Electric cleaning device

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric cleaning device that can prevent dust separated in the second centrifugal separation section from becoming stuck. [Solution] The stand 3 includes a stand body 34 that supports the vacuum cleaner 2, a second dust collection unit, a communication air passage 3402 that connects the second dust collection unit and the first dust collection unit 227 of the vacuum cleaner 2 supported by the stand body 34, and a second electric blower that generates suction force to transfer dust from the first dust collection unit 227 to the second dust collection unit via the communication air passage 3402. The vacuum cleaner 2 has an inlet 263 that communicates between the first electric blower 21 and the second centrifugal separation unit 225, allowing air to be introduced while the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported by the stand body 34 of the stand 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vacuum cleaner apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a stand.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, after using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a multi-stage separation type dust collecting device including a centrifugal separation section on the upstream side and a pleated filter on the downstream side, it is mounted on a stand, and the dust collected by the dust collecting device is sucked by an electric blower provided on the stand and transferred to the dust collecting section of the stand. At the same time, an exhaust air of the electric blower provided on the stand is circulated to the centrifugal separation section of the vacuum cleaner to air-wash the centrifugal separation section, and a vacuum cleaner apparatus is known.

[0003] In the case of such a vacuum cleaner apparatus, there is a need to prevent dust from adhering to the pleated filter on the downstream side over time and causing clogging. However, even if the exhaust air of the electric blower is simply circulated through the pleated filter to remove the dust adhering to the pleated filter, the air velocity decreases as it passes through the pleated filter due to the large ventilation resistance of the pleated filter, and there is a risk that the removal of other dust may be insufficient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner apparatus capable of preventing the adhesion of dust separated by a second centrifugal separation section.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electric cleaning device of this embodiment comprises an electric vacuum cleaner and a stand. The electric vacuum cleaner is The main unit has an intake port for sucking in dusty air during cleaning, and from this main unit intake port... A first electric blower that generates suction force to draw in dust-laden air, sucked in It has a first centrifugal separation unit that centrifuges dust from dust-containing air, a second centrifugal separation unit that centrifuges dust from the dust-containing air that has passed through the first centrifugal separation unit, and a first dust collection unit that collects the dust separated in the first centrifugal separation unit and the dust separated in the second centrifugal separation unit. The stand has a support unit that supports the vacuum cleaner, a second dust collection unit, and a connecting air passage that connects the second dust collection unit and the first dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support unit. 、 The vacuum cleaner has a second electric blower that generates suction force between the first electric blower and the second centrifugal separator. Air can be introduced It has an additional entry point. With the vacuum cleaner supported on the stand, the suction force of the second electric blower introduces air into the first centrifugal separator through the main unit's intake port and into the second centrifugal separator through the intake port, thereby transferring dust from the first dust collection unit to the second dust collection unit via the connecting air passage. . [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the vacuum cleaner of one embodiment of an electric cleaning device, with the vacuum cleaner mounted on a stand. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the same electric vacuum cleaner. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the same electric vacuum cleaner mounted on its stand. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the stand for the electric vacuum cleaner shown above. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the same electric cleaning device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] In Figures 3 and 5, 1 represents an electric vacuum cleaner. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an electric vacuum cleaner 2 and a stand 3. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 is configured such that when cleaning, the electric vacuum cleaner 2 is removed from the stand 3 and operated, and when cleaning is finished, the stopped electric vacuum cleaner 2 can be attached to the stand 3 for storage.

[0010] The vacuum cleaner 2 is equipped with a first power supply unit 20, which is the vacuum cleaner's power supply unit, and is driven by power supplied from the first power supply unit 20. The vacuum cleaner 2 is equipped with a first electric blower 21, which is the vacuum cleaner's electric blower, and separates and collects dust in the dust separation and collection unit 22 by the suction operation of the first electric blower 21. The operation of the first electric blower 21 is controlled by a first control means, which is the vacuum cleaner's control means. The vacuum cleaner 2 is also equipped with a gripping part 24 that is held by the user during cleaning operations. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 2 is equipped with an operation switch 25 for setting the operating operation of the vacuum cleaner 2, and the operating operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 is controlled according to the operation of the operation switch 25 by the user.

[0011] The vacuum cleaner 2 is, for example, a handheld or stick-type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 26, to which an attachment, a suction nozzle 27, is connected either directly or via a pipe 28. In the figure, an example is shown where the suction nozzle 27 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 26 via the pipe 28. The vacuum cleaner 2 is detachable from the stand 3, removed from the stand 3 during use, and attached to the stand 3 when cleaning is finished or when storing. In the following description of the vacuum cleaner 2 and the stand 3, their directions will be explained based on the state in which the vacuum cleaner 2 is attached to the stand 3. In the figure, the direction of arrow U is the top, the direction of arrow D is the bottom, the direction of arrow FR is the front, and the direction of arrow RR is the rear. For the left and right directions, the direction of arrow L is the left side and the direction of arrow R is the right side, based on the view from the rear to the front.

[0012] In this embodiment, a cordless electric vacuum cleaner is given as an example, in which the first power supply unit 20 is a DC power supply unit such as a secondary battery or a rechargeable battery, but a cord reel device or the like that which draws power from a commercial power source may also be used. The first power supply unit 20 is located, for example, inside the vacuum cleaner body 26.

[0013] The first electric blower 21 is operational when power is supplied from the first power supply unit 20. The operation of the first electric blower 21 is controlled by the first control means, which controls the power supply from the first power supply unit 20. A microcontroller is preferably used as the first control means. The first control means is operational when power is supplied from the first power supply unit 20. A signal corresponding to the operation of the user from the operation switch 25 is input to the first control means. That is, the operation switch 25 can switch the operation of the first electric blower 21 on and off.

[0014] The first electric blower 21 is built into the vacuum cleaner body 26. The first electric blower 21 is positioned inside the vacuum cleaner body 26 along the vertical direction, for example, with the suction side at the bottom and the discharge side at the top. A filter is positioned on the suction side of the first electric blower 21.

[0015] A dust separation and collection unit 22 is located on the suction side of the first electric blower 21. The dust separation and collection unit 22 shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises a cylindrical outer shell 220 and a structural unit 221 housed inside the outer shell 220. Between the outer shell 220 and the structural unit 221, there is a first centrifugal separation unit 222, which is a centrifugal separation unit that swirls dust-containing air to separate dust particles by centrifugation; a first dust accumulation unit 223, which collects the dust particles separated by centrifugation in the first centrifugal separation unit 222; and a communication unit 224 that communicates with the first centrifugal separation unit 222. Inside the structural unit 221, there is a second centrifugal separation unit 225, which swirls dust-containing air that has passed from the first centrifugal separation unit 222 through the communication unit 224 to separate dust particles by centrifugation; and a second dust accumulation unit 226, which collects the dust particles separated by centrifugation in the second centrifugal separation unit 225. The first dust collection unit 227 is composed of a first dust collection unit 223 and a second dust collection unit 226.

[0016] For example, the outer shell portion 220 is longitudinal in the axial direction and is positioned on the vacuum cleaner body 26 with its longitudinal direction (axial direction) aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner body 26. In the illustrated example, the axial direction of the outer shell portion 220 is vertical.

[0017] The outer shell part 220 has openings at both ends. The upper end part, which is one end part of the outer shell part 220, faces the upstream side, which is the suction side of the first electric blower 21, and has a communication opening 2200 that communicates with the suction side of the first electric blower 21 via a filter. The communication opening 2200 is the exhaust port of the separation and dust collection part 22. In the present embodiment, one end part side of the outer shell part 220 is incorporated into the cleaner main body 26. Also, the lower end part, which is the other end part of the outer shell part 220, is a waste opening 2201 for discharging dust from the first dust collection part 227, and this waste opening 2201 can be opened and closed by an opening and closing lid 228 that is movably attached to the outer shell part 220. The other end part side of the outer shell part 220 forms a part of the outer shell of the cleaner main body 26 and is exposed to the outside. Preferably, at least the other end part side of the outer shell part 220 has translucency and is formed so that the first centrifugal separation part 222 and the first dust accumulation part 223 can be visually observed from the outside.

[0018] And the opening and closing lid 228 is configured to close the waste opening 2201 in a state where dust is collected in the separation and dust collection part 22 using the electric cleaner 2, and to open the waste opening 2201 in a state where the electric cleaner 2 is mounted on the stand 3. Regarding the opening and closing of the opening and closing lid 228, it may be mechanically performed according to the mounting of the electric cleaner 2 on the stand 3, or may be electrically performed using an actuator such as a motor. In the present embodiment, the opening and closing lid 228 is rotatably attached to the outer shell part 220 and can be engaged and disengaged with the outer shell part 220 by a clamp 229 that is a lid holding body. In the present embodiment, the separation and dust collection part 22 is located on the rear side of the cleaner main body 26, the opening and closing lid 228 has a rotation axis at the front part, and the rear part is held by the clamp 229 so as to be engageable and disengageable. Also, the opening and closing lid 228 is biased by a biasing means such as a torsion spring so as to maintain the state of closing the waste opening 2201 even when the holding by the clamp 229 is released.

[0019] In addition, an introduction opening 2202 for introducing the dust-containing air into the separation and dust collection unit 22 is formed in the outer shell portion 220. The introduction opening 2202 is radially opened on the outer surface of the outer shell portion 220. For example, the introduction opening 2202 is located closer to the lower end portion, which is the other end side with respect to the central portion in the axial direction, in the outer shell portion 220. In the present embodiment, the introduction opening 2202 is located on the front side of the separation and dust collection unit 22.

[0020] Then, the internal structure 221 housed inside the outer shell portion 220 divides the inside of the outer shell portion 220 in the axial direction. The structure 221 includes a partition portion 2210 at a position above the introduction opening 2202. Inside the outer shell portion 220, the upper end side, which is one end side with respect to the partition portion 2210, is a space portion where the communication portion 224 and the second centrifugal separation portion 225 are located, and the lower end side, which is the other end side with respect to the partition portion 2210, is a space portion where at least a part of the first centrifugal separation portion 222, the first dust accumulation portion 223, and the second dust accumulation portion 226 are housed. Note that the partition portion 2210 is not limited to being provided in the structure 221. The outer shell portion 220 may be composed of a plurality of portions in the axial direction, and the inside of the outer shell portion 220 may be axially partitioned by integrally forming a partition portion in any of them.

[0021] In addition, the structure 221 has an exhaust cylinder portion 2211 that forms the rotation center of the first centrifugal separation portion 222 below the partition portion 2210. The exhaust cylinder portion 2211 is located at the center of the first centrifugal separation portion 222, and the first centrifugal separation portion 222 is formed outside the exhaust cylinder portion 2211.

[0022] The exhaust pipe section 2211 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The exhaust pipe section 2211 is arranged coaxially (including substantially coaxially) with the outer shell section 220. That is, the central axis CL1 of the exhaust pipe section 2211 coincides with the central axis CL2 of the outer shell section 220. Hereafter, "coincidence" includes not only complete coincidence but also substantially coincidence, coincidence within tolerance or error range, etc. The exhaust pipe section 2211 is arranged along its axial direction in the vertical direction. The cylindrical space between the exhaust pipe section 2211 and the outer shell section 220 is the first centrifugal separator section 222, which is a swirling space where dust-laden air swirls. Therefore, the first centrifugal separator section 222 is partitioned inside the lower end side, which is the other end of the outer shell section 220, and the lower end side, which is the other end of the outer shell section 220, forms the outer shell of the first centrifugal separator section 222. The central axis CL1 of the exhaust pipe section 2211 and the central axis CL2 of the outer shell section 220 form the central axis of the swirling flow of the first centrifugal separation section 222. In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe section 2211 is narrower at the lower end than at the upper end. In the illustrated example, the exhaust pipe section 2211 is formed in a truncated cone or frustoconical shape, with the cross-section gradually narrowing from the upper end to the lower end.

[0023] In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe section 2211 is formed integrally with the partition section 2210 to constitute the first structure 2212. The outer portion of the exhaust pipe section 2211 is positioned opposite the inlet opening 2202. In this embodiment, the range opposite the inlet opening 2202 is within the range between the axial ends of the exhaust pipe section 2211. In the illustrated example, one or more openings 22110 are formed on the outer portion of the exhaust pipe section 2211, connecting the inside and outside of the exhaust pipe section 2211, and the openings 22110 are covered by a filter 22111 which is a mesh portion. However, the exhaust pipe section 2211 may be configured such that at least a portion of its outer portion functions as a filter with a mesh portion, by having a large number of small openings 22110 formed on its outer portion. The openings 22110 may be located on the outer portion of the exhaust pipe section 2211 opposite the inlet opening 2202, or they may be located in positions other than those opposite the inlet opening 2202.

[0024] The opening 22110 is the outlet for dust-laden air in the first centrifugal separation unit 222. The opening 22110 communicates with the communication unit 224 located above the partition unit 2210 via the inside of the exhaust pipe unit 2211. The exhaust pipe unit 2211 and the second centrifugal separation unit 225 are connected by the communication unit 224. Therefore, the first centrifugal separation unit 222 and the suction side of the first electric blower 21 are connected through the filter 22111 that covers the opening 22110.

[0025] Furthermore, the lower end of the exhaust pipe section 2211 is separated upward from the opening / closing lid 228, and the first dust accumulation section 223 is partitioned inside the outer shell section 220 below the exhaust pipe section 2211. Therefore, the first dust accumulation section 223 is in communication with the lower part of the first centrifugal separation section 222, and the other end of the outer shell section 220 forms the outer shell of the first dust accumulation section 223.

[0026] Furthermore, the structural part 221 has a separation cylinder part 2213 above the partition part 2210 that partitions the second centrifugal separation section 225 inside. The inside of the separation cylinder part 2213 is the second centrifugal separation section 225, which is a swirling space where dust-laden air swirls. Therefore, the separation cylinder part 2213 forms the outer shell of the second centrifugal separation section 225.

[0027] The separation cylinder portion 2213 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Multiple separation cylinder portions 2213 are arranged in a circular or arc shape with the central axis CL2 of the outer shell portion 220 as the center (including approximate center). That is, multiple separation cylinder portions 2213 are positioned to surround the central axis CL2 of the outer shell portion 220 in the circumferential direction. Each separation cylinder portion 2213 is arranged along its axial direction in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, each separation cylinder portion 2213 is arranged with its central axis CL3 slightly inclined with respect to the central axis CL2 of the outer shell portion 220. In the illustrated example, the separation cylinder portion 2213 is inclined such that the lower end, which is the other end, is closer to the central axis CL2 than the upper end, which is the other end. In this embodiment, the separation cylinder portion 2213 is formed in a truncated cone or frustoconical shape, with the cross-sectional area gradually decreasing from the upper end, which is the side of the first electric blower 21, to the lower end, which is the other end on the opposite side. In the illustrated example, the separation cylinder portion 2213 has a straight portion 22130 with a constant (or nearly constant) cross-sectional area at its upper end, and the portion connected to the lower end of the straight portion 22130 is a tapered portion 22131 that gradually decreases in diameter towards the lower end. The straight portion 22130 and the tapered portion 22131 are arranged coaxially (or nearly coaxially).

[0028] The separation cylinder portion 2213 has a dust-containing air inlet 22132 formed at one end, the upper end. The dust-containing air inlet 22132 connects the inside and outside of the separation cylinder portion 2213, that is, the communication portion 224 and the second centrifugal separation portion 225, and is an opening that introduces dust-containing air that has passed through the first centrifugal separation portion 222 from the communication portion 224 to the second centrifugal separation portion 225 during centrifugal separation. The dust-containing air inlet 22132 is radially open on the outside of the separation cylinder portion 2213. In this embodiment, the dust-containing air inlet 22132 is formed in the straight portion 22130.

[0029] Furthermore, a cylindrical discharge pipe section 22133 is inserted into the upper end of the separation pipe section 2213. The discharge pipe section 22133 communicates with the communication opening 2200 of the outer shell section 220 and is an outlet for discharging air from the second centrifugal separation section 225 or the separation and dust collection section 22 after dust has been separated by centrifugal separation in the second centrifugal separation section 225. The discharge pipe section 22133 is a straight tube with a constant (including approximately constant) diameter dimension from both ends. The discharge pipe section 22133 is arranged coaxially (including approximately coaxially) with the separation pipe section 2213. That is, the central axis CL3 of the separation pipe section 2213 and the central axis CL4 of the discharge pipe section 22133 coincide. The central axis CL3 of the separation pipe section 2213 and the central axis CL4 of the discharge pipe section 22133 form the central axis of the swirling flow in the second centrifugal separation section 225. In this embodiment, the discharge pipe section 22133 is located within the straight section 22130 of the separation pipe section 2213. The discharge pipe section 22133 is integrally formed with the partition section 2214 in the structural section 221. The partition section 2214 is a member that closes the upper end side of the outer shell section 220. The space outside the separation pipe section 2213 is partitioned as a communication section 224 between the partition sections 2210 and 2214 within the outer shell section 220. The discharge pipe section 22133 is airtightly connected to an opening that penetrates the partition section 2214. The discharge pipe section 22133 and the partition section 2214 constitute a second structure 2215, which forms part of the structural section 221. The second structure 2215 is formed separately from the first structure 2212.

[0030] Furthermore, a dust discharge port 22134 is formed at the lower end, which is the other end of the separation cylinder portion 2213. The dust discharge port 22134 is an opening that connects the inside and outside of the separation cylinder portion 2213, that is, the second centrifugal separation section 225 and the second dust accumulation section 226, and discharges the dust separated in the second centrifugal separation section 225 to the second dust accumulation section 226. The dust discharge port 22134 is axially open at the lower end of the separation cylinder portion 2213. In this embodiment, the dust discharge port 22134 is formed at the lower end of the reduction section 22131. In the illustrated example, the central axis CL3 of the separation cylinder portion 2213 and the central axis CL4 of the discharge cylinder portion 22133 pass through the center of the dust discharge port 22134. That is, the central axis CL3 of the separation cylinder portion 2213, the central axis CL4 of the discharge cylinder portion 22133, and the center of the dust discharge port 22134 are arranged coaxially.

[0031] Furthermore, the structural part 221 has a collection cylinder part 2216 at the lower part of the separation cylinder part 2213. In this embodiment, the collection cylinder part 2216 is formed integrally with the separation cylinder part 2213 and constitutes a third structure 2217 that forms part of the structural part 221. The third structure 2217 is formed separately from the first structure 2212 and the second structure 2215.

[0032] The accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is connected to the lower end of the separation cylinder portion 2213. The accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is arranged coaxially (including substantially coaxially) with the outer shell portion 220. That is, the central axis CL5 of the accumulation cylinder portion 2216 coincides with the central axis CL2 of the outer shell portion 220. The accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is arranged along its axial direction in the vertical direction. One end of the accumulation cylinder portion 2216, the upper end, is in communication with each separation cylinder portion 2213. The accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is also inserted into the interior of the exhaust cylinder portion 2211. The space portion 2218 between the accumulation cylinder portion 2216 and the exhaust cylinder portion 2211 is in communication with the communication portion 224. Furthermore, the lower end of the accumulation cylinder 2216 extends to the lower end of the separation and dust collection unit 22 and is in contact with the opening / closing lid 228 when the waste opening 2201 is closed. The space inside the accumulation cylinder 2216 that is closed off by the opening / closing lid 228 forms the second dust accumulation unit 226. Therefore, the accumulation cylinder 2216 and the second dust accumulation unit 226 are located inside the first centrifugal separation unit 222 and the first dust accumulation unit 223, in the central part of them in this embodiment. The lower end of the accumulation cylinder 2216 forms part of the waste opening 2201 and is an opening for disposing of the dust accumulated in the second dust accumulation unit 226. Therefore, in the waste opening 2201, the annular band-shaped portion between the outer shell portion 220 and the accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is the first waste opening 22010 for disposing of dust accumulated in the first dust accumulation portion 223, and the circular portion inside the first waste opening 22010 and surrounded by the accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is the second waste opening 22011 for disposing of dust accumulated in the second dust accumulation portion 226. In this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the first waste opening 22010 is formed to be larger than the opening area of ​​the second waste opening 22011.

[0033] The accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is narrower at the lower end than at the upper end. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the accumulation cylinder portion 2216 gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end. The dust discharge ports 22134 of each separation cylinder portion 2213 are located within the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper end of the accumulation cylinder portion 2216.

[0034] The collection cylinder section 2216 has a first section 22160 into which dust discharged from the dust outlet 22134 is introduced, and a second section 22161 that collects the dust introduced into the first section 22160.

[0035] The first part 22160 forms the upper end of the collection cylinder 2216 and is connected to the separation cylinder 2213. The first part 22160 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a larger cross-sectional area than the second part 22161. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first part 22160 gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end. The upper end of the first part 22160 is located above the partition 2210, and the lower end of the first part 22160 is located below the partition 2210 and inside the exhaust cylinder 2211.

[0036] Preferably, the first portion 22160 has guide surfaces 221600 formed for each separation cylinder portion 2213. That is, the guide surfaces 221600 are arranged to surround the central axis CL5 of the first portion 22160 or the accumulation cylinder portion 2216 in the circumferential direction. Each guide surface 221600 is located at a position that intersects with the axis of the corresponding separation cylinder portion 2213. A portion of each guide surface 221600 is located on the extension of the axis of each separation cylinder portion 2213. For example, each guide surface 221600 is formed in the shape of a semi-cylindrical surface that is concave downwards. In this embodiment, each guide surface 221600 has a central axis along the tapering slope of the outer surface of the first portion 22160 from the upper end to the lower end. The slope of the outer surface of the first portion 22160 is greater than the slope of the outer surface of the second portion 22161.

[0037] The second part 22161, which communicates with the first part 22160, extends from a position near the upper end of the accumulation cylinder part 2216 to its lower end. The second part 22161 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is longer in the axial direction than the first part 22160. The second part 22161 is formed in a truncated cone or frustoconical shape, with the cross-sectional area gradually decreasing from the upper end to the lower end. The upper end of the second part 22161 is located inside the exhaust cylinder part 2211, and the lower end of the second part 22161 protrudes downward from the exhaust cylinder part 2211 and is located inside the outer shell part 220. A part of the outer surface of the second part 22161 faces the inner surface of the exhaust cylinder part 2211 via a space 2218, and at least the part of the outer surface of the second part 22161 that faces the inner surface of the exhaust cylinder part 2211 is parallel to this inner surface. In the following, "parallel" includes not only perfectly parallel lines, but also lines that are substantially parallel, lines that are parallel within tolerances or error limits, and other lines that are approximately parallel.

[0038] The vacuum cleaner body 26, which includes the separation and dust collection unit 22, is formed in an elongated shape. The vacuum cleaner body 26 has a main suction port 260 that communicates with the suction side of the first electric blower 21 via the separation and dust collection unit 22, and a main exhaust port 261 for exhaust that communicates with the exhaust side of the first electric blower 21.

[0039] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner body 26 has an air passage 262 formed inside, which extends from the main body suction port 260 to the introduction opening 2202 of the separation and dust collection unit 22. In this embodiment, the air passage 262 is bent on the downstream side, so as to smoothly introduce dust-containing air radially into the outer shell portion 220 of the separation and dust collection unit 22.

[0040] Furthermore, an inlet 263 is formed in the vacuum cleaner body 26. The inlet 263 opens to the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 26 and is an opening for taking in air for cleaning the separation dust collection unit 22 from the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 26. The inlet 263 is a small opening and is formed in the shape of a slit or the like. The inlet 263 connects the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 26 to a communication space 264 formed inside the vacuum cleaner body 26. The communication space 264 is located between the suction side of the first electric blower 21 and the separation dust collection unit 22. The communication space 264 is airtightly connected to the communication opening 2200 of the separation dust collection unit 22, that is, the exhaust side of the second centrifugal separation unit 225, and is also airtightly connected to the suction side of the first electric blower 21 via a filter. Therefore, the inlet 263 communicates with the suction side of the first electric blower 21 and the first centrifugal separator 222 and the second centrifugal separator 225, and fluidly, the second centrifugal separator 225 is located between the first centrifugal separator 222 and the inlet 263.

[0041] The communication space 264 communicates with the inlet 263 via the ventilation passage 265. The ventilation passage 265 is formed in a straight line. The ventilation passage 265 has a relatively small cross-sectional area and is elongated, extending from the inlet 263 to the communication space 264.

[0042] Furthermore, the inlet 263 can be opened and closed by the cover 266. The cover 266 closes the inlet 263 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is used to collect dust in the dust separation and collection unit 22, and is configured to open the inlet 263, with at least one condition being that the vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted on the stand 3. Note that "at least one condition" means that there may be one or more other conditions in addition to that condition, or there may be no such additional conditions. In other words, in this embodiment, in addition to the vacuum cleaner 2 being mounted on the stand 3, there may be further conditions for opening the inlet 263.

[0043] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the lid 266 is performed mechanically in accordance with the mounting of the vacuum cleaner 2 to the stand 3. For example, the lid 266 is rotatably mounted to the vacuum cleaner body 26 and is biased in the direction of closing the inlet 263 by a biasing means such as a spring, and is configured to open the inlet 263 by being pressed against by the lid actuation part 267, thereby acting against the bias. The lid actuation part 267 is positioned on the vacuum cleaner body 26 opposite to or in contact with the lid 266. The lid actuation part 267 is movable and, for example, is slidably arranged along the outer part of the outer shell 220 of the separation dust collection unit 22, and slides when the vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted to the stand 3, pressing against and rotating the lid 266. In this embodiment, the lid actuation part 267 is slidable in the vertical direction. However, the opening and closing of the lid 266 may also be performed electrically using an actuator such as an electric motor.

[0044] The suction port body 27, which sucks dust into the separate dust collection section 22 of the vacuum cleaner body 26, is also called a suction tool, floor brush, or suction head. The suction port body 27 has a case body 270 which is the suction port body part, and a connecting pipe 271 for connecting the suction port body 27 to the suction side of the first electric blower 21.

[0045] The case body 270 has an intake port 272 formed at its lower part. The intake port 272 is for drawing dust into the separation and dust collection unit 22 using the airflow generated by the first electric blower 21. In other words, a cleaning air passage is formed from the intake port 272 through the air passage 262 to the separation and dust collection unit 22 for drawing in dust during cleaning. The intake port 272 is in communication with the connecting pipe 271, and the suction force of the first electric blower 21 acts directly on this part via the connecting pipe 271.

[0046] Furthermore, a rotating cleaning body 274 is positioned in the suction port body 27. The rotating cleaning body 274 removes dust and debris from the floor surface and other areas to be cleaned by rotating during cleaning. The rotating cleaning body 274 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and cleaning members are arranged on its outer circumference. The rotating cleaning body 274 is rotationally driven by an electric motor for the cleaning body. The electric motor for the cleaning body is operable by power supplied from the first power supply unit 20. The operation of the electric motor for the cleaning body is controlled by the power supply from the first power supply unit 20 controlled by the first control means. In this embodiment, the operation of the electric motor for the cleaning body can be turned on and off, and / or the operating speed of the electric motor for the cleaning body, that is, the rotation speed of the rotating cleaning body 274, can be switched on and off by the operation switch 25. Preferably, the electric motor for the cleaning unit is turned on and off in conjunction with the on / off of the first electric blower 21 in response to the operation of the operation switch 25 during cleaning. However, if the first electric blower 21 is operating, it may be possible to switch the electric motor on and off independently of the first electric blower 21 using the operation switch 25.

[0047] The connecting pipe 271, which is connected to the rear of the case body 270, is also called a rotating pipe, and is rotatably connected to the case body 270. The connecting pipe 271 is located at the rear of the case body 270. The connecting pipe 271 can be selectively attached to or detached from the pipe body 28 or from the main suction port 260 of the vacuum cleaner body 26.

[0048] The pipe body 28 in this embodiment is an extension pipe formed in a straight tubular shape from a rigid material, such as synthetic resin. Preferably, the pipe body 28 is detachable from the connecting pipe 271 of the vacuum cleaner body 26 and the suction port body 27, allowing the electric vacuum cleaner 2 to be used selectively in one of the following states: without the pipe body 28 and the suction port body 27; in a handheld state where the connecting pipe 271 of the suction port body 27 is directly connected to the main suction port 260 of the vacuum cleaner body 26; or in a stick state where the connecting pipe 271 of the suction port body 27 is connected to the pipe body 28 and the pipe body 28 is connected to the main suction port 260 of the vacuum cleaner body 26. Furthermore, the pipe body 28 is not limited to a straight tubular shape, and depending on the form of the electric vacuum cleaner 2, it may have a flexible part such as a hose.

[0049] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes a first body detection means, which is a vacuum cleaner-side body detection means for detecting the mounting of the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the vacuum cleaner 2 onto the stand 3. The first body detection means is a stand detection means for detecting the stand 3 on which the vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted. The first body detection means may be a contact type, a non-contact type sensor using infrared or magnetic fields, a mechanical switch, or a marker reader. The detection result from the first body detection means is input to the first control means.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the stand 3 on which the vacuum cleaner 2 is attached and detached when not cleaning is also called a support stand or base. When the first power supply unit 20 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is a secondary battery, it is preferable that the stand 3 functions as a charging base. In this embodiment, the stand 3 is used as a dust collection device that transfers the dust collected in the separation dust collection unit 22 of the vacuum cleaner 2, and is installed at an installation location such as the floor. In this embodiment, the stand 3 is described in a manner in which the vacuum cleaner 2 is attached in a stick state, but it may also be used in a manner in which the vacuum cleaner 2 is attached in a handheld state and the tube 28 is attached separately.

[0051] In this embodiment, the stand 3 is equipped with a second power supply unit, which is a stand-side power supply unit, and is driven by power supplied from the second power supply unit. In this embodiment, the second power supply unit has a power plug and a power cord for taking power from an external power source such as a commercial power supply, and converts the power supplied from the external power source via the power plug and supplies it to each part. If the stand 3 is equipped with a charging stand function for charging the first power supply unit 20 of the vacuum cleaner 2, it may be configured to supply charging power from the second power supply unit to charge the first power supply unit 20. The charging circuit for the first power supply unit 20 may be located in the vacuum cleaner 2 or in the stand 3. The charging circuit is configured to charge the first power supply unit 20 at least when the vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted on the stand 3, that is, when the mounting of the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the vacuum cleaner 2 to the stand 3 is detected by the main body detection means.

[0052] The stand 3 is equipped with a second electric blower 31, which is a stand-side electric blower that functions as an electric blower. The second electric blower 31 is operated by power supplied from a second power supply unit. The operation of the second electric blower 31 is controlled by a second control means that controls the power supply from the second power supply unit. Preferably, the second electric blower 31 has a higher power consumption or power than the first electric blower 21. A microcontroller is preferably used as the second control means. The second control means is operable by power supplied from the second power supply unit. Preferably, the second control means can communicate with the first control means by wire or wireless connection, at least when the vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted on the stand 3.

[0053] The suction operation of the second electric blower 31 transfers at least the dust from the first dust collection section 227 of the vacuum cleaner 2's separation dust collection section 22 to the second dust collection section 33, which is the dust collection section on the stand side. In this embodiment, the suction operation of the second electric blower 31 also transfers dust removed from the rotating cleaning body 274 in addition to the dust from the first dust collection section 227 to the second dust collection section 33. In this embodiment, the dust separation method of the second dust collection section 33 may be arbitrary, but in the illustrated example, a filter or dust collection bag is used to filter and collect dust from dust-containing air. Preferably, the second dust collection section 33 has a larger dust accumulation capacity than the first dust collection section 227.

[0054] The second power supply unit, the second electric blower 31, the second dust collection unit 33, and the second control means are arranged on the main stand unit 34. The main stand unit 34 is a support unit that supports the vacuum cleaner 2 mounted on the stand unit 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the main body of the stand 34 has a support column 340. The support column 340 is formed longitudinally in the vertical direction. A main body support portion 3400 for supporting the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 is formed at the upper end of the support column 340. The vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted on the main body support portion 3400 from above. In addition, a pipe support portion 3401 for supporting the pipe body 28 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 is formed at the front of the support column 340. The pipe support portion 3401 is located below and separated from the main body support portion 3400. A communication air passage 3402 communicating with the second dust collection section 33 is formed inside the support column 340. Furthermore, a connection port 3403, which serves as the entrance to the communication air passage 3402, is opened to the main body support portion 3400 in the support column 340. A communication air passage 3402 is connected via a connection port 3403 to communicate with the waste opening 2201, i.e., the first dust collection unit 227, of the separation dust collection unit 22 of the vacuum cleaner 2 mounted on the stand 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a clamp operating unit 3404 for operating a clamp 229 that holds the opening / closing lid 228 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is arranged inside the connection port 3403. With the vacuum cleaner 2 mounted on the stand 3 and the vacuum cleaner body 26 supported by the body support unit 3400, the clamp operating unit 3404 contacts the clamp 229 and operates the clamp 229, thereby releasing the clamp 229 from holding the opening / closing lid 228. The opening / closing lid 228 then operates against the biasing of the biasing means by the suction force of the second electric blower 31, opening the waste opening 2201.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the main body of the stand 34 has a base portion 341. The base portion 341 is placed on the mounting position and supports the support column portion 340 relative to the mounting position. The support column portion 340 is positioned protruding from the upper part of the base portion 341. The second electric blower 31, the second dust collection unit 33, and the second control means are arranged inside the base portion 341. The second dust collection unit 33 is detachable from the base portion 341. In the illustrated example, the base portion 341 is formed to be larger in the front-rear, left-right, and right directions relative to the support column portion 340. The base portion 341 has a stand exhaust port 3410 for discharging exhaust air from the second electric blower 31. The stand exhaust port 3410 is located, for example, on the side of the base portion 341. A power cord is also led out from the base portion 341, and a power plug is connected to the end of the power cord.

[0057] Furthermore, the main body of the stand 34 has an opposing portion 342. The opposing portion 342 protrudes forward from the lower part of the base portion 341. The opposing portion 342 is positioned to face the suction port 27 of the vacuum cleaner 2 mounted on the stand 3 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the opposing portion 342 is a mounting portion on which the lower part of the suction port 27 is placed. In the illustrated example, the upper part of the opposing portion 342 is an inclined portion that slopes downward toward the front.

[0058] A removal means 35 is positioned on the opposing portion 342. The removal means 35 cuts and removes dust that has become entangled with the cleaning member of the rotating cleaning body 274 of the suction port body 27 of the vacuum cleaner 2 mounted on the stand 3. The removal means 35 can have any configuration as long as it can cut the dust attached to the rotating cleaning body 274, but in this embodiment, an example is given of a cutter means having a blade that is positioned opposite the lower part of the suction port body 27 of the vacuum cleaner 2 mounted on the stand 3 and cuts and removes dust that has become attached to or entangled with the cleaning member of the rotating cleaning body 274 of the suction port body 27. The removal means 35 is positioned longitudinally in the left-right direction so as to coincide with the longitudinal direction of the rotating cleaning body 274. Furthermore, the removal means 35 can come into close proximity to or slightly contact with the cleaning member of the rotating cleaning body 274 of the suction port body 27 of the vacuum cleaner 2 that is facing the opposing portion 342.

[0059] The removal means 35 is a dynamic system having a fixed blade and a movable blade as its cutting edge, and in this embodiment, the movable blade is driven by a removal means electric motor 36. The removal means electric motor 36 is operable by power supplied from the second power supply unit. The removal means 35 cuts dust into smaller diameter pieces by, for example, the removal means electric motor 36 causing the movable blade to reciprocate in small increments from side to side relative to the fixed blade. The removal means electric motor 36 is used which has lower power consumption or power than the second electric blower 31. The operation of the removal means electric motor 36 is controlled, for example, by a second control means.

[0060] Preferably, the base 3 is equipped with a detection means 37 for detecting the suction port body 27 facing the opposing part 342. The detection means 37 may be a contact type sensor, a non-contact type sensor using infrared or magnetic fields, or it may use marker reading or the like.

[0061] Furthermore, preferably, the stand 3 includes a second body detection means 38, which is a body detection means on the stand side for detecting the attachment of the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 to the stand 3. The second body detection means 38 is a vacuum cleaner detection means or dust collection unit detection means for detecting the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2, or in this embodiment, the dust collection unit 22, attached to the stand 3. The second body detection means 38 may be a contact type sensor, a non-contact type sensor using infrared or magnetic fields, or it may use marker reading or the like. The detection result from the second body detection means 38 is input to the second control means.

[0062] The second main body detection means 38 can be positioned at any location as long as it can detect the attachment of the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 to the stand 3, but in this embodiment, it is positioned on the support column 340 of the stand 3. In the illustrated example, the second main body detection means 38 is positioned on the holding portion 3405 that protrudes upward from the main body support portion 3400 of the support column 340.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the holding portion 3405 protrudes upward from the rear of the main body support portion 3400. The front of the holding portion 3405 lies on the upward extension plane of the edge of the connection port 3403. In this embodiment, the holding portion 3405 is located at the very top of the base 3.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding portion 3405 has the function of an inlet opening portion that opens the inlet 263 formed in the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is attached to the stand 3. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the inlet 263 is configured to be done by mechanically operating the lid 266, so the holding portion 3405 is configured to open the lid 266 by sliding its upper end in contact with the lid operating portion 267 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is attached to the stand 3 from above, thereby relatively pushing up the lid operating portion 267. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and if the lid 266 is operated electrically, for example, the lid 266 may be opened and operated using detection by the detection means 37 and / or the second main body detection means 38.

[0065] Next, the operation of one embodiment will be described.

[0066] Regarding stand 3, place it in a location that does not obstruct the room, connect the power plug to a wall outlet, and ensure that it is powered from an external power source.

[0067] When cleaning, the user removes the vacuum cleaner 2 from the stand 3. For example, when the user removes the vacuum cleaner 2 from the stand 3 by grasping the gripping part 24, the opening / closing lid 228 is held in place by the clamp 229 with the waste opening 2201 closed. For the inlet 263, for example, the lid 266 closes the inlet 263 by the biasing of the biasing means. Then, when the user sets the operation of the first electric blower 21 by operating the operation switch 25, the first control means controls the power supplied from the first power supply unit 20 to the first electric blower 21 according to the setting, and operates the first electric blower 21. In the case where the suction port body 27 is used, the first control means controls the power supplied from the first power supply unit 20 to the electric motor for the cleaning body, and rotates the rotating cleaning body 274. The user places the suction port body 27 on the area to be cleaned and moves the entire vacuum cleaner 2 back and forth using the gripping part 24. The rotation of the rotating cleaning body 274 scrapes dust from the area to be cleaned, and the airflow generated by the operation of the first electric blower 21 sucks the dust along with the air through the suction port 272 of the suction port body 27 into the cleaning air passage.

[0068] The inhaled dust-laden air is introduced from the main unit intake port 260 through the air passage 262 to the separation and dust collection section 22. As shown in Figure 2, in the separation and dust collection section 22, the dust-laden air is first introduced from the introduction opening 2202 along the inner surface of the outer shell 220 to the first centrifugal separation section 222 inside the outer shell 220. In the first centrifugal separation section 222, the dust-laden air swirls within the outer shell 220 around the exhaust pipe section 2211, thereby imparting centrifugal force to the dust particles in the dust-laden air. This centrifugal force causes the dust particles to fall along the inner surface of the outer shell 220 by their own weight, separating them from the dust-laden air and accumulating in the first dust accumulation section 223. In this first centrifugal separation section 222, the radius of rotation of the swirling flow is relatively large, resulting in a large centrifugal force, and mainly coarse dust particles, which are relatively large dust particles in the dust-laden air, are separated. Coarse dust refers to fibrous dust such as lint, hair, and cotton dust, as well as dust with a large mass, such as sand grains.

[0069] The dust-laden air that has swirled through the first centrifugal separator 222 is drawn into the communication section 224 through the opening 22110 of the exhaust pipe section 2211 and through the space section 2218. At this time, a portion of the dust in the dust-laden air is filtered and collected by the filter 22111 that covers the opening 22110.

[0070] Next, the dust-containing air is introduced from the communication section 224 through each dust-containing air inlet 22132 to the second centrifugal separation section 225 along the inner surface of each separation cylinder section 2213. By swirling within each separation cylinder section 2213, centrifugal force is applied to the dust in the dust-containing air, and the dust, subjected to this centrifugal force, falls by its own weight along the inner surface of the separation cylinder section 2213, separating it from the dust-containing air and falling to the dust outlet 22134. In the second centrifugal separation section 225, because the radius of rotation of the swirling flow is smaller than that of the first centrifugal separation section 222, fine dust, which is small dust that was not separated in the first centrifugal separation section 222, is separated from the dust-containing air. Fine dust refers to dust that is mainly particulate or powdery and has a small mass. Fine dust falls from the dust discharge port 22134 into the collection cylinder section 2216, is caught by the guide surface 221600 of the first section 22160 of the collection cylinder section 2216, is guided downward along the guide surface 221600, and is accumulated in the second dust collection section 226 inside the second section 22161 which is connected to the lower part of the first section 22160.

[0071] The clean air from which dust has been separated in the second centrifugal separation unit 225 is discharged from the discharge cylinder 22133 through the communication opening 2200 to the communication space 264 outside the separation and dust collection unit 22, and from the communication space 264 through the filter to the first electric blower 21, where it cools the first electric blower 21 and is discharged outside the vacuum cleaner body 26 through the main body exhaust port 261.

[0072] When cleaning with the electric vacuum cleaner 2 is finished, the user stops the first electric blower 21 and the electric motor for the cleaning body by operating the operation switch 25, and then mounts the electric vacuum cleaner 2 onto the stand 3. For example, in this embodiment, the electric vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted onto the stand 3 as shown in Figures 1 and 3 by placing the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 on the body support portion 3400 of the support column portion 340 of the stand 3 from the front and above.

[0073] During this mounting process, the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 is supported by the body support portion 3400 of the support column portion 340 of the stand body portion 34, causing the clamp 229 of the separate dust collection portion 22 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2 to come into contact with the clamp operating portion 3404 and operate, releasing the hold of the opening / closing lid 228.

[0074] Furthermore, in the vacuum cleaner body 26 of the electric vacuum cleaner 2, the upper end of the holding part 3405 located at the upper end of the support column 340 of the stand body 34 abuts against the lower part of the lid operating part 267. As the vacuum cleaner body 26 lowers to a predetermined mounting position, the lid operating part 267 is pushed upward relative to it by the holding part 3405 and slides. The lid operating part 267 presses against the lid 266 against the biasing force, causing the lid 266 to rotate and the inlet 263 to open. In addition, the pipe body 28 of the electric blower 2 is supported by the pipe support part 3401 of the support column 340 of the stand body 34.

[0075] Furthermore, the removal means 35 approaches or comes into contact with the cleaning member located at the bottom of the rotating cleaning body 274.

[0076] Then, on the stand 3, the second main unit detection means 38 detects the vacuum cleaner body 26, and the detection means 37 detects the suction port body 27. Based on at least one of these conditions, the second control means permits the operation of the second electric blower 31 and the electric motor 36 for the removal means. Also, for example, in the electric vacuum cleaner 2, the first main unit detection means detects the stand 3, and based on at least one of these conditions, the first control means permits the operation of the electric motor for the cleaning body.

[0077] Furthermore, "as at least one of the conditions" means that there may be one or more other conditions in addition to that condition, or there may be no such additional conditions. For example, possible additional conditions may be arbitrarily set, such as a predetermined time having elapsed since detection by the detection means 37 / and / the main unit detection means, a predetermined operation being performed by the user such as operating a predetermined switch, or the start time of operation set by the user, etc., and furthermore, conditions may be a combination of any or more of these conditions.

[0078] Then, when the removal motor 36 and the second electric blower 31 start operating, the removal means 35 is driven as the rotating cleaning body 274 rotates at high speed due to the operation of the removal motor 36. The thread-like dust and other debris wrapped around the rotating cleaning body 274 are lifted off the cleaning member of the rotating cleaning body 274 by the centrifugal force of the rotation of the rotating cleaning body 274 and cut over the entire rotating cleaning body 274 by the removal means 35. In addition, as the cleaning member flexes backward due to the rotation, the removal means 35 does not directly contact the cleaning member or the rotating cleaning body 274, thus preventing damage to the cleaning member or the rotating cleaning body 274 by the removal means 35.

[0079] Furthermore, the operation of the second electric blower 31 opens the waste opening 2201 so that the opening / closing lid 228 rotates against the biasing force into the connection port 3403, and the waste opening 2201 is airtightly connected to the connection port 3403 of the stand 3, and the first dust collection unit 227 communicates with the second dust collection unit 33 via the connecting air passage 3402. Therefore, the suction port of the suction port body 27 also communicates with the second dust collection unit 33 via the cleaning air passage, the first dust collection unit 227 and the connecting air passage 3402, and negative pressure acts inside the first dust collection unit 227 of the separation dust collection unit 22, i.e., the outer shell 220, via the second dust collection unit 33 and the connecting air passage 3402. Therefore, negative pressure acts on the open inlet 263 through the second waste opening 22011 located inside the outer shell 220, via the collection cylinder 2216, each separation cylinder 2213, the communication space 264, and the ventilation passage 265, and air is introduced through the inlet 263. In other words, the negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 31 causes air introduced from the inlet 263 through the ventilation passage 265 into the communication space 264, which is then introduced from each discharge cylinder 22133 into each separation cylinder 2213, blowing away the fine dust adhering to the inner surface of each separation cylinder 2213 towards the dust discharge port 22134, and further blowing away the fine dust adhering to the inner surface of the collection cylinder 2216, and in this embodiment, to each guide surface 221600, and the fine dust adhering to the inner surface of the collection cylinder 2216, so that it flows from the second waste opening 22011 at the lower end of the collection cylinder 2216 into the communication air passage 3402. As a result, the second centrifugal separation unit 225 and the second dust collection unit 226 are air-cleaned by the air introduced from the inlet 263.

[0080] Furthermore, the negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 31 also creates a path that acts from the first waste opening 22010 to the exhaust pipe section 22133 via the opening 22110 of the exhaust pipe section 2211, the space section 2218, the connecting section 224, the dust-containing air inlet 22132, and the separation pipe section 2213. As a result, a portion of the air introduced from the inlet 263 through the ventilation passage 265 to the connecting space section 264 branches off from the exhaust pipe section 22133 and is introduced from the dust-containing air inlet 22132 through the connecting section 224 to the space section 2218. Consequently, the space section 2218 inside the exhaust pipe section 2211 becomes positive pressure relative to the outer shell section 220 outside the exhaust pipe section 2211, causing air to be ejected from the opening 22110 into the outer shell section 220 and backwashing the filter 22111.

[0081] Then, the dust that has been cut and removed from the rotating cleaning body 274 by the removal means 35 is carried to the separation and dust collection unit 22 by the suction airflow that is sucked from the intake port 272 into the cleaning air passage by the airflow generated by the negative pressure created by the operation of the second electric blower 31, and is transported to the second dust collection unit 33 via the connecting air passage 3402, along with the dust inside the separation and dust collection unit 22 that is blown away by the air introduced from the inlet port 263, including the coarse dust from the first dust accumulation unit 223 and the fine dust from the second dust accumulation unit 226, in the first dust collection unit 227 of the separation and dust collection unit 22, and is collected in the second dust collection unit 33.

[0082] The second control means may, for example, operate the second electric blower 31 for a preset time, or operate the second electric blower 31 until predetermined conditions related to dust transfer are met, such as detecting that a predetermined amount of dust has been transferred from inside the first dust collection unit 22. The operating time of the second electric blower 31 may be a fixed time or a time arbitrarily set by the user. For example, it is also possible to perform a process such as forcibly stopping the operation of the second electric blower 31 when the user performs a predetermined operation such as operating a switch.

[0083] The second dust collection unit 33, to which the dust has been transferred, can be removed from the stand 3 as needed, and the dust collected inside, or the dust collection bag used as the second dust collection unit 33, can be disposed of.

[0084] Thus, according to this embodiment, by allowing air to be introduced from the inlet 263 communicating between the first electric blower 21 and the second centrifugal separator 225 while the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported on the main body 34 of the stand 3, when the second electric blower 31 is operated while the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported on the main body 34 of the stand 3, negative pressure is applied, and the clean air introduced from the inlet 263 can clean the inside of the separation cylinder 2213 and the accumulation cylinder 2216 that constitute the second centrifugal separator 225 and the second dust accumulation unit 226. Therefore, the adhesion of dust, i.e., fine dust, separated in the second centrifugal separator 225 can be prevented, and the causes of malfunctions such as clogging due to fine dust accumulating in the separation cylinder 2213 and the accumulation cylinder 2216, and the resulting decrease in suction power, can be automatically reduced without the user having to perform separate maintenance, thereby extending the lifespan of the vacuum cleaner 2 and suppressing the generation of odors, making it hygienic.

[0085] In particular, because the separation cylinder section 2213 and the accumulation cylinder section 2216 have complex and narrow shapes, it is difficult to remove fine dust directly or by washing with water, and they are also difficult to dry after washing with water. However, by performing air washing, problems such as fine dust adhering to the separation cylinder section 2213 and the accumulation cylinder section 2216 and becoming impossible to remove even after washing with water, which can occur if the equipment is used while the equipment is not sufficiently dry, are prevented.

[0086] Furthermore, since the separation cylinder section 2213 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area from one end on the first electric blower 21 side to the other end on the opposite side, and the central axis CL3 of the separation cylinder section 2213, the central axis CL4 of the discharge cylinder section 22133, and the center of the dust discharge port 22134 are arranged coaxially, the air introduced from the inlet 263 through the discharge cylinder section 22133 to one end of the separation cylinder section 2213 flows towards the dust discharge port 22134 in a laminar flow manner without losing air velocity, and with the flow velocity increasing downstream, fine dust adhering to the inner surface of the separation cylinder section 2213 can be efficiently blown away and removed.

[0087] Furthermore, the collection cylinder section 2216 comprises a first section 22160 into which dust discharged from the dust outlet 22134 is introduced, and a second section 22161 that stores the dust introduced into the first section 22160. The first section 22160 has a guide surface 221600 that guides the dust to the second section 22161, and the axis of the separation cylinder section 2213 and the guide surface 221600 intersect at a position, so that during cleaning, the second centrifugal separation section 225 Even if the separated fine dust is discharged from the dust outlet 22134 and temporarily accumulates on the guide surface 221600, when the dust is transferred to the second dust collection section 33 of the stand 3, the air from the inlet 263 that has flowed laminarly through the separation cylinder section 2213 pushes away the fine dust accumulated on the guide surface 221600, moves it to the second dust accumulation section 226 inside the second section 22161, and cleans the inside of the first section 22160.

[0088] Because the accumulation cylinder portion 2216 is narrower on the opposite end than on the end facing the dust discharge port 22134, fine dust adhering to the inner surface can be transferred to the second portion 22161 with less resistance inside the accumulation cylinder portion 2216.

[0089] In the above embodiment, with the vacuum cleaner 2 mounted on the stand 3, the exhaust side of the second electric blower 31 may be connected to the inlet 263, so that the exhaust from the second electric blower 31 is introduced into the communication space 264.

[0090] Furthermore, in the accumulation cylinder portion 2216, the first portion 22160 having a guide surface 221600 is not an essential component.

[0091] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these embodiments. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1. Electric cleaning device 2. Electric vacuum cleaner 3. Stand 21 First electric blower 31 Second electric blower 33 Second dust collection section 34. Supporting base body 222 First Centrifugal Separation Unit 223 First dust accumulation section 225 Second Centrifugal Separation Unit 226 Second dust accumulation section 227 First dust collection section 263 Inlet 2213 Separation cylinder part 2216 Accumulation cylinder section 3402 Communication air passage 22132 Dust-containing air inlet 22133 Discharge cylinder part 22134 Dust outlet 22160 First part 22161 Second part 221600 Guide surface CL3,CL4 center axis

Claims

1. An electric vacuum cleaner having: a main body intake port for sucking in dust-laden air during cleaning; a first electric blower that generates a suction force to suck in the dust-laden air from the main body intake port; a first centrifugal separator for centrifuging dust from the sucked-in dust-laden air; a second centrifugal separator for centrifuging dust from the dust-laden air that has passed through the first centrifugal separator; and a first dust collection unit for collecting the dust separated in the first centrifugal separator and the dust separated in the second centrifugal separator. The stand comprises a support section for supporting the aforementioned vacuum cleaner, a second dust collection section, a connecting air passage connecting the second dust collection section and the first dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support section, and a second electric blower for generating suction force. The electric vacuum cleaner further has an inlet that allows air to be introduced between the first electric blower and the second centrifugal separator, With the electric vacuum cleaner supported on the support portion of the stand, the suction force of the second electric blower introduces air into the first centrifugal separator through the main unit's suction port and into the second centrifugal separator through the inlet, thereby transferring dust from the first dust collection unit to the second dust collection unit via the connecting air passage. An electric cleaning device characterized by the following features.

2. The electric vacuum cleaner has a cylindrical shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases from one end on the side of the first electric blower to the other end on the opposite side, and has a separation cylinder that encloses the second centrifugal separation section inside. The separation cylinder section is provided with a dust-containing air inlet for introducing dust-containing air during centrifugal separation in the second centrifugal separation section, and a cylindrical discharge cylinder section for discharging the air after dust has been separated by centrifugal separation in the second centrifugal separation section, at one end, and a dust discharge port for discharging the separated dust at the other end. The central axis of the separation cylinder, the central axis of the discharge cylinder, and the center of the dust discharge port are arranged coaxially. The electric cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a feature.

3. The aforementioned first dust collection unit is A first dust collection unit that collects the dust separated in the first centrifugal separation unit, The system comprises a second dust collection unit for collecting the dust separated in the second centrifugal separation unit, The electric vacuum cleaner has a collection cylinder located inside the first centrifugal separation unit and the first dust collection unit, which partitions the second dust collection unit internally. The aforementioned accumulation cylinder portion is The first part into which dust discharged from the dust outlet is introduced, This first part is equipped with a second part that collects dust introduced into it, The first part has a guide surface that guides dust to the second part, The axis of the separation cylinder and the guide surface intersect at the same position. The electric cleaning device according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned accumulation cylinder portion is narrower at the opposite end than at the end facing the dust discharge port. The electric cleaning device according to claim 3.

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