Dust collectors and vacuum cleaners

Abstract

To provide a downsizable dust collector, and a vacuum cleaner including the dust collector.SOLUTION: A dust collector includes a second separation part 6 comprising cylindrical parts 316 for discharging separated dust from one end and discharging air from which the dust is separated, from the other end. The plurality of cylindrical parts 316 are disposed to surround a reference line C in a substantially same direction as a central axis of a first separation part, and are inclined such that a center of the other end becomes closer to the reference line C than a center of the one end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dust collector having a plurality of separation parts and integration parts, and a vacuum cleaner including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a dust collector used in a vacuum cleaner or the like, there is known one including a first separation part that centrifugally separates coarse dust, that is, coarse particles, from dust-containing air, and a second separation part that centrifugally separates fine dust, that is, fine particles, from the air that has passed through the first separation part. The separated coarse dust and fine dust are separately accumulated inside a cup-shaped container.

[0003] For example, there is known one in which a fine dust accumulation part is set at the center of the lower end of a coarse dust accumulation part that accumulates coarse dust. In this configuration, it is necessary to make the fine dust accumulation part thinner than a cylindrical filter disposed at the center of the upper end of the coarse dust accumulation part that forms part of the first separation part, and in order to drop the fine dust to the lower end of the coarse dust accumulation part, the fine dust accumulation part has to be formed in an elongated shape, and the adhesion of fine dust to the inner wall may cause clogging of the fine dust accumulation part and generation of an abnormal odor.

[0004] On the other hand, for example, there is known one in which a fine dust accumulation part is set at the peripheral part of the upper end of a coarse dust accumulation part that accumulates coarse dust. In this configuration, although clogging of the fine dust accumulation part is unlikely to occur, in order to secure a ventilation part from the first separation part to the second separation part, it is preferable to form the second separation part and the fine dust accumulation part outside a swirling cylinder at the swirling center of the first separation part, and there is a tendency for the outer diameter to become large.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a dust collection device that can be made compact and a vacuum cleaner equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The dust collector of this embodiment comprises a first separation unit, a first accumulation unit, a second separation unit, and a second accumulation unit. The first separation unit centrifuges dust from dust-containing air. The first accumulation unit is located on one side in the axial direction of the first separation unit with respect to the first separation unit, and accumulates the dust separated in the first separation unit. The second separation unit is located on the opposite side in the axial direction of the first separation unit with respect to the first separation unit, and centrifuges dust from the air that has passed through the first separation unit. The second accumulation unit is located between the first and second separation units, and accumulates the dust separated in the second separation unit. The second separation unit consists of a cylindrical section that discharges the separated dust from one end and the air from which the dust has been separated from the other end. Multiple cylindrical sections are arranged to surround a reference line in approximately the same direction as the central axis of the first separation unit. The other end of the cylindrical section has an exhaust pipe section that discharges air, with the exhaust port of the second separation unit located downstream. tube When viewed in cross-section including the central axis of the part, the inner circumferential surface on the opposite side of the reference line is a straight line approximately parallel to the reference line, the inner circumferential surface on the reference line side slopes from one end to the other so as to approach the reference line, the inner circumferential surface is a straight line from the upstream end (one end) to the downstream end (the other end), the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis is circular, and the elliptical cross-sectional area perpendicular to the reference line at the downstream end (the other end) is larger than the elliptical cross-sectional area perpendicular to the reference line at the upstream end (one end). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the second separation section of a dust collector according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a cross-sectional view showing the disassembled state of the dust collector shown above. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a part of the dust collection device shown above. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the dust collector shown above, further disassembled from Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled state of the dust collector shown above. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the assembled state of the dust collector shown above. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner equipped with the same dust collection device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In Figures 5 and 6, 1 represents a dust collector. The dust collector 1, also called a dust collection cup, separates and collects dust from dust-containing air. The dust collector 1 has a cylindrical, preferably cylindrical, appearance, and its axial direction is the longitudinal direction. The dust collector 1 can be applied to various electrical devices at various angles, but in this embodiment, for the sake of clarity, the direction of arrow D shown in the figures, that is, one end or one side in the longitudinal direction of the dust collector 1, will be described as the downward direction, and the direction of arrow U, that is, the other end or the other side in the longitudinal direction of the dust collector 1, will be described as the upward direction. In other words, the up and down directions in this embodiment are merely for explanatory purposes and do not limit the up and down directions in the usage state or orientation of the dust collector 1 in electrical devices.

[0011] The dust collector 1 consists of multiple components. Preferably, the dust collector 1 consists of multiple components that are detachable from one another. Hereafter, the term "detachable" basically means that a standard user can attach and detach the components manually without using tools or damaging any part with excessive external force. In this embodiment, the dust collector 1 consists of multiple components that are detachable from one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In the illustrated example, the dust collector 1 consists of a first member 2, a second member 3, and a third member 4. The first member 2, the second member 3, and the third member 4 may each be further broken down into smaller components, but in the assembled state of the dust collector 1 of this embodiment, the first member 2, the second member 3, and the third member 4 will basically be described as components used as a single unit. In this embodiment, the dust collector 1 is assembled with the third member 4 sandwiched between the first member 2 and the second member 3. Hereinafter, the assembled state or usage state of the dust collector 1 refers to the state in which the first member 2, the second member 3, and the third member 4 are assembled integrally with each other.

[0013] Furthermore, the dust collector 1 has multiple separation stages. In this embodiment, the dust collector 1 has a first separation section 5, which is a first stage or upstream stage that separates coarse dust D1, which is coarse dust, from dust-containing air, and a second separation section 6, which is a second stage or downstream stage that further separates fine dust D2, which is fine dust, from the air that has passed through the first separation section 5. Furthermore, the dust collector 1 has a first accumulation section 7, where the coarse dust D1 separated in the first separation section 5 is accumulated, and a second accumulation section 8, where the fine dust D2 separated in the second separation section 6 is accumulated. In the illustrated example, the first separation section 5 and the second separation section 6 are centrifugal separators that separate dust from the air by centrifugal separation. In this embodiment, with respect to the first separation section 5, the first accumulation section 7 is located below the first separation section 5 on one side in the axial direction, the second separation section 6 and the second accumulation section 8 are located above the first separation section 5 on the opposite side in the axial direction, and the second accumulation section 8 is located below the second separation section 6. The axial direction of the first separation unit 5 refers to the direction of the pivot axis of centrifugal separation in the first separation unit 5 or a direction parallel thereto. Hereafter, the term "parallel" does not refer only to perfectly parallel surfaces, but also to surfaces that are approximately parallel within the tolerance or error range, or substantially parallel. Furthermore, coarse dust D1 mainly refers to fibrous dust such as lint, hair, and cotton dust, and dust with a large mass such as sand particles, while fine dust D2 mainly refers to particulate or powdery dust with a small mass.

[0014] The first member 2 is also called a cup portion, a first dust collection cup, a dust collection container, or the like. The first member 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In the illustrated example, the first member 2 is formed in a circular cylindrical shape. A first separation portion 5 and a first accumulation portion 7 are disposed inside the first member 2. In the present embodiment, the first member 2 is a member that constitutes the first separation portion 5 and the first accumulation portion 7. In the assembled state of the dust collection device 1, the central axis of the first member 2 coincides with the central axis of the dust collection device 1. Hereinafter, the term "coincide" includes not only those that completely coincide, but also those that substantially coincide within the range of tolerances and errors, and those that are substantially coincident.

[0015] For example, the first member 2 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having a circular bottom portion 20 and a side wall portion 21 that rises from the outer edge portion of the bottom portion 20.

[0016] The bottom portion 20 constitutes the lowermost portion of the dust collection device 1. The bottom portion 20 serves as a support portion of the dust collection device 1 in a state where the dust collection device 1 is placed on a horizontal plane. The bottom portion 20 is formed in a circular flat plate shape.

[0017] The side wall portion 21 constitutes the outer shell on the lower end side of the dust collection device 1. The side wall portion 21 has an elongated shape in the vertical direction where the vertical dimension is larger than the diameter dimension. The first separation portion 5 and the first accumulation portion 7 are surrounded by the side wall portion 21. That is, the side wall portion 21 serves as the outer wall of the first separation portion 5 and the first accumulation portion 7. The central axis of the side wall portion 21, that is, the central axis of the first member 2, coincides with the central axis of the centrifugal separation of the first separation portion 5. Preferably, the side wall portion 21 is formed so as to gradually increase in diameter as it moves away from the bottom portion 20, that is, from the bottom to the top.

[0018] Further, in the first member 2, an inlet 22 is formed in the side wall portion 21. The inlet 22 is an opening for introducing the dust-containing air into the first separation portion 5 located inside the first member 2. The inlet 22 is located at the most upstream of the air flow in the dust collector 1 and the first separation portion 5. The inlet 22 is formed so as to introduce the dust-containing air in the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 21. In the present embodiment, the inlet 22 is formed in a duct shape extending in the tangential direction of the side wall portion 21. The inlet 22 is located at the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the side wall portion 21. In the illustrated example, the inlet 22 is located closer to the upper part of the side wall portion 21.

[0019] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, in the first member 2, a holding portion 23 for holding the third member 4 to the first member 2 is formed. The holding portion 23 is formed as a plate-like protruding portion that protrudes inward of the first member 2 in a direction intersecting or orthogonal to the axial direction of the first member 2. Preferably, the holding portions 23 are intermittently formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the first member 2 or the side wall portion 21. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 23 is formed at the upper end portion of the side wall portion 21.

[0020] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the first member 2, a member support portion 24 for supporting the third member 4 is formed. The member support portion 24 is a portion that supports the third member 4 so as not to fall into the first separation portion 5 (shown in FIG. 5) and the first accumulation portion 7 (shown in FIG. 5) inside the first member 2. The member support portion 24 is formed in a dish shape with a stepped further enlarged diameter with respect to the upper end portion of the side wall portion 21. In the present embodiment, the member support portion 24 is formed above the holding portion 23 and constitutes the upper end portion of the first member 2. The holding portion 23 is located at the stepped portion where the member support portion 24 and the side wall portion 21 are continuous. In the illustrated example, the member support portion 24 is formed over the entire circumference of the side wall portion 21. The upper end portion of the member support portion 24 is an end opening 25. In the present embodiment, the end opening 25 functions as a dust disposal port for disposing of the coarse dust D1 accumulated in the first accumulation portion 7. Note that the dust disposal port may be formed at the lower end portion of the first member 2 and may be opened and closed by the bottom portion 20.

[0021] Preferably, the first member 2 is made of a transparent material, allowing the interior, i.e., at least a portion of the first separation section 5 and the first accumulation section 7, to be visible from the outside. As shown in Figure 6, the first member 2 has a marker portion 210 formed on its side wall 21. The marker portion 210 serves as an indicator of the accumulation limit of coarse dust D1 in the first accumulation section 7 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, the marker portion 210 is located above the bottom 20 and below the inlet 22. In the first member 2, the area below the marker portion 210 or the area from the marker portion 210 to the top surface of the bottom 20 basically functions as the first accumulation section 7 (shown in Figure 5), and the area above it functions as the first separation section 5 (shown in Figure 5). In other words, the user can visually inspect the coarse dust accumulated in the first accumulation section 7 (shown in Figure 5) from outside the first member 2 and compare its position with the position of the marker section 210 to determine whether more coarse dust can be accumulated in the first accumulation section 7 (shown in Figure 5) or whether the coarse dust should be discarded. In this embodiment, the marker section 210 is formed as a line extending in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the side wall section 21, but it is not limited to this and may be displayed as letters, patterns, etc., or a combination thereof may be used.

[0022] The second member 3 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is also called the second separation assembly or separation body. The second separation 6 is positioned inside the second member 3. The second member 3 has an insertion portion 30, at least its lower end, which is inserted into the first member 2 through the third member 4, and a member body portion 31 which is located above and outside the first member 2 and the third member 4.

[0023] The insertion portion 30 protrudes downward from the lower end of the member body portion 31. The insertion portion 30, inserted into the first member 2, is positioned coaxially with the first member 2 or the side wall portion 21, spaced inward from the side wall portion 21 of the first member 2. The insertion portion 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The insertion portion 30 is inserted into the first separation portion 5, and the space inside the insertion portion 30 is the exhaust portion from the first separation portion 5 and functions as part of the communication portion that connects the first separation portion 5 and the second separation portion 6. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 30 also auxiliaryly constitutes the pivot center for centrifugal separation of the first separation portion 5.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the insertion section 30 has a cylindrical filter section 300. The filter section 300 is the downstream portion of the airflow in the first separation section 5. The filter section 300 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the inlet 22 in the vertical direction. The filter section 300 has a vent 3000 on its outer circumferential wall. Air flows out from the first separation section 5 through the vent 3000 and into the second separation section 6. In this embodiment, the vent 3000 is covered by a filter 3001. However, it is not limited to this, and the system may be configured so that a large number of small-area vents 3000 are formed so that the vents 3000 themselves function as filters.

[0025] Furthermore, the insertion part 30 has a connecting part 301. In the assembled state of the dust collector 1, the connecting part 301 airtightly connects the first separation part 5 and the first accumulation part 7 with the second accumulation part 8 and / or the second separation part 6. The connecting part 301 is located on the upper end side of the filter part 300. The connecting part 301 is located above the vent opening 3000. The connecting part 301 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral wall of the filter part 300. The connecting part 301 is formed in an annular shape that extends around the entire circumference of the filter part 300 and is arranged coaxially with the filter part 300.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion 301 has a sealing portion 3010. The sealing portion 3010 is an annular shape that extends around the entire circumference of the connecting portion 301, and in the assembled state of the dust collector 1, its outer circumference is pressed radially against the third member 4, thereby airtightly sealing the first accumulation portion 7 and the second accumulation portion 8 or the second separation portion 6. The sealing portion 3010 is formed of, for example, an elastic elastomer or silicone rubber.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insertion portion 30 further includes a compression portion 302. The compression portion 302 is also called a shade portion, etc. The compression portion 302 is formed in connection with the lower end of the filter portion 300. The compression portion 302 is coaxial with the filter portion 300, is formed as a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the filter portion 300, and is connected to the filter portion 300 with a stepped enlargement. As shown in Figure 5, the compression portion 302 is a partition portion that roughly divides the inside of the first member 2 into a first separation portion 5 and a first accumulation portion 7 vertically. In the assembled state of the dust collector 1, the compression portion 302 is positioned vertically opposite the bottom portion 20, which is the lower part of the first member 2, and is located above and away from the bottom portion 20. The compression portion 302 is a covered cylindrical shape with an opening at the bottom. In the illustrated example, the compression portion 302 has a compression opening 3020 in the center of its upper end that communicates with the inside of the filter portion 300. The compression opening 3020 is covered by a filter 3021 for compressing at least a portion of the coarse dust D1 accumulated in the first accumulation section 7 into the compression section 302.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the main body portion 31 functions as a lid for the first member 2 and the third member 4, or as a lid for the first accumulation portion 7 and the second accumulation portion 8. The main body portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the insertion portion 30. The diameter of the main body portion 31 is set to be equal to or slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the first member 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the main body portion 31 of the member has a bottom surface portion 310 formed in conjunction with the upper end of the insertion portion 30. The bottom surface portion 310 is formed in a circular plate shape and extends outward in a flange-like manner from the entire circumference of the upper end of the insertion portion 30. Near the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 310, a cylindrical side portion 311 is formed rising upward from the bottom surface portion 310, and a flange portion 312 extends further outward from the entire circumference of the upper end of the side portion 311. A seal portion 313 is positioned below the flange portion 312. The seal portion 313 is an annular shape that extends around the entire circumference of the flange portion 312, and in the assembled state of the dust collector 1, it is pressed vertically against the third member 4 to airtightly seal the second member 3 and the third member 4, or the second accumulation portion 8 and the outside of the third member 4. The seal portion 313 is formed of, for example, an elastic elastomer or silicone rubber.

[0030] Furthermore, the main body portion 31 has a cover portion 314 outside the flange portion 312. The cover portion 314 constitutes the outer shell of the main body portion 31 and the outer shell on the upper end side of the dust collector 1. The cover portion 314 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the cover portion 314 extends above the flange portion 312.

[0031] Furthermore, the main body portion 31 has a top surface portion 315 located near the upper end of the cover portion 314. The top surface portion 315 covers the upper end side of the cover portion 314. The top surface portion 315 constitutes the upper end of the dust collector 1. The top surface portion 315 is formed in a circular shape. A projection portion 3150 is formed on the top surface portion 315. The projection portion 3150 is an annular rib located near the outer edge of the top surface portion 315. The upper surface of the top surface portion 315 and the projection portion 3150 surround the space downstream of the dust collector 1.

[0032] Furthermore, within the main body portion 31 of the member, the cylindrical portion 316 constituting the second separation portion 6 is arranged in the space surrounded by the bottom portion 310, the cover portion 314, and the top portion 315, that is, inside the main body portion 31 of the member. In other words, in the assembled state of the dust collector 1, the second separation portion 6 is located above the first separation portion 5. In this embodiment, multiple cylindrical portions 316 are arranged so as to surround a predetermined reference line C. The predetermined reference line C is, for example, the central axis of the second member 3 or the cover portion 314, and coincides with the central axis of the first member 2 and / or the central axis of the first separation portion 5 and / or the central axis of the dust collector 1. In other words, the reference line C is in the same direction as the central axis of the first separation portion 5. The same direction does not mean exactly the same direction, but also includes those that are substantially in the same direction within the tolerance or error range, and those that are substantially in the same direction. The space inside the main body portion 31 of the member surrounded by the multiple cylindrical portions 316 forms an air passage portion 317 that communicates with the space inside the insertion portion 30. The air passage section 317, together with the internal space of the insertion section 30, functions as part of the communication section that connects the first separation section 5 and the second separation section 6. The arrangement of the cylindrical sections 316 is an annular shape centered on the reference line C, and preferably they are positioned at equal or approximately equal angles apart in the circumferential direction.

[0033] The cylindrical portion 316 is also called a separation cylinder, etc. The cylindrical portion 316 is formed in a cylindrical shape, preferably a cylindrical shape. In the illustrated example, the cylindrical portion 316 is formed in a truncated cone or frustoconical shape with a smaller diameter at the lower end and a larger diameter at the upper end. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper end of the cylindrical portion 316 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower end. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical portion 316 is formed to gradually increase from the lower end to the upper end at a constant or approximately constant rate of increase. Therefore, the outer and inner surfaces of the cylindrical portion 316 are straight lines on the side of the reference line C and the opposite side, respectively, when viewed in a cross-section including the central axis L1. Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical portion 316 refers to the cross-sectional area inside the cylindrical portion 316 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis L1 of the cylindrical portion 316.

[0034] An introduction opening 3160 is formed in the cylindrical portion 316. The introduction opening 3160 is an opening that introduces dust-containing air that has passed through the first separation portion 5 into the second separation portion 6. The introduction opening 3160 is a distribution opening that distributes air from the air passage portion 317 into each cylindrical portion 316. The introduction opening 3160 is located at the uppermost part of the airflow in the second separation portion 6. The introduction opening 3160 is formed to introduce dust-containing air in a tangential direction to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 316. The introduction opening 3160 is located near the upper end of the cylindrical portion 316. The introduction opening 3160 is close to the top surface portion 315. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical portion 316 is constant at the position of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 316, including the introduction opening 3160.

[0035] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 316 discharges dust separated inside, i.e., fine dust D2, from its lower end. That is, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 316 is a dust discharge port 3161 that discharges the fine dust D2 to the second accumulation portion 8. Since the lower end of the cylindrical portion 316 is inserted from above into the opening 3100 which is opened in the bottom portion 310, the dust discharge port 3161 is exposed at the bottom of the bottom portion 310. The opening 3100 is formed outside the upper end of the insertion portion 30. The dust discharge port 3161, which is exposed at the bottom of the bottom portion 310 from the opening 3100, is located above and opposite the second accumulation portion 8 in the assembled state of the dust collector 1. That is, the vertical projection range of the dust discharge port 3161 is located at a position where it overlaps with the second accumulation portion 8 in at least part.

[0036] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 316 discharges clean air, which is air from which dust, or fine dust D2, has been separated, from its upper end. An exhaust port 3162 for discharging clean air is formed inside the upper end of the cylindrical portion 316. The exhaust port 3162 is located at the downstream end of the airflow in the dust collector 1 and the second separation portion 6. The exhaust port 3162 opens into the top surface portion 315. The exhaust port 3162 is formed as the upper end of the exhaust pipe portion 3163, which is arranged coaxially with the cylindrical portion 316. The exhaust pipe portion 3163 is formed in a cylindrical shape, preferably a cylindrical shape. In the illustrated example, the exhaust pipe portion 3163 is formed in a truncated cone or frustoconical shape, with a small diameter at the lower end and a large diameter at the upper end. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper end, which is the downstream end, is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower end, which is the upstream end. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust pipe section 3163 is formed to gradually increase from the lower end to the upper end at a constant or approximately constant rate. Therefore, the outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the exhaust pipe section 3163 are straight lines on the side of the reference line C and the opposite side, respectively, when viewed in a cross-section including the central axis L2. Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust pipe section 3163 refers to the cross-sectional area inside the exhaust pipe section 3163 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis or reference line C of the dust collector 1.

[0037] Furthermore, a filter or the like may be placed downstream of the exhaust port 3162 to collect any fine dust particles that remain in the air discharged from the exhaust port 3162 of the second separation unit 6.

[0038] Furthermore, the exhaust pipe section 3163 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the top surface section 315. The lower end of the exhaust pipe section 3163 extends below the inlet opening 3160. The upper end of the exhaust pipe section 3163 is above the inlet opening 3160 and is flush with the upper surface of the top surface section 315. Therefore, the downstream end of the exhaust pipe section 3163 does not protrude above the top surface section 315, which is the space downstream of the second separation section 6 and the dust collector 1.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 316 is inclined such that the center of its upper end is closer to the reference line C than the center of its lower end. In other words, the central axis L1 of the cylindrical portion 316 is inclined so as to gradually approach the reference line C from the lower end towards the upper end. In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe portion 3163 is also inclined in the same way as the cylindrical portion 316, and the central axis L1 of the cylindrical portion 316 passes through the center of the lower end, which is the upstream end of the exhaust pipe portion 3163, and preferably the central axis L1 of the cylindrical portion 316 and the central axis L2 of the exhaust pipe portion 3163 coincide. The center of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 316 is the center of the exhaust port 3162, and the center of the lower end is the center of the dust discharge port 3161. That is, with respect to the center of the exhaust port 3162, the center of the dust discharge port 3161 is on the side further from the central axis or reference line C in a direction perpendicular to the central axis or reference line C of the dust collector 1. Preferably, the inclination of the cylindrical portion 316 and the exhaust pipe portion 3163 is set such that the outer surface at the position closest to the cover portion 314, i.e., the position furthest from the reference line C, is parallel to the reference line C and follows the vertical direction, while the air passage portion 317 side, which is on the reference line C side, is inclined with respect to the reference line C. Therefore, the air passage portion 317 is formed to gradually narrow from the lower end, which is the upstream end, to the upper end, which is the downstream end.

[0040] Preferably, the cylindrical portion 316 and the exhaust pipe portion 3163 are formed such that their cross-sections perpendicular to their central axes L1 and L2 are circular. Therefore, in this embodiment, the dust outlet 3161 and the exhaust outlet 3162 are elliptical when viewed from above and below.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter DI of the virtual circumscribing circle that circumscribes the multiple cylindrical portions 316 is set to be less than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first separation portion 5 or the first accumulation portion 7. A virtual circumscribing circle is the largest of the circles that circumscribe the cross-sections of the multiple cylindrical portions 316 with the reference line C as the center, on a plane perpendicular to the reference line C. In the illustrated example, the inclination of the cylindrical portion 316 is such that the outer surface at the position closest to the cover portion 314, i.e., the position furthest from the reference line C, is parallel to the reference line C and aligns in the vertical up-down direction. Therefore, the virtual circumscribing circle is the circle that circumscribes the position furthest from the reference line C on the cylindrical portion 316. In this embodiment, the diameter DI is less than or equal to the diameter of the upper end, which is the maximum outer diameter of the side wall portion 21 of the first member 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the second member 3 is provided with a mounting portion 318, which is a separation locking means for detachably assembling the second member 3 to the first member 2 or the third member 4. The mounting portion 318 may have any configuration, but in this embodiment, the mounting portion 318 is configured as a locking portion that locks the second member 3 to the first member 2, spanning the third member 4 in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the mounting portion 318 has an elongated operating portion 3180 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the operating portion 3180 is held in a state biased outward from the outer surface of the cover portion 314 by a biasing means 3181 such as a coil spring, which is biased outward from the second member 3 or the cover portion 314. The lower end of the operating portion 3180 extends downward from the lower end of the cover portion 314. A locking claw portion 31800 protrudes inward from the lower end of the operating portion 3180. The locking claw portion 31800 then hooks onto a locking receiving portion 26 formed near the upper end of the first member 2, for example, outside the member support portion 24, thereby preventing the second member 3 from being dislodged upward from the first member 2 by the mounting portion 318. Furthermore, by pushing the operating portion 3180 toward the cover portion 314 against the biasing force of the biasing means 3181, the locking claw portion 31800 separates from the locking receiving portion 26, thereby releasing the locking of the second member 3 to the first member 2. In this embodiment, one pair of mounting portions 318 and one pair of locking receiving portions 26 are set and are positioned on opposite sides of each other with respect to the central axis of the dust collector 1.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the second member 3 is provided with a mounting portion 319 for attaching the dust collector 1 to electrical equipment. The mounting portion 319 is formed on the cover portion 314, and its upper end protrudes above the upper end of the cover portion 314. The mounting portion 319 is located on the opposite side of the inlet 22 with respect to the central axis of the dust collector 1. In the illustrated example, the upper end of the mounting portion 319 serves as the starting point for rotating the dust collector 1 when attaching or detaching it from electrical equipment.

[0044] The third member 4 shown in Figures 2 to 5 is also called a dust collector, second dust collection cup, etc. The second accumulation section 8 is positioned inside the third member 4. The third member 4 is detachably attached to the end opening 25 of the first member 2. The third member 4 is formed in a generally cylindrical or annular shape. The third member 4 has a receiving section 40 that partitions the second accumulation section 8 inside. The second accumulation section 8 inside the receiving section 40 is annular or arc-shaped, and is a pocket-like concave section with an open top and a closed bottom. In the assembled state of the dust collector 1, the upper opening of the receiving section 40, i.e., the second accumulation section 8, is positioned below the second separation section 6 and is vertically opposed to the dust discharge port 3161.

[0045] In this embodiment, a retaining receiving portion 42 is formed at the lower end of the receiving portion 40. The retaining receiving portion 42 receives the retaining portion 23 of the first member 2 and holds the third member 4 relative to the first member 2. In the illustrated example, the retaining receiving portion 42 is formed in the shape of a groove along the circumferential direction and is configured so that the retaining portion 23 is inserted in the circumferential direction. By rotating the third member 4, which is supported by the first member 2, relative to the retaining receiving portion 42 at a position circumferentially shifted from the retaining receiving portion 42 to the retaining portion 23, the retaining portion 23 is inserted into the retaining receiving portion 42, thereby holding the third member 4 relative to the first member 2. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 23 and the retaining receiving portion 42 constitute a dust collector locking means for locking the third member 4 to the first member 2.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, a peripheral wall portion 43 is formed continuously at the upper end of the receiving portion 40. The peripheral wall portion 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape and, in the assembled state of the dust collector 1, is located in the vertical direction between the member support portion 24 of the first member 2 and the cover portion 314 of the second member 3, constituting a part of the outer shell of the intermediate portion of the dust collector 1 in the vertical direction. In the assembled state of the dust collector 1, the side portion 311 of the second member 3 is located overlapping the peripheral wall portion 43, and the sealing portion 313 is pressed against the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 43 in the vertical direction. A sealing portion 44 is located at the lower outer side of the peripheral wall portion 43. The sealing portion 44 is an annular shape that extends around the entire circumference of the peripheral wall portion 43 and, in the assembled state of the dust collector 1, is pressed against the upper end of the member support portion 24 of the first member 2 in the vertical direction, airtightly sealing the gap between the third member 4 and the first member 2, or between the first collection portion 7 and the outside of the first member 2. The sealing portion 44 is formed of, for example, an elastic elastomer or silicone rubber.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a restricting portion 45 is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall portion 43 to prevent the second member 3 and the third member 4 from coming off each other. The restricting portion 45 may have any configuration, but in this embodiment, in the assembled state of the dust collector 1, it is located on both sides in the circumferential direction relative to the operating portion 3180 of the mounting portion 318. Therefore, when the third member 4 attempts to rotate relative to the second member 3, which is integrally held by the first member 2 in the assembled state of the dust collector 1, the restricting portion 45 and the operating portion 3180 interfere with each other, thereby restricting the rotation of the third member 4 relative to the first member 2, and preventing the holding portion 23 inserted into the holding receiving portion 42 from coming off.

[0048] Furthermore, the inner wall of the receiving portion 42 surrounds an insertion opening 46 that communicates with the interior of the first member 2 when the dust collector 1 is assembled, and is the portion to which the sealing portion 3010 of the connecting portion 301 of the second member 3 is pressed. The diameter of the insertion opening 46, which is the inner diameter of the inner wall of the receiving portion 42, is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the insertion portion 30 of the first member 2. Therefore, when the dust collector 1 is assembled, the insertion portion 30 of the second member 3 can be inserted into the first separation portion 5 inside the first member 2 through the insertion opening 46.

[0049] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 9 shown in Figure 7 is given as an example of an electrical device in which the dust collection device 1 described above is used. Figure 7 shows a stick-type vacuum cleaner 9 that is operated by gripping the main body 90. In the vacuum cleaner 9 of this embodiment, the assembled dust collection device 1 is detachably attached to the main body 90 by the mounting portion 319 of the second member 3.

[0050] The main body 90 is equipped with a suction source 91, such as an electric blower, which generates suction force by negative pressure. A connection port 900 is formed in the main body 90, communicating with the suction side of the suction source 91, i.e., the upstream side of the intake airflow. The connection port 900 is airtightly connected to the exhaust port 3162 of the dust collector 1 attached to the main body 90. In addition, the main body 90 has a communication port 901, located at a distance from the connection port 900, which is airtightly connected to the inlet port 22 of the dust collector 1 attached to the main body 90. Furthermore, the main body 90 has a suction port 902 that communicates with the communication port 901. Therefore, the suction force of the suction source 91 acts on the suction port 902 via the communication port 901, the dust collector 1, and the connection port 900. A straight pipe section 92, such as an extension pipe which is an air passage, or a cleaning head 93, such as a suction port which is an air passage, is connected to the suction port 902.

[0051] Furthermore, the main body 90 has a main body exhaust port 903 for exhausting air sucked in by the suction source 91 from the main body 90. The main body 90 also has a gripping section 904 for the user to hold and operate the vacuum cleaner. Setting means 94, such as a switch for setting the operation of the suction source 91, is arranged on the gripping section 904. Furthermore, the main body 90 also has a power supply unit 95 that serves as a drive source for the suction source 91, and a control unit 96 that controls the operation of the suction source 91 according to the settings made by the setting means 94. The power supply unit 95 is preferably a battery such as a secondary battery to make the vacuum cleaner 9 cordless, but a cord reel device that draws power from a commercial power source may also be used.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the main body 90 is formed in a longitudinal shape, with a suction port 902 located at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a main body exhaust port 903, a gripping part 904, and a power supply unit 95 located at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The dust collector 1 is mounted on the main body 90 so that it is positioned between these parts along the longitudinal direction of the main body 90.

[0053] The electric vacuum cleaner 9 is not limited to this; it may also be a floor-climbing type, canister type, upright type, or self-propelled cleaning robot. Furthermore, the dust collection device 1 may be used as an electrical device such as a charging device or dust station for a self-propelled cleaning robot.

[0054] Next, the operation of one embodiment will be described.

[0055] When assembling the dust collector 1, first, the third member 4 is attached to the end opening 25 of the first member 2. In this embodiment, the third member 4 is placed on the member support portion 24 of the first member 2 and fixed to the first member 2 by rotating it in the circumferential direction to insert the holding portion 23 into the holding receiving portion 42. In this state, the sealing portion 44 of the third member 4 is pressed against the upper end of the first member 2. Next, the insertion portion 30 of the second member 3 is inserted into the insertion opening 46 of the third member 4, and the second member 3 is locked to the first member 2 by the mounting portion 318. In this state, the sealing portion 3010 of the connecting portion 301 is pressed against the inner wall of the receiving portion 40 surrounding the insertion opening 46.

[0056] When the assembled dust collector 1 is attached to the main body 90, the inlet 22 of the dust collector 1 is airtightly connected to the communication port 901 of the main body 90, and the exhaust port 3162 of the dust collector 1 is airtightly connected to the connection port 900 of the main body 90. Thus, an air passage is formed extending from the suction source 91 to the dust collector 1 and the suction port 902.

[0057] In the vacuum cleaner 9, when a user gripping the gripping part 904 operates the setting means 94 to set the operation of the suction source 91, the control unit 96 controls the suction source 91 according to the setting, and negative pressure is generated. The user places the cleaning head 93 on the floor or other surface to be cleaned in the air passage connected to the suction port 902, and moves the entire vacuum cleaner 9 back and forth with the gripping part 904, using the negative pressure to suck up dust and dirt along with air from the cleaning head 93 and the air passage such as the straight pipe section 92.

[0058] Dust-laden air sucked in from the cleaning head 93, etc., is introduced from the suction port 902 through the communication port 901 and into the inlet port 22 to the first separation section 5 of the dust collector 1. As shown in Figure 5, this introduced dust-laden air swirls along the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion 21 of the first member 2. Due to this swirling, coarse dust D1, which is particularly heavy dust, is centrifuged in the first separation section 5. The separated coarse dust D1 falls along the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion 21 and is collected in the first accumulation section 7 located at the bottom of the interior of the first member 2.

[0059] In this embodiment, as schematically shown by the arrows in Figure 5, dust-laden air swirls up to the bottom of the compression section 302, and is then sucked from the bottom of the compression section 302 into the compression opening 3020, thereby compressing the coarse dust D1 and pushing it to the bottom of the filter 3021 at the bottom 20 of the first member 2 or inside the compression section 302.

[0060] A portion of the dust-laden air swirling through the first separation section 5 passes through the vent 3000 of the filter section 300 located at the center of the swirl, and at that time, some of the dust is collected by the filter 3001. Furthermore, the dust-laden air that flows out of the first separation section 5 after passing through the vent 3000 and the compression opening 3020 passes upward through the air passage section 317 and is distributed into the interior of each cylindrical section 316 that constitute the second separation section 6 from the inlet opening 3160.

[0061] The dust-laden air introduced into the cylindrical section 316 through the introduction opening 3160 swirls along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical section 316. This swirling motion causes the light dust particles D2 remaining in the dust-laden air to be centrifuged in the second separation section 6 and fall along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical section 316. These particles are then discharged from the dust discharge port 3161 at the lower end of the cylindrical section 316 to the second separation section 6 or to the outside of the cylindrical section 316, and fall into the second accumulation section 8, which is partitioned inside the receiving section 40 located below the dust discharge port 3161.

[0062] The air swirling inside the cylindrical section 316 of the second separation section 6 becomes clean air as the fine dust D2 is separated, and is discharged from the second separation section 6 and the dust collector 1 through the exhaust port 3162 from the exhaust pipe section 3163 located at the center of the swirling motion.

[0063] The clean air discharged from the dust collector 1 is drawn into the suction source 91, cools various parts of the suction source 91, and is then exhausted to the outside of the main unit 90 through the main unit exhaust port 903.

[0064] When cleaning is complete and the user operates the setting means 94 to stop the suction source 91, the control unit 96 stops the suction source 91. If necessary, the user removes the dust collector 1 from the main unit 90.

[0065] Then, after removing the dust collector 1, the second member 3 is released from the first member 2 by pressing the mounting portion 318, and the second member 3 is moved upward relative to the first member 2 and the third member 4, and the insertion portion 30 is pulled out from the first member 2 to remove it. As shown in Figure 2, the third member 4 remains on the upper end of the first member 2, and in this state, the receiving portion 40 and the upper part of the second accumulation portion 8 are opened and exposed. In other words, by moving the second member 3 at least relative to the first member 2 and the third member 4, the second separation portion 6 is separated and the second accumulation portion 8 is opened. Note that separation of the second separation portion 6 also includes changing the relative position or orientation of the second member 3 constituting the second separation portion 6 with respect to at least one of the first separation portion 5, the first accumulation portion 7, the second accumulation portion 8, the first member 2, and the third member 4 by moving or rotating the second member 3 constituting the second separation portion 6, and / or separating the second member 3 constituting the second separation portion 6 by removing it from the first member 2 and / or the third member 4.

[0066] Furthermore, by rotating the third member 4 circumferentially relative to the first member 2, the third member 4 is lifted upward from the first member 2 at a position where the holding portion 23 is relatively pulled out from the holding receiving portion 42, thereby removing the third member 4 from the first member 2 as shown in Figure 4. This removal of the third member 4 opens the end opening 25 of the first member 2, and the first separation portion 5 and the first accumulation portion 7 are opened, respectively.

[0067] Coarse dust D1 is discarded from the first collection section 7 of the first member 2 through the end opening 25 by inverting the first member 2 in a designated location such as a trash can. Fine dust D2 is discarded from the second collection section 8 of the third member 4 by inverting the third member 4, which has been removed from the first member 2, in a designated location such as a trash can.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the dust collector 1 has multiple cylindrical parts 316 constituting the second separation section 6 arranged around a reference line C approximately in the direction of the central axis of the first separation section 5, and the center of the upper end of each cylindrical part 316 is inclined to be closer to the reference line C than the center of the lower end. As a result, the vertical dimension of the second separation section 6 can be suppressed while maintaining the axial length of the second separation section 6, and the outer diameter can be suppressed, making the second separation section 6 and the second member 3 more compact. Therefore, the dust collector 1 can be made more compact without reducing the separation performance of the second separation section 6. Furthermore, since the circumference of the filter section 300 of the first separation section 5 is not shortened, filamentous dust is less likely to wrap around the filter section 300 in the first separation section 5, making maintenance of the first separation section 5 easier.

[0069] Furthermore, the inclination of the cylindrical portion 316 allows the air passage 317 surrounded by the cylindrical portion 316 to be narrowed from the upstream side to the downstream side. This allows the dust-laden air passing through the air passage 317 to be gradually compressed from the upstream side to the downstream side, ensuring sufficient airflow velocity before being introduced into the second separation section 6, thereby improving the separation performance in the second separation section 6.

[0070] In particular, by forming the second accumulation section 8 inward from the side wall section 21 that constitutes the outer wall of the first accumulation section 7 or the first separation section 5, the outer diameter of the first member 2 that forms the outer wall of the first accumulation section 7 and the first separation section 5 can be reduced, making the entire dust collector 1 more compact by slimming down the first member 2.

[0071] In this embodiment, since the diameter DI of the virtual circumscribed circle circumscribed around the cylindrical portion 316 is less than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first separation portion 5 or the first accumulation portion 7, the maximum outer diameter of the dust collector 1 is basically never larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first separation portion 5 or the first accumulation portion 7.

[0072] Furthermore, since the second accumulation section 8 is located above the first separation section 5 together with the second separation section 8, compared to a structure in which, for example, the second accumulation section is formed in the center of the first accumulation section which is located below the first separation section, the shape of the second accumulation section 8 is less affected by the structure of the first separation section 5 and the first accumulation section 7, and the second accumulation section 8 does not need to be formed in a long, narrow shape. As a result, fine dust D2 is less likely to adhere to the inner surface of the second accumulation section 8, clogging it or remaining in the waste during disposal, and odors caused by the remaining fine dust D2 can also be prevented.

[0073] Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the second accumulation section 8 is less than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first separation section 5 or the first accumulation section 7, it is possible to prevent the diameter from increasing at the location of the second accumulation section 8, making the entire dust collector 1 more compact.

[0074] By forming the cylindrical portion 316 with a gradually changing diameter, where the lower end is smaller in diameter and the upper end is larger in diameter, and by inclining the center of the upper end closer to the reference line C than the center of the lower end, it becomes possible to increase the diameter of the insertion portion 30, which is the center of airflow rotation in the first separation portion 5, and to decrease the outer diameter of the second member 3. In this configuration, the size of the outer diameter of the second member 3 is constrained by the size and position of the diameter of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 316. Therefore, by limiting the inclination of the cylindrical portion 316 to such that the outer circumferential surface on the side opposite to the reference line C is parallel to the reference line C, the outer diameter of the second member 3 can be reduced without narrowing the air passage portion 317 that carries airflow from the first separation portion 5 to the second separation portion 6. Furthermore, by forming the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 316 on the side opposite to the reference line C in a straight line, even when the cylindrical portion 316 is molded from synthetic resin, it becomes possible to remove the mold along the central axis L1, thus simplifying the mold structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0075] The second separation section 6 has an exhaust pipe section 3163 at the upper end of the cylindrical section 316, and since the central axis L1 of the cylindrical section 316 passes through the center of the lower end, which is the upstream end of the exhaust pipe section 3163, the center of airflow rotation in the second separation section 6 and the center of introduction to the exhaust side coincide. Therefore, even if the central axis L1 of the cylindrical section 316 is tilted, the airflow path to the exhaust side does not bend, and the separation performance is less likely to deteriorate.

[0076] Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area Sb at the upper end of the exhaust pipe section 3163 is larger than the cross-sectional area Sa at the lower end, pressure loss of the exhaust passing through the exhaust pipe section 3163 is less likely compared to the case where the cross-sectional area Sa is larger than the cross-sectional area Sb. In addition, when viewed in a cross-section including the central axis L2, the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe section 3163 is straight, so there are no irregularities in the air passage inside the exhaust pipe section 3163, resulting in low pressure loss due to irregularities. Therefore, pressure loss is less likely to occur in the exhaust pipe section 3163 as a whole.

[0077] Furthermore, by incorporating the dust collection device 1 described above, it becomes possible to make the vacuum cleaner 9 lighter and more compact. In particular, if the vacuum cleaner 9 is a stick-type vacuum cleaner, the dust collection device 1 can be made compact and slim, which allows for an overall slimmer design. Additionally, the light weight of the dust collection device 1 reduces the burden on the user's hand when gripping the handle 904, making cleaning easier and improving usability.

[0078] Furthermore, because the upper end of the central axis L2 of the exhaust pipe section 3163 is inclined toward the reference line C, the exhaust from the exhaust ports 3162 of each cylindrical section 316 can be concentrated toward the reference line C and collected together by the suction source 91, resulting in good suction efficiency. In particular, in the example where the central axis of the dust collector 1, which coincides with the reference line C, and the central axis of the suction source 91 are aligned, the exhaust from each exhaust port 3162 is directed directly toward the suction source 91, resulting in even better suction efficiency.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first separation section 5 and the first accumulation section 7 are composed of the first member 2, the second separation section 6 is composed of the second member 3, and the second accumulation section 8 is composed of the third member 4. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the first separation section 5, the second separation section 6, the first accumulation section 7, and the second accumulation section 8 may each be composed of one or more members.

[0080] 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]

[0081] 1. Dust collector 5 First separation section 6 Second separation section 7. First Collection Department 8. Second Accumulation Unit 9. Electric vacuum cleaner 316 Cylindrical part 3163 Exhaust tube part C reference line DI diameter L1,L2 center axis Sa,Sb cross-sectional area

Claims

1. A first separation unit that centrifugally separates dust from dust-containing air, A first collection unit is located on one side in the axial direction of the first separation unit with respect to the first separation unit, and collects the dust separated in the first separation unit, A second separation unit is located on the opposite side of the axial direction of the first separation unit, with respect to the first separation unit, and separates dust from the air that has passed through the first separation unit by centrifugal force. It comprises a second collection section located between the first separation section and the second separation section, which collects the dust separated in the second separation section, The second separation unit consists of a cylindrical section that discharges the separated dust from one end and the air from which the dust has been separated from the other end. Multiple cylindrical portions are arranged so as to surround a reference line that is in approximately the same direction as the central axis of the first separation portion. The other end of the cylindrical portion has an exhaust pipe portion that demarcates the exhaust port of the second separation portion to the downstream end and discharges air. The exhaust pipe section, when viewed in cross-section including the central axis of the exhaust pipe section, has an inner circumferential surface opposite to the reference line that is substantially parallel to the reference line and is straight, the inner circumferential surface on the reference line side slopes from one end to the other end so as to approach the reference line, the inner circumferential surface is straight from the upstream end (one end) to the downstream end (the other end), the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis is circular, and the elliptical cross-sectional area perpendicular to the reference line at the downstream end (the other end) is larger than the elliptical cross-sectional area perpendicular to the reference line at the upstream end (one end). A dust collection device characterized by the following features.

2. The outer diameter of the second accumulation section is less than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first separation section or the first accumulation section. The dust collector according to feature 1.

3. The dust collection device is provided according to claim 1 or 2. A vacuum cleaner characterized by the following features.

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