Cleaning tool set with vacuum cleaner and collection device

Abstract

To provide a technique for enabling reduction of a suction ability required for a suction source.SOLUTION: A cleaner includes: a cleaner body incorporating a suction source to generate suction force to suck dust; a suction nozzle where a suction space opened toward a floor surface to suck dust by the suction force of the suction source is formed; and a dust storage part arranged inside the suction nozzle so as to catch and store the dust flowing from the suction space to the cleaner body. The suction source is arranged to be adjacent to the connection part between the cleaner body and the suction nozzle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool set equipped with a vacuum cleaner. and Recovery device Place and is provided.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stick-type vacuum cleaner 300 shown in FIG. 18. This vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner body 310, a suction pipe 320 extending downward from the vacuum cleaner body 310, and a suction nozzle 330 connected to the lower end of the suction pipe 320. The vacuum cleaner body 310 is configured to suck dust through the suction nozzle 330 and store the sucked dust.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner body 310 includes a rectangular box-shaped housing 311. The housing 311 has a fan chamber 315 that houses a suction source 312 that generates a suction force for sucking dust, and a dust storage chamber 317 that is partitioned from the fan chamber 315 by a filter 313 and stores the dust captured by the filter 313.

[0004] When the suction source 312 operates, the suction force of the suction source 312 acts on the suction nozzle 330 through the dust storage chamber 317 and the suction pipe 320. As a result, the dust on the floor flows into the dust storage chamber 317 through the suction nozzle 330 and the suction pipe 320.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The suction pipe 320 forms a flow path for dust, but it can also create resistance to the air flowing with the dust. In other words, the longer the suction pipe 320, the greater the resistance to the air flowing into it. The suction source 312 sucks up dust from the floor surface against this resistance, so the suction source 312 is required to have a larger suction capacity to compensate for the resistance of the suction pipe 320.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that can reduce the suction capacity required of a suction source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In this disclosure Cleaning tool set The vacuum cleaner comprises a main body containing a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle having a suction space that opens towards the floor so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source, and a dust storage section provided inside the suction nozzle to capture and store dust that flows from the suction space towards the main body of the vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner and a collection device for collecting dust from the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner, It is equipped with a suction source. The suction source is located next to the connection point between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. The dust storage section has a dust outlet that is open to allow dust from the storage section to fall out. The collection device includes a collection container for storing dust, a collection source that generates a dust suction force to draw air out of the collection container, a dust duct extending from the collection container so that the dust suction force of the collection source acts on the dust in the storage section through the dust outlet, and a housing that houses the collection container, collection source, and dust duct, and is also formed to accommodate a suction nozzle. The dust duct is open in the upper wall of the housing to allow dust that falls from the dust storage section of the suction nozzle placed on the housing to enter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In the above-described technology, it is permissible to reduce the suction capacity of the suction source that generates the suction force to attract dust. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (first embodiment) [Figure 2] Cross-section of the bottom of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Perspective view of the suction nozzle [Figure 4] Bottom view of the suction nozzle [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the dust storage section [Figure 7] Perspective view of other dust storage sections [Figure 8] Perspective view of another suction nozzle [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of another suction nozzle [Figure 10] Bottom view of another suction nozzle [Figure 11] Perspective view of a cleaning tool set including a vacuum cleaner and a collection device (Second Embodiment) [Figure 12] Plan view of the collection device [Figure 13] Perspective view of the collection device [Figure 14] Perspective view of the collection container [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of the collection device [Figure 16] Perspective view of the collection device [Figure 17] Perspective view of another collection device [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view of a conventional vacuum cleaner

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of a vacuum cleaner and the like will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, for the ease of understanding of those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims by these.

[0014] <First Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 includes a substantially cylindrical vacuum cleaner body 110 having a suction source 111 that generates a suction force for sucking dust, and a suction nozzle 130 connected to the lower end (tip) of the vacuum cleaner body 110 via a connection portion 120. At the upper end (base end) of the vacuum cleaner body 110, a substantially cylindrical grip portion 150 extending in the axial direction of the vacuum cleaner body 110 is provided. The grip portion 150 is thinner than the vacuum cleaner body 110 and has a thickness that can be gripped by a user. On the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 150, an operation portion 115 that is operated by the user to instruct the operation and stop of the suction source 111 is provided.

[0015] The suction source 111 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110 has a fan motor 112 and a rotating blade section 113 that is rotated by the fan motor 112. When the rotating blade section 113 is rotated by the fan motor 112, it is configured to generate an airflow from the suction nozzle 130 toward the suction source 111.

[0016] A battery 114 is located in the upper part of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and in the internal space of the grip portion 150, and power to drive the fan motor 112 is supplied from the battery 114. In addition, a power supply circuit 116 is provided inside the vacuum cleaner body 110, which is configured to supply or stop power from the battery 114 to the fan motor 112 according to the operation of the control unit 115.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, a connecting part 120 for connecting the suction nozzle 130 to the vacuum cleaner body 110 is attached to the lower end (tip) of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The connecting part 120 has a substantially cylindrical connecting pipe section 121, the upper part of which is fitted into the vacuum cleaner body 110. In this state, the suction source 111 is located next to the upper end of the connecting pipe section 121. A gap is provided between the suction source 111 and the upper end of the connecting pipe section 121 that is large enough so that the suction source 111 and the connecting pipe section 121 do not come into contact with each other when the suction source 111 is operating. However, this gap is smaller than the size of the dust collection section 170 provided inside the suction nozzle 130 for collecting dust, in the axial direction of the connecting pipe section 121.

[0018] The connecting portion 120 further includes a rotating connecting portion 122 provided at the lower end of the connecting pipe portion 121. This rotating connecting portion 122 is connected to the suction nozzle 130 so as to allow the connecting pipe portion 121 to tilt around the tilt axis shown in Figure 1. When the connecting pipe portion 121 is fitted into the vacuum cleaner body 110, the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip portion 150 can also tilt around the tilt axis.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the suction nozzle 130 has a nozzle case 131 that is roughly C-shaped in plan view, and a nozzle cover 132 that is attached to the nozzle case 131. The nozzle case 131 has a main case portion 133 that is long in the left-right direction, a left case portion 134 that protrudes forward from the left end of the main case portion 133, and a right case portion 135 that protrudes forward from the right end of the main case portion 133. The nozzle cover 132 is a curved thin plate member that closes the upper and front parts of the space enclosed by the main case portion 133, the left case portion 134, and the right case portion 135. When the nozzle cover 132 is attached to the nozzle case 131, as shown in Figure 4, a suction space 136 enclosed by the nozzle cover 132, the main case portion 133, the left case portion 134, and the right case portion 135 is formed in the suction nozzle 130. The suction space 136 opens towards the floor, and when the suction force of the suction source 111 acts on the suction space 136, dust on the floor is drawn into the suction space 136.

[0020] A pair of left and right brush rollers 161 and 162 are provided within the suction space 136. The left brush roller 161 is rotatably cantilevered to the left case portion 134, and the right brush roller 162 is rotatably cantilevered to the right case portion 135. Each of these brush rollers 161 and 162 has a roller body 163 and a plurality of brush rows 164 planted on the outer circumferential surface of the roller body 163. The brush rollers 161 and 162 are arranged and configured such that at least a portion of these brush rows 164 are in contact with the floor surface.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the main case section 133 has three compartments 137 to 139 arranged in the left-right direction. The left compartment 137 houses a brush motor 165 for driving the left brush roller 161, and a drive belt (not shown) connecting the brush motor 165 and the brush roller 161 extends within the left compartment 137 and the left case section 134. The right compartment 138 houses a brush motor 166 for driving the right brush roller 162, and a drive belt (not shown) connecting the brush motor 166 and the brush roller 162 extends within the right compartment 138 and the right case section 135. The brush motors 165 and 166 are electrically connected to the power supply circuit 116 shown in Figure 1, and can receive power from the battery 114 through the power supply circuit 116.

[0022] A connecting section 120 is connected to the rear of the central section 139. The front of the section to which the connecting section 120 is connected is formed to accommodate a dust collection section 170 that captures and stores dust flowing from the suction space 136 toward the vacuum cleaner body 110. The dust collection section 170 is constructed separately from the suction nozzle 130, and an outlet 171 opens upward at the upper end of the central section 139 for removing the dust collection section 170 from the suction nozzle 130. In addition, openings 181 and 182 are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the central section 139, as shown in Figure 2, so that air in the suction space 136 can flow through the dust collection section 170 toward the vacuum cleaner body 110.

[0023] As shown in Figure 6, the dust storage section 170 is a box-shaped structure with a roughly cubic shape. The dust storage section 170 comprises a first case body 172 and a second case body 173 which, when combined with the first case body 172, forms a dust storage space where dust is stored. As shown in Figure 2, the first case body 172 is positioned next to the rear of the suction space 136. An inlet 174 opens in the front wall of the first case body 172, connecting the suction space 136 and the dust storage space of the dust storage section 170. The second case body 173 is connected to the rear of the first case body 172, and an outlet 175 opens in the rear wall of the second case body 173, connecting the dust storage space of the dust storage section 170 to the internal space of the connection section 120. The outlet 175 and the inlet 174 face each other in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, a dust collection filter 176 is fitted inside the second case body 173. The dust collection filter 176 is configured to allow air to pass from the suction space 136 through the connection part 120 toward the vacuum cleaner body 110, while capturing dust contained in this air.

[0024] (Vacuum cleaner operation) When the user operates the control unit 115, power from the battery 114 is supplied to the suction source 111 and brush motors 165 and 166 through the power supply circuit 116. When the suction source 111 is activated by the power from the battery 114, the suction force of the suction source 111 acts on the suction space 136 through the connection part 120 and the dust collection part 170. Inside the suction space 136, brush rollers 161 and 162, driven by brush motors 165 and 166 powered by the battery 114, rotate and scrape up dust from the floor surface. The dust scraped up by the brush rollers 161 and 162 is sucked up into the suction space 136 along with air by the suction force of the suction source 111 and flows into the dust collection part 170 through the inlet 174. The dust filter 176 of the dust collection section 170 allows air to pass from the dust collection section 170 toward the connection section 120 and the suction source 111 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110, while capturing dust contained in this air. As a result, dust accumulates inside the dust collection section 170.

[0025] After completing the cleaning procedure described above, the user can remove the dust collection unit 170 upwards from the suction nozzle 130 through the outlet 171. The user then separates the second case body 173 from the first case body 172, opening the dust collection space. This allows the user to dispose of the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 170. Since the outlet 171 opens upwards, the dust collection unit 170 will not fall out of the suction nozzle 130 through the outlet 171 during the cleaning procedure.

[0026] In the above embodiment, the dust collection unit 170 is located on the suction nozzle 130, not inside the vacuum cleaner body 110. Therefore, no space is required between the connection part 120 connecting the suction nozzle 130 to the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the suction source 111 to accommodate the dust collection unit 170, and the suction source 111 can be placed next to the connection part 120. The shorter the distance from the suction source 111 to the suction nozzle 130, the stronger the suction force acting on the suction space 136 of the suction nozzle 130. Therefore, by eliminating the space required to accommodate the dust collection unit 170 between the connection part 120 and the suction source 111, the suction force in the suction space 136 can be increased. Consequently, even if the suction capacity of the suction source 111 is somewhat low, sufficient suction force to suck up dust from the floor surface can be obtained in the suction space 136.

[0027] The dust storage section 170 shown in Figure 6 is designed to be disassembled into a first case body 172 and a second case body 173 in order to allow for the disposal of dust from within the dust storage section 170. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, a dust discharge port 177 may be provided on the upper wall of the dust storage section 170, opening upward to allow for the discharge of dust from within the dust storage section 170. In this case, a lid 178 is attached to the dust discharge port 177, which is configured to be displaceable between an open position and a closed position. Note that the dust storage section 170 in Figure 7 does not need to be disassembled into a first case body 172 and a second case body 173, as dust can be disposed of through the dust discharge port 177. That is, as shown in Figure 7, the dust storage section 170 may have a substantially cubic case body 183 instead of the first case body 172 and the second case body 173.

[0028] During cleaning, the user closes the dust outlet 177 with the lid 178. In this state, the suction force in the suction space 136 is prevented from decreasing due to air flowing into the dust storage section 170 through the dust outlet 177 by the suction force of the suction source 111. Furthermore, the user can maintain the closed state of the dust outlet 177 until the cleaning is finished and the dust storage section 170 is taken to a designated disposal location (for example, a trash can), thereby preventing dust from unintentionally leaking out of the dust storage section 170 through the dust outlet 177. After that, the user can open the lid 178 at the designated disposal location and dispose of the dust through the dust outlet 177.

[0029] The dust collection section 170 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is separate from the suction nozzle 130. However, if a dust discharge port 177 and a cover 178 are provided, the dust collection section 170 may be integrated with the suction nozzle 130, as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the dust discharge port 177 is formed to face upward when the suction nozzle 130 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 110 by the connecting part 120. When the user wants to dispose of the dust in the dust collection section 170, they should separate the suction nozzle 130 from the vacuum cleaner body 110 and take the suction nozzle 130 together to a designated disposal location. After that, the user can invert the suction nozzle 130 and open the cover 178, causing the dust in the dust collection section 170 to fall into the disposal location.

[0030] As shown in Figure 8, the dust outlet 177 opens upward, so the user needs to invert the suction nozzle 130 when disposing of dust in the dust collection section 170. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the dust outlet 177 may be formed to allow dust in the dust collection section 170 to fall out when the cover 178 is open. In Figure 9, the dust outlet 177 opens diagonally downward, and the cover 178 is in the open position, opening the dust outlet 177. The cover 178 is made of an elastically deformable plate member (for example, a rubber sheet). When an external force is applied to the cover 178, the cover 178 can be held in the open position shown in Figure 9, but when this external force is removed, the cover 178 moves in the direction of the arrow in Figure 9 due to its own restoring force, returning to the closed position that closes the dust outlet 177.

[0031] The dust storage section 170 is provided with a pivot space 179 that allows the lid 178 to be displaced between an open position and a closed position. Also, as shown in Figure 10, an opening 167 is formed in the bottom wall of the suction nozzle 130 to expose the pivot space 179 to the outside. Except for the opening 167, the pivot space 179, the lid 178, and the dust discharge port 177, the structure of the dust storage section 170 and suction nozzle 130 shown in Figures 9 and 10 is the same as the structure of the dust storage section 170 and suction nozzle 130 shown in Figure 5.

[0032] When disposing of the dust in the dust collection section 170, the user takes the suction nozzle 130, which has been separated from the vacuum cleaner body 110. The user then inserts their finger into the rotating space 179 through the opening 167 and moves the lid 178 to the open position, causing the dust in the dust collection section 170 to fall out of the suction nozzle 130 through the rotating space 179 and the opening 167.

[0033] When replacing or cleaning the dust filter 176, the user may remove the dust collection section 170 from the suction nozzle 130 through the outlet 171. After that, by separating the second case body 173 from the first case body 172, the user can access the dust filter 176.

[0034] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the dust in the dust collection section 170 is disposed of by the user themselves. Alternatively, the dust in the dust collection section 170 may be collected by the collection device 200 shown in Figure 11. The vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 11 has the dust collection section 170 and suction nozzle 130 shown in Figures 9 and 10, and together with the collection device 200, constitutes a cleaning tool set 500.

[0035] The recovery device 200 has a roughly rectangular box-shaped housing 210, and the upper wall of the housing 210 constitutes a nozzle holding section 211 on which the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed and which holds the suction nozzle 130. A positioning section 212 is provided on the nozzle holding section 211 in order to position the suction nozzle 130 at a predetermined position on the nozzle holding section 211. The positioning section 212 has a front wall section 213 that abuts against the front end of the suction nozzle 130, and a left wall 214 and a right wall 215 that are erected behind the front wall section 213 with a gap between them in the left-right direction. The gap between the left wall 214 and the right wall 215 is set so that when the suction nozzle 130 is placed on the nozzle holding section 211, the left wall 214 and the right wall 215 sandwich the suction nozzle 130 in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 12.

[0036] As shown in Figure 13, a drop-off port 216 is formed in the nozzle holding portion 211. The drop-off port 216 is positioned so that when the suction nozzle 130 is positioned by the positioning portion 212, dust discharged from the dust storage portion 170 through the dust discharge port 177, the rotation space 179, and the opening 167 can fall into the drop-off port 216.

[0037] To the left of the discharge port 216, the upper end of a roughly cylindrical container holder 230, which holds a collection container 220 into which dust that falls through the discharge port 216 is stored, is open. The collection container 220 can be inserted into the container holder 230 through the opening at the upper end of the container holder 230, which is located on the nozzle holder 211.

[0038] As shown in Figure 14, the collection container 220 is a roughly cylindrical body that is elongated vertically, and the upper and lower ends of this body are closed. On the other hand, a dust receiving port 221 is opened at the top of the peripheral wall of the collection container 220 to allow dust to enter the collection container 220, and an outlet 222 is formed below the dust receiving port 221 to allow air from inside the collection container 220 to flow out.

[0039] A dust duct 240 for flowing dust and air toward the collection container 220 is piped within the housing 210, as shown in Figure 15. The dust duct 240 forms a roughly L-shaped flow path. The dust duct 240 may have a flow path section in which dust and air flow downward or sideways from the drop-off port 216 toward the dust receiving port 221, but it does not have a flow path section in which dust and air flow upward. The upper end of the dust duct 240 is connected to the drop-off port 216. The lower end of the dust duct 240 opens into the peripheral wall of the container holding section 230 at a position that overlaps with the dust receiving port 221 of the collection container 220 housed within the container holding section 230.

[0040] Below the dust duct 240, an exhaust duct 250 is piped through which air flowing out from the outlet 222 of the collection container 220 passes. One end of the exhaust duct 250 opens into the peripheral wall of the container holding section 230 at a position overlapping the outlet 222. The other end of the exhaust duct 250 is fitted with a collection source 260 configured to generate a dust-suction force that draws air out of the collection container 220 through the exhaust duct 250. The collection source 260 may, for example, include a collection motor 261 and a rotating blade section 262 that, when rotated by the collection motor 261, generates an airflow from the collection container 220 toward the collection source 260. The dust collection force of the collection source 260 acts on the lid 178 through the exhaust duct 250, collection container 220, dust duct 240, and rotating space 179, and the collection source 260 is configured such that this dust collection force is large enough to displace the lid 178 to the open position.

[0041] A dust filter 263 is installed inside the exhaust duct 250 to capture dust contained in the airflow generated by the rotating blade section 262 of the recovery source 260. The dust filter 263 is configured to capture dust while allowing air to pass through.

[0042] (Operation of the recovery device) When the user finishes cleaning, dust has accumulated in the dust collection section 170. In order to have the dust in the dust collection section 170 collected by the collection device 200, the user places the vacuum cleaner 100 on the collection device 200, as shown in Figure 11. At this time, the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is positioned at a predetermined position on the nozzle holding section 211 by the positioning section 212 provided on the nozzle holding section 211. As a result, the dust discharge port 177 of the dust collection section 170 and the drop port 216 of the nozzle holding section 211 face each other.

[0043] When the user activates the recovery source 260, the dust collection force of the recovery source 260 acts on the lid 178 through the exhaust duct 250, recovery container 220, dust duct 240, and rotating space 179. As a result, the lid 178 is displaced to the open position, the dust discharge port 177 opens, and the dust collection force of the recovery source 260 acts to suck out the dust from the dust storage section 170 through the dust discharge port 177. At this time, since the dust discharge port 177 of the dust storage section 170 opens diagonally downward, gravity acting on the dust inside the dust storage section 170 also acts to discharge the dust from the dust storage section 170 through the dust discharge port 177. For this reason, the suction capacity required of the recovery source 260 can be reduced to some extent.

[0044] Dust that falls from the dust discharge port 177 of the dust storage unit 170 to the drop port 216 of the nozzle holding unit 211 flows into the collection container 220 along with air through the dust duct 240, which extends from the drop port 216 to the dust receiving port 221 of the collection container 220. Since the dust duct 240 does not have a flow path section in which dust flows upward, the dust can also flow towards the collection container 220 due to gravity acting on the dust. For this reason, even if the suction capacity of the collection source 260 is low, dust is less likely to clog the dust duct 240.

[0045] During the dust collection operation described above, from the dust storage unit 170 to the collection container 220, the air inside the collection container 220 is drawn out into the exhaust duct 250 by the dust collection force of the collection source 260. At this time, the dust collected in the collection container 220 may also flow into the exhaust duct 250 along with the air. However, since the exhaust duct 250 is equipped with a dust filter 263, the dust is retained by the dust filter 263 and stored in the collection container 220. On the other hand, the air can pass through the dust filter 263.

[0046] In the cleaning tool set 500 shown in Figure 11, the entire vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on top of the collection device 200. In this case, the user may find the task of collecting dust cumbersome, as they have to bear the weight of the suction source 111 and battery 114 built into the vacuum cleaner 100 when carrying the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 and attaching it to the collection device 200. However, since the dust collection section 170 is built into the suction nozzle 130 rather than the vacuum cleaner body 110, it is permissible to separate the suction nozzle 130 along with the connection part 120 from the vacuum cleaner body 110 and collect the dust in the dust collection section 170. In this case, the user can carry the suction nozzle 130 to the collection device 200 and attach it to the collection device 200 without bearing the weight of the suction source 111 and battery 114.

[0047] When attaching the suction nozzle 130 to the collection device 200, the user may plug the connecting pipe portion 121 of the connection portion 120, which is separated from the vacuum cleaner body 110 along with the suction nozzle 130. In this state, when the collection source 260 is activated, the vacuum level in the collection container 220 and the dust duct 240 increases, making it easier to collect dust from the dust storage portion 170 into the collection container 220.

[0048] Furthermore, if the suction nozzle 130 is separated from the vacuum cleaner body 110 for dust collection, the suction nozzle 130 may be attached to the collection device 200 in a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 16. In this case, it is preferable that the positioning portion 212 on the nozzle holding portion 211 is configured to firmly grip the suction nozzle 130 with the front wall portion 213, left wall portion 214, and right wall portion 215 to prevent the suction nozzle 130 from tipping over from the nozzle holding portion 211.

[0049] In the state shown in Figure 16, gravity cannot be used to collect dust, but if the suction capacity of the collection source 260 is sufficiently high, dust can be collected from the dust storage section 170 to the collection device 200.

[0050] The collection device 200 may be configured as shown in Figure 17. This collection device 200 is capable of collecting dust from the dust storage section 170 inside the suction nozzle 130 shown in Figure 8, as described below. In Figure 8, the dust storage section 170 is integrally formed with the suction nozzle 130, and the dust discharge port 177 opens upward.

[0051] The collection device 200 shown in Figure 17 does not have a drop-off port 216, and the dust duct 240 extends from the collection container 220 outside the housing 210. The dust duct 240 is flexible, and its tip is configured to be connectable to the dust discharge port 177. With the dust duct 240 configured in this way, the user can place the suction nozzle 130 around the collection device 200 and connect the dust duct 240 to the dust discharge port 177. In this case, the user does not need to position the suction nozzle 130 relative to the collection device 200, so the collection device 200 in Figure 17 also does not have a positioning part 212. Except for these points, the collection device 200 in Figure 17 has the same structure as the collection devices 200 in Figures 13 and 15.

[0052] The user places the suction nozzle 130 around the recovery device 200 and connects the end of the dust duct 240 to the dust outlet 177. In this state, when the recovery source 260 is activated, the suction force of the recovery source 260 acts on the dust in the dust storage section 170 through the recovery container 220 and the dust duct 240. As a result, the dust in the dust storage section 170 can be sucked into the recovery container 220 through the dust duct 240.

[0053] In the first and second embodiments, the suction nozzle 130 is detachable from the vacuum cleaner body 110. Alternatively, the suction nozzle 130 does not need to be detachable from the vacuum cleaner body 110. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 11, dust in the dust collection section 170 can be collected using the collection device 200.

[0054] (Effects, etc.) The vacuum cleaner 100, collection device 200, and cleaning tool set 500 according to the above embodiment have the following features and provide the following effects.

[0055] A vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle having a suction space that opens toward the floor surface so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source, and a dust collection section provided inside the suction nozzle to capture and store dust that flows from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body. The suction source is provided next to the connection between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle.

[0056] In the above configuration, when the suction source inside the vacuum cleaner body is activated, the suction force of the suction source draws dust from the floor surface into the suction space of the suction nozzle and attempts to flow towards the vacuum cleaner body. This dust is captured and stored by a dust collection section located inside the suction nozzle. Since the dust collection section is located inside the suction nozzle and not in the vacuum cleaner body, there is no need to provide a dust collection section or a dust passage that forms a path for dust to the dust collection section in the vacuum cleaner body. Therefore, the suction source can be placed next to the connection section that connects the suction nozzle and the vacuum cleaner body without providing space for the dust collection section between the connection section and the suction source. In this case, the distance from the suction source to the suction space is shortened, so the resistance to air flowing into the vacuum cleaner body through the suction space is reduced. This reduction in resistance allows for a reduction in the suction capacity of the suction source. Since the suction source does not need to have a large suction capacity, miniaturization of the suction source can be achieved.

[0057] In the above configuration, the dust collection section is formed with an inlet that is open to allow dust sucked into the suction space by the suction force of the suction source to flow in, and an outlet that is open to allow air that has flowed in with the dust through the inlet to pass through, and a dust collection filter may be attached that captures the dust that has flowed into the dust collection section from the inlet while allowing air to pass through the outlet.

[0058] In the configuration described above, dust and air drawn into the suction space by the suction force of the suction source flow into the dust collection section through the inlet and then towards the outlet. The air flowing towards the outlet passes through the dust collection filter and flows into the vacuum cleaner body, while the dust flowing towards the outlet is captured by the dust collection filter and kept in the dust collection section.

[0059] In the above configuration, the dust storage section may have a dust discharge port that opens to allow dust inside the dust storage section to be discharged.

[0060] In the above configuration, dust stored in the dust collection section can be discharged outside the dust collection section through the dust discharge port.

[0061] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a cover attached to the dust outlet that is displaceable between a closed position that closes the dust outlet and an open position that opens the dust outlet.

[0062] In the above configuration, when the lid is in the closed position, the dust outlet is closed, preventing dust from leaking out. On the other hand, when the lid is displaced to the open position, the dust outlet opens, allowing dust from inside the dust storage section to be removed through the outlet.

[0063] In the above configuration, the dust outlet may be open upwards.

[0064] In the configuration described above, the dust outlet opens upwards, so even if the lid is unintentionally displaced to the open position, the dust will remain inside the dust collection section.

[0065] In the above configuration, the connection part may be configured to connect the suction nozzle and the vacuum cleaner body with the dust outlet facing upwards, and to allow the suction nozzle to be separated from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0066] In the configuration described above, the suction nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner body with the dust outlet facing upwards, so during cleaning, dust in the dust reservoir does not fall out through the dust outlet. After cleaning, the user may detach the suction nozzle from the vacuum cleaner body to dispose of the dust accumulated in the dust reservoir. If the user inverts the suction nozzle after detaching it from the vacuum cleaner body, the dust outlet will face downwards. As a result, the dust in the dust reservoir will fall out through the dust outlet, and the dust reservoir will become empty.

[0067] In the above configuration, the dust storage unit may be formed separately from the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle may have an outlet for removing the dust storage unit from the suction nozzle.

[0068] In the configuration described above, the user can remove the dust collection unit from the suction nozzle through the outlet and discard the dust inside the dust collection unit. Afterwards, the user can also wash the dust collection unit.

[0069] In the above configuration, the outlet may be open upwards.

[0070] In the configuration described above, since the outlet opens upwards, the dust collection section will not unintentionally fall out of the outlet due to gravity.

[0071] In the above configuration, the dust storage section may have a first case body and a second case body that form a dust storage space in which dust is stored. The first case body and the second case body may be configured to be removable from the suction nozzle through the outlet while forming the dust storage space, and to be separable from each other to open the dust storage space.

[0072] In the configuration described above, the user can remove the first and second case bodies, which form a dust storage space where dust is accumulated, through the outlet via the suction nozzle. Subsequently, the user can separate the first and second case bodies from each other to release the dust storage space and dispose of the dust in the storage space.

[0073] A collection device according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner described above. The collection device comprises a collection container for storing dust, a collection source that generates a dust-suction force to draw air out of the collection container, and a dust duct extending from the collection container so that air flows into the collection container due to the dust-suction force of the collection source. The dust duct is provided so that, when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the collection device, the dust-suction force of the collection source acts on the dust in the dust storage section through the dust discharge port.

[0074] In the configuration described above, when the collection source generates a dust-suction force, the air inside the collection container is drawn out. At this time, the air outside the collection container flows into the collection container through a dust-suction duct extending from the collection container. When a vacuum cleaner is attached to the collection device configured in this way, the dust-suction force of the collection source acts on the dust inside the dust storage section through the dust duct and dust discharge port. As a result, the dust is drawn out of the dust storage section through the dust discharge port by the dust-suction force and flows into the collection container through the dust duct.

[0075] A cleaning tool set according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the vacuum cleaner described above and a collection device for collecting dust from the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner. The collection device includes a collection container for storing dust, a collection source that generates a dust-suction force to draw air from inside the collection container, and a dust duct extending from the collection container so that the dust-suction force of the collection source acts on the dust in the dust storage section through a dust outlet. [Industrial applicability]

[0076] The technology of the above-described embodiment is suitably used in devices used for cleaning work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 100...Vacuum cleaner 110...Vacuum cleaner body 111...Suction source 120·····Connection part 130·····Suction nozzle 136... Intake space 167...Aperture 170...Dust storage section 171... Outlet 172·····First Case 173·····Second case 174...Inlet 175... Outlet 176...Dust filter 177...Dust exhaust port 178·····Lid 200... Recovery device 220...Collection container 222... Outlet 260 ·····Recovery source 500 Cleaning Tool Set

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a vacuum cleaner body with a built-in suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust; a suction nozzle having a suction space that opens toward the floor surface so that dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source; and a dust collection section provided within the suction nozzle to capture and store dust that flows from the suction space toward the vacuum cleaner body, The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a collection device for collecting dust from the dust collection section, The suction source is provided next to the connection between the vacuum cleaner body and the suction nozzle. The dust storage section is provided with a dust discharge port that is open to allow dust from inside the dust storage section to fall out. The aforementioned recovery device is A collection container for storing dust, A collection source that generates a dust-suction force to draw air from inside the collection container, A dust duct extending from the collection container such that the dust suction force of the collection source acts on the dust in the dust storage section through the dust discharge port, The system comprises a housing that houses the aforementioned collection container, the aforementioned collection source, and the aforementioned dust duct, and is also formed to accommodate the aforementioned suction nozzle. A cleaning tool set wherein the dust duct is open in the upper wall of the housing to allow dust that has fallen from the dust collection section of the suction nozzle placed on the housing to enter.

2. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the dust collection section has an inlet that is open to allow dust sucked into the suction space by the suction force of the suction source to flow in, and an outlet that is open to allow air that has flowed in with the dust through the inlet to pass through, and a dust collection filter is attached that captures dust that has flowed into the dust collection section from the inlet while allowing air to pass through the outlet.

3. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, further comprising a lid attached to the dust outlet so as to be displaceable between a closed position that closes the dust outlet and an open position that opens the dust outlet.

4. The dust storage section is formed separately from the suction nozzle. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction nozzle has an outlet for removing the dust collection section from the suction nozzle.

5. The cleaning tool set according to claim 4, wherein the outlet is open upward.

6. The dust storage section has a first case body and a second case body that form a dust storage space in which dust is stored. The cleaning tool set according to claim 4, wherein the first case body and the second case body are configured to be removable from the suction nozzle through the outlet while forming the dust storage space, and are configured to be separable from each other so as to open the dust storage space.

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