucks in dust on the floor, a vacuum cleaner body 110 attached to the suction nozzle 130, and a handle 140 that extends upward from the upper end 112 of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The vacuum cleaner body 110 and the handle 140 are attached so that they can tilt forward and backward relative to the suction nozzle 130. In Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the handle 140 are in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 130 and do not tilt forward from this upright position. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in use, the user holds the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the handle 140 in an attitude tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle 130.

[0020] Suction nozzle 130 is provided with nozzle case 132 that is wider than vacuum cleaner body 110 so as to form wide suction space 131 for sucking in dust. Suction space 131 opens toward the floor at the front portion of nozzle case 132. Behind this opening, suction space 131 is closed by bottom 134 of nozzle case 132. A rotary scraping brush 133 is disposed in suction space 131, and scraping brush 133 is exposed from nozzle case 132 so as to be able to come into contact with the floor surface through the opening of suction space 131.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the vacuum cleaner body 110 has a cylindrical housing 111 that is elongated in the vertical direction. The lower end of the housing 111 is attached to the rear of the nozzle case 132 so as to allow the vacuum cleaner body 110 to tilt in the front-to-rear direction. The upper part of the housing 111 tapers toward the upper end 112 of the housing 111, and a grip part 140 extends upward from the upper end 112. The grip part 140 is a rod-shaped part that is thick enough to be gripped by a user. As shown in Fig. 2, the grip part 140 is provided with an operation part 141 (operation button) that is operated by the user.

[0022] Housing 111 is configured to house various components for sucking up dust on the floor surface and storing the sucked up dust. In detail, housing 111 is provided with fan chamber 153 arranged in the upper part of housing 111, dust storage chamber 152 arranged below fan chamber 153, and suction pipe 113 arranged below dust storage chamber 152 and extending in the vertical direction. Fan chamber 153, dust storage chamber 152, and suction pipe 113 are in communication with each other.

[0023] Fan chamber 153 houses suction fan 116, which generates an upward suction airflow to suck dust on the floor into vacuum cleaner 100, battery 117, which supplies power to suction fan 116, and charging circuit 170, which charges battery 117. Suction fan 116 operates or stops in response to the user's operation of operating unit 141.

[0024] The front wall of the housing 111 is provided with an exhaust port 151 formed to communicate with the fan chamber 153, an electrical contact 171 arranged above the exhaust port 151, and a magnetic plate 173. The suction airflow generated by the suction force of the suction fan 116 is exhausted from the fan chamber 153 to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the exhaust port 151.

[0025] The electrical contact 171 is electrically connected to a charging circuit 170 for charging the battery 117 (see FIG. 1), and has a pair of ends for contacting a contact portion 283 of the collection device 200, which will be described later. The magnetic plate 173 is formed so as to abut against a holding portion 297 of the collection device 200, which will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, a container-shaped filter unit 115 that opens downward is disposed within dust storage chamber 152. Filter unit 115 is configured to allow the suction airflow generated by suction fan 116 to pass through while capturing dust contained in the suction airflow. Filter unit 115 is configured, for example, from a nonwoven fabric filter. Dust captured by filter unit 115 is stored within dust storage chamber 152.

[0027] Dust storage chamber 152 is provided with dust discharge port 124 that opens in the front wall of housing 111, and lid 121 that is formed to be rotatable for opening and closing dust discharge port 124. When lid 121 is disposed upright, dust discharge port 124 is in a closed position. On the other hand, when lid 121 is rotated downward by a predetermined angle (a rotation angle of 90° or less) from the closed position, dust discharge port 124 is in an open position. Dust stored in filter unit 115 is discharged to the outside of filter unit 115 through dust discharge port 124.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, suction tube 113, which is built into the lower part of housing 111, is fixed within housing 111, and when vacuum cleaner body 110 tilts backward from the upright position (the position shown in FIG. 1), it tilts backward together with housing 111. When vacuum cleaner body 110 is in the upright position, the lower end of suction tube 113 abuts against bottom 134 of nozzle case 132. In other words, when vacuum cleaner body 110 is in the upright position, the lower end of suction tube 113 is closed by bottom 134 of nozzle case 132. When vacuum cleaner body 110 tilts backward from the upright position, the lower end of suction tube 113 moves in a direction (direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1) where it does not abut against bottom 134. As a result, the internal space of suction tube 113 is in communication with suction space 131 of nozzle case 132.

[0029] A check valve 114 is attached to the upper end of the suction pipe 113 to close the upper end of the suction pipe 113 when the suction fan 116 is not operating. The check valve 114 is configured to deform due to the upward suction force of the suction fan 116, thereby opening the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 113.

[0030] (Overall structure of the recovery device) Dust stored in dust storage chamber 152 can be collected by collection device 200 connected to vacuum cleaner 100, as shown in Fig. 4. In detail, collection device 200 includes a housing 210, a base plate 220, a dust flow path 230, a collection chamber 240, a dust collection fan 250, a control unit 260, and a power cable 262. Housing 210 is installed at the front of base plate 220, and vacuum cleaner 100 is placed at the rear.

[0031] A dust flow path 230 is provided within the housing 210, through which dust flows in from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The dust flow path 230 is connected to the rear surface of a collection chamber 240 in which dust collected from the vacuum cleaner 100 accumulates. The dust suction fan 250 is disposed below the collection chamber 240, and is configured to generate a suction force that sucks in dust under the control of the control unit 260, thereby generating a collection airflow that sucks the dust from the dust storage chamber 152 into the collection chamber 240. A power cable 262 that can be connected to an external power source is connected to the control unit 260.

[0032] On both sides of the housing 210, there are provided air intake ports 234 that allow air to flow into the housing 210 from the outside, and air exhaust ports 235 that allow air to flow out from the inside of the housing 210 to the outside. The air intake ports 234 and the air exhaust ports 235 are a number of small holes formed to penetrate the housing 210.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, a connecting wall 214 is formed on the rear surface of the housing 210 so that the cleaner body 110 can be connected to it. As shown in Fig. 4, a storage space 213 is formed in the lower part of the housing 210 to store the suction nozzle 130 so that the suction nozzle 130 does not interfere with the housing 210 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting wall 214 of the housing 210 is provided with a vertically extending groove portion 215, a contact portion 283 having a pair of ends, a holding portion 297, an air vent 236, and a recovery port 216.

[0035] 5, the recessed groove 215 is formed to be complementary to the front part of the cleaner body 110, and the front part of the cleaner body 110 in an upright position can be fitted into the recessed groove 215. By fitting the front part of the cleaner body 110 into the recessed groove 215, the cleaner body 110 is positioned in the left-right direction relative to the collection device 200.

[0036] 6, contact portion 283 is disposed so as to face electrical contact 171 when vacuum cleaner body 110 is fitted into groove 215, and is configured by a pair of terminals that can protrude into and retract from a not-shown hole formed in connecting wall 214. Contact portion 283 is biased in a direction that causes it to protrude from the hole, and when vacuum cleaner body 110 is fitted into groove 215, contact portion 283 comes into contact with electrical contact 171, electrically connecting contact portion 283 and electrical contact 171. On the other hand, when vacuum cleaner body 110 is not fitted into groove 215, contact portion 283 is electrically insulated from electrical contact 171.

[0037] The holding portion 297 is disposed in a position facing the magnetic plate 173 when the vacuum cleaner body 110 is fitted into the groove portion 215. The holding portion 297 is made of, for example, a magnetic material that can magnetically attract the magnetic plate 173. The vacuum cleaner body 110 is positioned in the up-down and left-right directions relative to the collection device 200 by the magnetic force acting between the holding portion 297 and the magnetic plate 173. This magnetic force serves as a holding force that maintains the connection state of the vacuum cleaner body 110 connected to the collection device 200. When the vacuum cleaner body 110 is fitted into the groove portion 215, the position and posture of the vacuum cleaner 100 relative to the collection device 200 are maintained.

[0038] 4, the ventilation opening 236 is formed opposite the exhaust port 151 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200. The fan chamber 153 communicates with the internal space of the housing 210 through the ventilation opening 236 and the exhaust port 151. In the internal space of the housing 210, Between the recovery chamber 240 and the peripheral wall portion 271 of the housing 210, an intake flow path 246 (arrow in FIG. 4) is formed for causing the recovered airflow from the intake port 234 to flow into the fan chamber 153.

[0039] 3, collection port 216 is formed to face dust discharge port 124 when vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to collection device 200, and a collection airflow can be caused to flow from inside dust storage chamber 152 to dust flow path 230 through dust discharge port 124 and collection port 216. Collection port 216 is formed so as to be able to accommodate lid 121 that has been rotated in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 3 and is in an open position.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, a space is formed within collection chamber 240 for accumulating dust collected from vacuum cleaner 100. A circular communication port is formed in bottom wall 245 of collection chamber 240, connecting the space within collection chamber 240 with dust suction fan 250. As shown in Fig. 5, a dust filter 247 is attached to the communication port, which allows air to pass through while capturing dust contained in the passing air.

[0041] The dust suction fan 250 is configured to suck air from within the collection chamber 240 through the dust filter 247. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200, the suction force of the dust suction fan 250 acts on the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the collection chamber 240 and the dust flow path 230. The dust suction fan 250 is configured to generate a suction force large enough to suck in dust from within the dust storage chamber 152 while tilting the lid 121 from the closed position to the open position. The dust suction fan 250 is configured, for example, by a fan and a motor.

[0042] The air sucked into dust suction fan 250 flows into the space formed between dust suction fan 250 and peripheral wall portion 271, and is exhausted to the outside of housing 210 through exhaust port 235. That is, in vacuum cleaner 100 and collection device 200, a flow path is formed that has air intake port 234 as its upstream end, passes through fan chamber 153, dust storage chamber 152, dust flow path 230, collection chamber 240, and dust suction fan 250, and has exhaust port 235 as its downstream end. A collection airflow, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4, is generated in this flow path by the suction force of dust suction fan 250.

[0043] (Detection circuit configuration) 7, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200, a connection circuit 203 for detecting that the vacuum cleaner body 110 is connected to the collection device 200 is formed by a circuit 201 provided in the vacuum cleaner body 110 and a circuit 202 provided in the collection device 200. The connection circuit 203 will be described in detail below.

[0044] Circuit 202 of collection device 200 is provided with a first current path 284 that electrically connects control unit 260 and contact unit 283, and a connection detection unit 286 that detects the current in first current path 284. Dust collection fan 250 and power cable 262 are electrically connected to control unit 260. Circuit 201 of vacuum cleaner 100 is provided with a second current path 172 that electrically connects charging circuit 170 and electrical contact 171. Battery 117 is electrically connected to charging circuit 170, and suction fan 116 is electrically connected to battery 117.

[0045] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200, the first current path 284 and the second current path 172 are electrically connected by contact between the contact portion 283 and the electrical contact 171, and a connection circuit 203 is formed that connects the control unit 260 and the charging circuit 170. At this time, if the control unit 260 is supplied with power from the power cable 262, a current flows through the first current path 284 and the second current path 172, and the connection detection unit 286 detects the current flowing through the first current path 284. The control unit 260 determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 when the connection detection unit 286 detects the current flowing through the first current path 284. The state of the first current path 284 when the connection detection unit 286 detects the current flowing through the first current path 284 is referred to as the "energized state."

[0046] It should be noted that the collection device 200 does not necessarily need to determine that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 by current detection by the connection detection unit 286. For example, the collection device 200 is provided with a switch for physically detecting that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200. This switch is formed so as to be able to appear and disappear from a hole provided in the recessed groove portion 215, and the control unit 260 can detect that the switch has been pressed by the vacuum cleaner main body 110 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200. In this case, the control unit 260 determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 when the switch is pressed by the vacuum cleaner main body 110.

[0047] In the connection circuit 203, when power is supplied to the control unit 260 from the power cable 262 but the vacuum cleaner 100 is not connected to the collection device 200, no current flows through the first current path 284. This state is called the "non-energized state." When the first current path 284 is in the non-energized state, connecting the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 switches the first current path 284 to the energized state.

[0048] In the connection circuit 203, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 and power is not supplied to the control unit 260 from the power cable 262, no current flows through the first current path 284. This state is referred to as the "energizable state." When the first current path 284 is in the energizable state, the first current path 284 is switched to the energized state by connecting the power cable 262 to an external power source.

[0049] The control unit 260 operates the dust suction fan 250 when the first current path 284 switches from a non-energized state to an energized state. Furthermore, the control unit 260 keeps the dust suction fan 250 stopped when the first current path 284 switches from an energizable state to an energized state. That is, when power is supplied to the control unit 260 from the power cable 262 in the collection device 200, the dust suction fan 250 operates when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 (switching from a non-energized state to an energized state). On the other hand, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 and power supply to the control unit 260 from the power cable 262 starts, the dust suction fan 250 remains stopped (switching from an energizable state to an energized state).

[0050] The recovery device 200 is further configured such that the control unit 260 causes the charging circuit 170 to charge the battery 117 when the first current path 284 is in a conducting state.

[0051] (Explanation of the operation of the vacuum cleaner during cleaning work) During cleaning work, the user holds the vacuum cleaner 100 in a position where the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip part 140 are tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle 130. By tilting the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip part 140 backward relative to the suction nozzle 130, it becomes easier to move the suction nozzle 130 forward while pushing it. In this state, the internal space of the suction tube 113 is in communication with the suction space 131 of the suction nozzle 130.

[0052] When a user operates the operating unit 141 to operate the suction fan 116, the suction fan 116 generates an upward suction force. This suction force causes the check valve 114 to open the upper end of the suction pipe 113. When the upper end of the suction pipe 113 is opened, the suction force of the suction fan 116 generates a suction airflow that sucks in dust through the suction space 131 of the suction nozzle 130. The suction airflow passes through the suction nozzle 130 and the suction pipe 113 and flows into the dust storage chamber 152. Dust on the floor surface is carried by the suction airflow into the dust storage chamber 152 and is captured by the filter unit 115 arranged in the dust storage chamber 152. The dust captured by the filter unit 115 is stored in the dust storage chamber 152.

[0053] When the cleaning work is completed, the user operates the operating unit 141 to stop the suction fan 116. As a result, the suction force of the suction fan 116 disappears, and the check valve 114 closes the upper end of the suction pipe 113. Therefore, the dust captured by the filter unit 115 is stored in the dust storage chamber 152 without falling into the suction pipe 113.

[0054] (Explanation of the operation and control method of the recovery device) 4, in order to collect dust accumulated in the dust storage chamber 152, the user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200. In detail, when the user places the vacuum cleaner 100 on the base plate 220 of the collection device 200, the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the handle 140 assume an upright position. When the vacuum cleaner body 110 in the upright position is fitted into the recessed groove portion 215 of the collection device 200, the cover 121 faces the collection port 216, and the fan chamber 153 of the vacuum cleaner 100 communicates with the intake flow path 246 of the collection device 200 through the exhaust port 151.

[0055] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200, the contact portion 283 is pushed into the inside of the peripheral wall portion 271 by the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the contact portion 283 is immersed in the hole portion of the connection wall 214. In this state, the contact portion 283 comes into contact with the electrical contact 171, so that the first current path 284 is electrically connected to the second current path 172, and a connection circuit 203 is formed. At this time, a current flows in the connection circuit 203 due to power supply to the control unit 260 through the power cable 262. The connection detection unit 286 detects the current flowing in the first current path 284 of the connection circuit 203, and transmits a connection detection signal to the control unit 260 indicating that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200.

[0056] When control unit 260 receives a connection detection signal from connection detection unit 286, it determines how the state of first current path 284 has switched. When control unit 260 determines that first current path 284 has switched from a non-energized state to an energized state, it operates dust suction fan 250 for a predetermined period of time to perform dust collection by collection device 200. On the other hand, when control unit 260 determines that first current path 284 has switched from an energizable state to an energized state, it keeps dust suction fan 250 stopped.

[0057] Here, a control method of the control unit 260 from when the power cable 262 is connected to an external power source until the collection device 200 enters the standby mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] When the power cable 262 is connected to an external power source, power is supplied to the control unit 260 through the power cable 262 (step ST100). This power supply activates the control unit 260 (step ST120). The activated control unit 260 determines the connection state between the vacuum cleaner 100 and the collection device 200 based on the presence or absence of a connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 286 (step ST200).

[0059] When the control unit 260 receives a connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 286, the control unit 260 determines that the first current path 284 has switched from the energizable state to the energized state (step ST220). In this case, the control unit 260 keeps the dust collection fan 250 stopped (step ST240) and supplies power to the charging circuit 170 to charge the battery 117 (step ST260). When the charging of the battery 117 is completed, the control unit 260 switches the collection device 200 to a standby mode (step ST400). The standby mode is a state in which the first current path 284 is in an energized state and charging of the battery 117 is completed. On the other hand, when the control unit 260 does not receive a connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 286, the control unit 260 determines that the first current path 284 is maintained in a non-energized state (step ST300).

[0060] If it is determined that the first current path 284 remains in the non-conductive state, the control unit 260 determines whether or not the vacuum cleaner 100 remains detached from the collection device 200, based on the presence or absence of a connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 286 (step ST320). If the control unit 260 does not receive a connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 286, it determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 remains detached from the collection device 200, and repeats the determination to detect connection (step ST320). On the other hand, if the control unit 260 receives a connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 286, it determines that the first current path 284 has been switched from the non-conductive state to the conductive state (step ST340).

[0061] If it is determined that first current path 284 has been switched from a non-energized state to an energized state, control unit 260 operates dust collection fan 250 (step ST360). Thereafter, control unit 260 charges battery 117 by supplying power to battery 117 through charging circuit 170 (step ST380). When charging of battery 117 is completed, control unit 260 switches collection device 200 to standby mode (step ST400).

[0062] When dust suction fan 250 is activated in step ST360, a suction force is generated in dust suction fan 250. This suction force acts on lid body 121 facing collection port 216 through collection chamber 240 and dust flow path 230. As a result, lid body 121 tilts downward from a closed position in which dust discharge port 124 is closed to an open position in which dust discharge port 124 is opened, as shown in FIG.

[0063] When the cover 121 tilts downward, the dust discharge port 124 is opened, and the dust flow path 230, the dust storage chamber 152, the fan chamber 153, and the intake flow path 246 are connected to one another. As a result, the suction force of the dust suction fan 250 acts on the intake port 234 of the intake flow path 246 through the collection chamber 240, the dust flow path 230, the dust storage chamber 152, the fan chamber 153, and the intake flow path 246. As a result, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4 , outside air flows into the intake flow path 246 through the intake port 234, and a recovered airflow is generated in the intake flow path 246, flowing from the intake port 234 to the vent port 236. This recovered airflow passes through the vent port 236 and the exhaust port 151 in that order, and flows into the fan chamber 153 and the dust storage chamber 152 in that order. When this collected airflow passes through the dust storage chamber 152 , it causes the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 to flow out from the dust discharge port 124 .

[0064] The dust that flows out from the dust discharge port 124 is carried by the collection airflow, passes through the collection port 216 and the dust flow path 230 in that order, and flows into the collection chamber 240. In the collection chamber 240, the dust that has flowed in is captured by the dust filter 247. The dust captured by the dust filter 247 is stored in the collection chamber 240. The collection airflow that has passed through the dust filter 247 is exhausted to the outside of the collection device 200 from the exhaust port 235.

[0065] (Effects, etc.) When using the vacuum cleaner 100 and the collection device 200, the user usually connects the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 with the intention of performing dust collection after completing cleaning work with the vacuum cleaner 100. The collection device 200 is used with the power cable 262 connected to an external power source. In other words, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 with the power cable 262 connected to an external power source, it is highly likely that the user intends to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200. In this case, it is preferable that the dust suction fan 250 is operated to perform dust collection.

[0066] On the other hand, regardless of cleaning work by the vacuum cleaner 100, it is possible that the user connects the power cable 262 to an external power source while the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200. Alternatively, while the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200, the power supply from the external power source may be temporarily stopped due to a power outage or the like, and then the power supply from the external power source may be resumed when the power is restored. In this case, it is highly likely that the user does not intend to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200, and it is therefore preferable that the dust suction fan 250 not operate.

[0067] In collection device 200 configured as described above, when vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to collection device 200 with power being supplied to control unit 260 via power cable 262, dust collection is performed by operating dust suction fan 250. In other words, collection device 200 is configured to collect dust when the user intends to collect dust. On the other hand, when vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to collection device 200 and power supply to control unit 260 begins, dust suction fan 250 remains stopped. In other words, collection device 200 does not collect dust when the user does not intend to collect dust. This prevents dust suction fan 250 from operating unintentionally by the user, thereby preventing noise caused by dust collection.

[0068] Furthermore, in the collection device 200, when the collection device 200 is connected to an external power source, the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200, whereby the battery 117 can be charged. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The recovery device of the above-described embodiment is suitably used in a device used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100 vacuum cleaner 117 Battery 152 Dust storage room 170 Charging circuit 200 Recovery Device 250 dust collection fan 260 Control Unit 262 Power Cable 284 First current path (current path) 286 Connection Detector

Claims

1. A collection device that, when connected to a vacuum cleaner, has a suction fan that generates suction force to suck in dust, a battery that supplies power to the suction fan, and a charging circuit that charges the battery, sucks out dust from a dust storage chamber within the vacuum cleaner and collects the dust, a dust suction fan that generates a suction force to suck out dust from the dust storage chamber; a control unit that operates the dust suction fan; a power cable connectable to an external power source and transmitting power from the external power source to the control unit; a current path for passing a current from the control unit to the charging circuit, The control unit When the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device while power is being supplied to the control unit through the power cable, the dust suction fan is operated; When the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device and power supply to the control unit begins through the power cable, the collection device keeps the dust suction fan stopped and flows current to the charging circuit through the current path.

2. The current path is The vacuum cleaner is in a powered state when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device and power is supplied to the control unit through the power cable, The vacuum cleaner is in a non-energized state when the vacuum cleaner is not connected to the collection device and power is supplied to the control unit through the power cable, The cleaning device is in a power-on state when the cleaning device is connected to the collection device and power is not supplied to the control unit, The control unit When the current path is switched from a non-energized state to an energized state, the dust suction fan is operated. The collection device according to claim 1 , wherein the dust suction fan is maintained in a stopped state when the current path is switched from the energizable state to the energized state.

3. The recovery device according to claim 1 , further comprising a connection detection unit capable of detecting a current flowing through the current path.

4. The vacuum cleaner includes a battery that stores power for operating the vacuum cleaner; a charging circuit for charging the The control unit is supplied with power through the power cable and When the vacuum cleaner and the collecting device are connected, power is supplied to the charging circuit to The recovery device according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery device charges a battery.

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