Electric vacuum cleaner system

Abstract

To achieve a vacuum cleaner system which can recover dust accumulated in a vacuum cleaner by a dust recover device even in the vacuum cleaner having an extension pipe.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner system S includes: a vacuum cleaner 1 having a body part 10 having a first electric blower 14 for generating suction force, a first dust collecting part 50 for collecting dust, a suction tool 90 for sucking the dust, an extension pipe 80 for connecting the body part 10 and the suction tool 90, and a battery 15a; and a dust recover device 100 which recovers the dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 by communicating with the first dust collecting part 50 and includes a device body for housing a second dust collecting part 110 for collecting the dust and a second electric blower 120 for generating suction force and a receiving part 130 for receiving the first dust collecting part 50. While the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust recover device 100, the device body is positioned right below the first electric blower 14 and the battery 15a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, in a vacuum cleaner that generates a suction airflow and collects dust by the generated airflow, there is a vacuum cleaner body having a dust case on the main body side for collecting and storing dust, and an installation base having a dust case on the installation base side for storing dust from the dust case on the main body side. When the vacuum cleaner body is installed on the installation base, there is provided means for discharging dust in the dust case on the main body side of the vacuum cleaner body into the dust case on the installation base side. The vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 is provided with valves on each of the vacuum cleaner body and the installation base, and it is supposed that dust can be discharged from the dust case on the vacuum cleaner body side to the dust case on the installation base side by opening the valves by the airflow of the fan motor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, the vacuum cleaner disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-283327) does not have an extension tube. Therefore, in the case of a vacuum cleaner having an extension tube, there is a problem that the installation base as disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 cannot be applied as it is.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a vacuum cleaner system in which even a vacuum cleaner having an extension tube can collect dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner by a dust collection device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides an electric vacuum cleaner system comprising: an electric vacuum cleaner having a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force, a first dust collection unit where dust is collected, a suction tool for sucking up dust, an extension pipe connecting the main body and the suction tool, and a battery; and a dust collection device that collects dust from the electric vacuum cleaner by communicating with the first dust collection unit, and comprising a device body housing a second dust collection unit where dust is collected, a second electric blower that generates suction force, and a receiving unit for receiving the first dust collection unit, wherein when the electric vacuum cleaner is connected to the dust collection device, the device body is located directly below the first electric blower and the battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even with a vacuum cleaner having an extension tube, it is possible to realize a vacuum cleaner system in which dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner can be collected by a dust collection device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a right side view of an electric vacuum cleaner system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner system. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section A in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with the opening / closing mechanism in the closed position, showing a magnified view of the area near the first dust collection section. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with the opening / closing mechanism in the open position, showing a magnified view of the area near the first dust collection unit. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section B in Figure 2. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the receiving part. [Figure 8]This is a perspective view showing the state before the vacuum cleaner is placed on the dust collection device and stand that constitute the vacuum cleaner system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the dust collection device with its cover removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description will detail an electric vacuum cleaner system S according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the overall configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner system S will be outlined, and then the main parts will be described in more detail. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships in the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions will be described based on the state in which the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is erected, as shown in Figure 1.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner system S comprises a vacuum cleaner 1 and a dust collection device 100. While the vacuum cleaner system S in this embodiment includes a stand 200, the stand 200 may be included as part of the dust collection device 100. The vacuum cleaner system S is designed so that when the vacuum cleaner 1 is set on the stand 200, the dust collected by the vacuum cleaner 1 can be collected by the dust collection device 100. The configuration of the vacuum cleaner system S will be described in more detail below.

[0011] ≪Overall Configuration of Vacuum Cleaner 1≫ As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is a vacuum cleaner having a stick-like (vertical) appearance. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 can be, for example, rechargeable or powered by an external power source via a power cord. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a main body 10, a first dust collection unit 50, an extension tube 80, and a suction attachment 90.

[0012] The main body 10 forms the main body of the vacuum cleaner 1 and is the part that exerts suction power to collect dust. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the main body 10 is housed inside the main body case 12 and includes a drive circuit that drives a first electric blower 14 for drawing in air and generating airflow, as well as other components.

[0013] The main body 10 also includes a gripping section 16 and a battery housing section 15 in which a battery 15a is housed. The gripping section 16 is a part provided for the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 to grip the main body 10. That is, the vacuum cleaner 1 is configured so that the user can grip the main body 10 by, for example, putting their fingers (excluding their thumb) through the opening formed by the gripping section 16. The main body 10 has an exhaust port on the gripping section 16 side for discharging air discharged from the first electric blower 14. The lower end of the main body 10 is also provided with a suction port 38y for connecting an extension tube 80 or a suction attachment 90. The main body 10 has a cylindrical section with a suction port 38y at one end and an exhaust port that communicates with the inlet of the first dust collection section 50. The battery housing section 15 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 10, and is aligned with the gripping section 16. In other words, the first electric blower 14 and the battery housing 15 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 10.

[0014] The first dust collection section 50 is the part that collects dust and debris sucked up by the vacuum cleaner 1. The first dust collection section 50 is provided so as to be continuous with the main body 10. Specifically, the first dust collection section 50 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 10, and is aligned with the cylindrical section. The first dust collection section 50 has a characteristic configuration in the vacuum cleaner 1, so its specific structure will be described in detail later.

[0015] The extension pipe 80 is a cylindrical member that detachably connects the main body 10 and the suction tool 90. One end of the extension pipe 80 is shaped so that it can be inserted into the suction port 38y provided in the main body 10, and the other end is shaped so that it can be connected to the suction tool 90. By connecting the main body 10 and the suction tool 90 via the extension pipe 80, a series of connected paths (air ducts) from the suction tool 90 to the main body 10 can be formed.

[0016] The suction tool 90 is directly or indirectly connected to the suction port 38y of the main body 10. The suction tool 90 has a suction port 92 and a joint portion 94. The suction port 92 opens toward the bottom surface. Also, the joint portion 94 is configured to be connectable to the suction port 38y or the extension pipe 80. Regarding the suction tool 90 as well, characteristic parts will be described in detail later.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner 1 generally has the configuration as described above. The vacuum cleaner 1 has a characteristic structure in the first dust collection part 50. Hereinafter, the structure of the first dust collection part 50 will be described in more detail.

[0018] ≪Regarding the configuration of the first dust collection part 50≫ Hereinafter, the first dust collection part 50 will be described in detail while referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 and the like. The first dust collection part 50 is detachably provided with respect to the main body 10. The first dust collection part 50 is a so-called cyclone type dust collection device. That is, the first dust collection part 50 introduces the air sucked by operating the first electric blower 14 into the first dust collection container 52, forms a swirling airflow in the first dust collection container 52, and then can collect the dust contained in the air in the process of discharging the air. Also, the first dust collection part 50 can adopt a so-called single-stage or multi-stage separation method, but in this embodiment, a single-stage separation method is adopted.

[0019] The first dust collection unit 50 has a first dust collection container 52 and a structure 54, with a space 56 formed between them. The first dust collection unit 50 is capable of forming a swirling airflow that circulates between the structure 54 and the first dust collection container 52 when air is introduced into the space 56. The first dust collection unit 50 is detachably attached to the main body 10 at a position below the first electric blower 14.

[0020] The first dust collection container 52 is a container for accumulating dust inside. The first dust collection container 52 is a hollow cylindrical body. Thus, the first dust collection unit 50 is equipped with a first dust collection chamber 52a that forms a space 56 inside the first dust collection container 52. The first dust collection container 52 is open on one side in the axial direction. The first dust collection container 52 also has a waste port 52b, an opening / closing part 52c, and an inclined part 52d on the lower end side of the first dust collection chamber 52a.

[0021] The first dust collection container 52 has a waste port 52 on the other side in the axial direction. The waste port 52b is an opening that allows dust to be discharged from the first dust collection chamber 52a. The waste port 52b is open at the lower end of the first dust collection chamber 52a. The opening / closing part 52c can close the waste port 52b at the bottom of the first dust collection chamber 52a. Therefore, when the opening / closing part 52c is in the open state, dust accumulated in the first dust collection chamber 52a can be discharged through the waste port 52b. An example of the opening / closing part 52c is a lid or a valve. The opening / closing part 52c is connected to the first dust collection chamber 52a (the outer cylinder constituting the first dust collection container 52) so as to be rotatable about the pivot axis 52e. The opening / closing part 52c has a contact portion 52f in the region on one side of the pivot axis 52e and a closing portion 52g in the region on the other side.

[0022] The contact portion 52f is the portion to which the contact portion 152 provided on the receiving portion 130, which will be described in detail later, can make contact. The closing portion 52g is the portion that closes the waste port 52b. The opening / closing portion 52c is biased by a biasing member 52h (a torsion spring in this embodiment) in the portion on the contact portion 52f side of the pivot shaft 52e. This biases the closing portion 52g in the direction of closing the waste port 52b. Furthermore, by applying a force to the contact portion 52f in the opposite direction to the biasing force by the biasing member 52h, such as by bringing the contact portion 152 into contact with the contact portion 52f, the opening / closing portion 52c can be rotated so that the closing portion 52g moves away from the waste port 52b, thereby opening the waste port 52b. The waste port 52b is an opening perpendicular to the axial direction of the first dust collection container 52, but it may also be an opening inclined with respect to the axial direction of the first dust collection container 52. For example, the opening of the waste port 52 may be inclined toward one side or the other side of the axial direction of the first dust collection container 52 as it moves away from the pivot axis 52e. This makes it easier for the dust in the first dust collection chamber 52a to clump together, thus making it easier for the dust collection device 100 to suck it up.

[0023] Furthermore, the inclined section 52d is provided on the side of the first dust collection chamber 52a facing the waste port 52b. The inclined section 52d is inclined so as to have a downward slope toward the waste port 52b.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the structure 54 is a component located inside the first dust collection container 52. The structure 54 is a component that forms a space 56 through which air flows between it and the first dust collection container 52 (outer cylinder). The structure 54 is located at the axial center of the first dust collection container 52. The structure 54 has a height that extends from the opening / closing section 52c, which forms the bottom of the first dust collection container 52, to its upper end. The structure 54 has an inner cylinder 60, a discharge section 62, and a receiving section 64.

[0025] The inner cylinder 60 is a portion that extends axially from the discharge section 62 to the waste port 52b of the first dust collection container 52. The inner cylinder 60 is positioned at the axial center of the first dust collection container 52. The inner cylinder 60 is, for example, axial or cylindrical (cylindrical in this embodiment). When the opening / closing section 52c is closed, the lower end of the inner cylinder 60 abuts against the opening / closing section 52c of the first dust collection container 52. The diameter of the inner cylinder 60 may decrease towards the lower end.

[0026] The dust collection partition 68 is a portion that expands in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the first dust collection container 52 (radially outward) and extends toward the axial direction of the first dust collection container 52. The dust collection partition 68 is a portion that guides the air flowing in from the inlet provided in the first dust collection container 52.

[0027] The discharge section 62 is the part that discharges the air that has flowed into the space 56. The discharge section 62 is located adjacent to the inner cylinder 60 on the axially upward side. The discharge section 62 has a number of openings 74 around its circumference. The openings 74 are provided around almost the entire circumference of the discharge section 62. The discharge section 62 may also be a mesh filter.

[0028] The receiving section 64 is positioned away from the bottom side (upwards) of the first dust collection container 52 relative to the discharge section 62 described above. The receiving section 64 is equipped with a receiving section filter 64a. This allows the receiving section filter 64a to capture dust contained in the air that flows into the inside of the cylindrical discharge section 62 through the opening 74.

[0029] Regarding the dust collection device 100: As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the dust collection device 100 is positioned on the rear side of the support column 202 that constitutes the stand 200. The dust collection device 100 collects dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 by communicating with the first dust collection unit 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1. The dust collection device 100 comprises a device body including a second dust collection unit 110 and a second electric blower 120, as well as a receiving unit 130. Preferably, with the vacuum cleaner 1 connected to the dust collection device 100, the device body of the dust collection device 100 is positioned directly below at least one of the electric blower 14 and the battery 15a. This makes it possible to utilize the space on the rear side of the support column 202 and below the vacuum cleaner 1. Furthermore, the dust collection device 100 is configured such that the receiving part 130 is provided with a space 132 and a support part 134, and the receiving part 130 and the second dust collection part 110 are connected via a communication part 136. In addition, the dust collection device 100 is equipped with an opening means 150 for opening the first dust collection part 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 by placing the first dust collection part 50 in the receiving part 130. As a result, the dust collection device 100 is configured to open the first dust collection part 50 and apply the suction force generated by the operation of the second electric blower 120, thereby collecting dust from the first dust collection part 50 to the second dust collection part 110 via the communication part 136. The configuration of each part will be described in more detail below.

[0030] The second dust collection unit 110 is the part that collects dust sucked in from the first dust collection unit 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1. The second dust collection unit 110 can be a unit that collects dust directly inside, or a cyclone-type dust collection unit like the first dust collection unit 50, but in this embodiment, a paper bag is attached to collect the dust inside the paper bag (a so-called "paper bag type" unit). As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the second dust collection unit 110 has a second dust collection container 112 and a connecting part 114.

[0031] The second dust collection container 112 is a hollow container having a second dust collection chamber 112a inside. Inside the second dust collection container 112, there is a paper pack fixing section 112b for securing and fixing a backing provided at the connection point of a dust collection paper pack (not shown). Furthermore, on the surface constituting the second dust collection container 112 (the circumferential surface in this embodiment), a communication hole 112c is provided at a position corresponding to the opening in the backing of the paper pack when the paper pack is attached to the paper pack fixing section 112b. The second dust collection container 112 can be opened and closed by attaching and detaching a lid 112d. Therefore, by removing the lid 112d, placing the paper pack inside the second dust collection chamber 112a, and fixing the backing of the paper pack to the paper pack fixing section 112b, the opening of the paper pack and the communication hole 112c can be connected. Furthermore, among the surfaces constituting the second dust collection container 112 (the bottom surface in this embodiment), a ventilation hole 112e is provided on the surface that separates it from the second motor housing chamber 140 (blower arrangement space) in which the second electric blower 120 is housed.

[0032] The connecting section 114 has a receiving port 114a and a connecting passage 114b. The receiving port 114a is the part to which the pipe section 136b, which forms a communication section 136 connecting the receiving section 130 and the second dust collection section 110, is connected. The connecting passage 114b is a passage that connects the receiving port 114a and the communication hole 112c provided in the second dust collection container 112, allowing air and dust to pass through.

[0033] The second electric blower 120 is capable of generating suction force as it operates. The second electric blower 120 is located in the second motor housing chamber 140, which is in communication with the second dust collection container 112 of the second dust collection unit 110 via a ventilation hole 112e. The second electric blower 120 can be positioned and installed in any way that is appropriate, as long as it can apply suction force to the second dust collection container 112. In this embodiment, considering that vibration tends to occur in the radial direction of the motor of the second electric blower 120 as it operates, and that the second motor housing chamber 140 is located on the bottom side of the dust collection device 100, the motor of the second electric blower 120 is positioned so that its rotation axis faces vertically in order to suppress the generation of vibration noise at the contact point between the main body of the dust collection device 100 and the floor where it is located. The support column 602 is the part that engages with and supports the extension pipe 80 connected to the suction device 70. Specifically, the support column 602 can support the extension pipe 80 by engaging with the engaged portion of the extension pipe 80 located on the suction device 80 side with the engaging portion 104 provided at the upper end or a position lower than the upper end.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the receiving portion 130 receives the first dust collection unit 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1. Specifically, the receiving portion 130 has a recess 130a for the first dust collection unit formed to fit the lower end portion of the first dust collection unit 50. Also, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the receiving portion 130 has a recess 130b for an extension pipe formed to fit or abut against a part of the circumference of the cylindrical portion of the main body 10 that has the suction port 38y. Preferably, the cylindrical portion of the main body 10 has a stepped shape, and the receiving portion 130 may support the stepped surface 10a from below. The extension pipe recess 130b may be fitted or abut against a part of the circumference of the extension pipe 80. Furthermore, the receiving portion 130 is provided with an opening means 150.

[0035] The opening mechanism 150 is for opening the first dust collection chamber 52a of the first dust collection unit 50. The opening mechanism 150 can be structurally (mechanically) opened by rotating the opening / closing part 52c provided on the first dust collection unit 50. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, when the first dust collection unit 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for the first dust collection unit, the contact part 152 that protrudes in a projection shape is provided to function as the opening mechanism 150 at the position where the contact part 52f of the opening / closing part 52c arrives. When the first dust collection unit 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for the first dust collection unit, the contact part 152 comes into contact with the contact part 52f on the first dust collection unit 50 side. By fitting the first dust collection unit 50 into the recess 130a for the first dust collection unit, a pressing force is applied from the contact portion 152 to the contacted portion 52f in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the biasing member 52h, causing the opening / closing portion 52c to rotate around the pivot axis 52e and open. On the other hand, when the fitting of the two is released by removing the first dust collection unit 50 from the recess 130a for the first dust collection unit, the pressing force that was acting from the contact portion 152 to the contacted portion 52f is released. Accordingly, the opening / closing portion 52c returns to the closed state due to the biasing force of the biasing member 52h. In addition, the opening / closing portion 52c may be configured to lock with the first dust collection container 52 when it returns to the closed state.

[0036] Furthermore, the space 132 provided in the receiving portion 130 is formed in a position relative to the recess 130a for the first dust collection portion, in the opening direction (downward in this embodiment) of the opening portion 52c, which is opened when the first dust collection portion 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for the first dust collection portion. As a result, the opening portion 52c can open and close smoothly without interfering with the receiving portion 130.

[0037] Furthermore, the receiving portion 130 is provided with a support portion 134, and the opening / closing portion 52c, which is in an open state when the first dust collection portion 50 is fitted into the recess 130a for the first dust collection portion, can be supported by the support portion 134. In this embodiment, when the opening / closing portion 52c is in the open state, the opening / closing portion 52c becomes inclined. Therefore, the support portion 134 is formed in an inclined state so as to follow the opening / closing portion 52c in the open state.

[0038] The receiving section 130 is connected to the second dust collection section 110 via the connecting section 136, enabling dust to be sucked from the first dust collection section 50. The connecting section 136 has a connecting port 136a that communicates with the recess 130a for the first dust collection section, and a pipe section 136b connected to the connecting port 136a. The pipe section 136b is made of a hose or pipe (in this embodiment, a pipe). The connecting section 136 communicates with the first dust collection section 50, which is in an open state when fitted into the recess 130a for the first dust collection section of the receiving section 130. The connecting section 136 is formed such that the distance between the open / closed section 52c and the inner wall of the connecting section 136 narrows as it moves downstream in the dust suction direction from the first dust collection section 50 to the second dust collection section 110. Furthermore, the part of the pipe section 136b opposite to the side connected to the communication port 136a is connected to a receiving port 114a provided on the connection port 114 of the second dust collection section 110. As a result, the receiving section 130 is supported by the pipe section 136b above the second dust collection section 110. Therefore, by fitting the first dust collection section 50 into the recess 130a for the first dust collection section of the receiving section 130, the vacuum cleaner 1 is supported by the pipe section 136b via the receiving section 130. In addition, the pipe section 136b is aligned with the extension pipe 80 which is fitted into the recess 130b for the extension pipe of the receiving section 130. Therefore, by positioning the suction device 90 connected to the tip of the extension pipe 80 on the stand 200 and fitting the first dust collection unit 50 into the receiving unit 130, the vacuum cleaner 1 is stably supported by the extension pipe 80 and pipe section 136b which are arranged side by side.

[0039] Regarding the control of the vacuum cleaner system S: The vacuum cleaner system S can be configured such that the dust collection device 100 starts operating when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100. Alternatively, the dust collection device 100 may start suction operation when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100 and the vacuum cleaner 1 touches a switch provided on the stand 200, which turns ON. In another configuration, the stand 200 may have a charging mechanism, and the dust collection device 100 may start suction operation when it detects that power is supplied between the stand 200 and the vacuum cleaner 1. In this case, in addition to the wiring for charging, the power supply terminals of the stand 200 and the control unit may be wired separately for detecting power supply. ≪Variations≫ The vacuum cleaner system S of this embodiment has the configuration described above, but it can be modified to differ from the above without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the first dust collection unit 50 is fitted into the receiving unit 130 so that the contact unit 152 naturally comes into contact with the contact unit 52f, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0040] Specifically, it is possible to provide an operating unit for operating either or both of the contacted portion 52f and the contacting portion 152, so that the two come into contact when the operating unit is operated. In this case, the operating unit is preferably provided in either the vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 together with a component that is operated by the operation of the operating unit. More specifically, it is preferable to configure the contacting portion 152 as movable, so that the contacting portion 152 can come into contact with the contacted portion 52f when the operating unit is operated. This allows the user of the vacuum cleaner system S to open the closure portion 52g or transfer dust from the first dust collection portion 50 to the second dust collection portion 110 at a desired timing.

[0041] Furthermore, if the contact portion 152 is movable, the contact portion 152 (opening means 150) may be provided on the first dust collection portion 50 side. For example, the contact portion 152 may be, for example, shaft-shaped, and the contact portion 152 may push against the closing portion 52g from the inside of the first dust collection container 52, thereby opening the closing portion 52g. In this case, the position where the contact portion 152 contacts the closing portion 52g is the contacted portion 52f1 (not shown). Preferably, the contact portion 152 is configured to push the contacted portion 52f1 at a position in the closing portion 52g that is further away from the pivot axis 52e than the axial center of the first dust collection container 52. If there is a locking structure that locks the closing portion 52g with the first dust collection container 52 in the closed state, it is preferable that the contact portion 152 pushes on the side of the locking structure that is closer to the pivot axis 52e. Alternatively, an opening may be provided in the closure portion 52g, and a valve or cover may be rotatably attached to the closure portion 52g so that the opening can be opened and closed. In this case, regardless of whether it is movable or not, the aforementioned valve or cover can be opened mechanically by the contact portion 152 and the contacted portions 52f, 52f1.

[0042] Furthermore, although the dust collection device 100 is configured in which the device body and the receiving part 130 are connected by a pipe section 136b, it is not limited to this configuration. The device body can also be configured to have the receiving part 130, and the device body can be extended together with the connecting passage 114b to a height where the first dust collection unit 50 fits into the receiving part 130 which is connected to the connecting passage 114b. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the pipe section 136b separately.

[0043] Furthermore, although the first dust collection unit 50 was configured to open at the bottom of the first dust collection container 52, the waste port may also be formed by opening the side. Even in this case, it is sufficient that the receiving part 130 receives from the waste port side of the first dust collection container 52, and the opening / closing part 52c can be opened diagonally or horizontally by rotation.

[0044] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 has been described as being connected to the dust collection device 100 with the main body 10 and the suction attachment 90 connected by an extension pipe 80, but it is not limited to this. The vacuum cleaner 1 may also be connected to the dust collection device 100 with the suction attachment 90 attached to the suction port 38y of the main body 10.

[0045] Regarding the effects and benefits obtained from the configuration of vacuum cleaner 1: The effects and other aspects obtained by the above-described vacuum cleaner system S will be explained below for each aspect of the present invention.

[0046] [Regarding the vacuum cleaner according to the first aspect of the present invention] (1-1) The first aspect of the present invention relates to an electric vacuum cleaner system S comprising an electric vacuum cleaner 1 having a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force, and a first dust collection unit 50 where dust is collected, and a dust collection device 100 that collects dust from the electric vacuum cleaner 1 by communicating with the first dust collection unit 50, and comprising a second dust collection unit 110 where dust is collected, and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force, wherein the first dust collection unit 50 has a first dust collection chamber 52a where dust accumulates, and an opening / closing unit 52c that can open and close the first dust collection chamber 52a by rotation, and the electric vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 is characterized in that it comprises an opening means 150 that opens the opening / closing unit 52c.

[0047] The vacuum cleaner system S includes a vacuum cleaner 1, a dust collection device 100, and an opening mechanism 150. The opening mechanism 150 allows the opening mechanism S to rotate the opening / closing part 52c provided on the first dust collection section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1, opening it and opening the first dust collection chamber 52a. Furthermore, the dust collection device 100 in the vacuum cleaner system S includes a second dust collection section 110 and a second electric blower 120. Therefore, with the first dust collection chamber 52a provided on the first dust collection section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 open, the dust collection device S can collect dust into the second dust collection section 110 of the dust collection device 100, which is connected to the first dust collection section 50, by operating the second electric blower 120 of the dust collection device 100. Thus, with the above configuration, a vacuum cleaner system S that can easily collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 can be realized.

[0048] (1-2) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described above is preferably characterized in that the opening means 150 structurally opens the opening / closing part 52c.

[0049] Because the vacuum cleaner system S has this configuration, it has advantages such as being less prone to malfunctions and failures due to, for example, the accumulation of dust, and not requiring operation control, compared to the case where the opening means 150 is electrically operated.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner system S structurally opens the opening / closing section 52c using the opening means 150, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the opening means 150 may be electrically operated. In such a configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S should take measures to prevent malfunction or failure of the opening means 150 due to dust accumulation or other reasons.

[0051] (1-3) The vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-1) and (1-2) above is characterized in that one side of the dust collection device 100 and the vacuum cleaner 1 has a contact portion 152 as an opening means 150, and the other side has a contacted portion (contacted portions 52f, 52f1), and the opening / closing portion 52c opens when the contact portion 152 contacts the contacted portion.

[0052] Because the vacuum cleaner system S is configured in this way, by positioning the vacuum cleaner 1 relative to the dust collection device 100 so that the contact portion 152 and the contacted portion come into contact, the opening means 150 can open the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0053] (1-4) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-3) above is characterized in that when the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100, the contact portion 152 comes into contact with the contacted portion 52f.

[0054] Because the vacuum cleaner system S is configured in this way, by connecting the vacuum cleaner 1 to the dust collection device 100, the contact portion 152 automatically comes into contact with the contacted portion 52f, and the opening / closing portion 52c can be opened. As a result, the vacuum cleaner system S does not require any separate operation to open the opening / closing portion 52c, and is therefore superior in terms of convenience.

[0055] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the contact portion 152 comes into contact with the contacted portion 52f when the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the dust collection device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vacuum cleaner system S may be configured so that the contact portion 152 comes into contact with the contacted portion 52f through intentional operation by the user. This makes it possible for the opening / closing portion 52c to be opened according to the user's intention.

[0056] (1-5) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-3) above may have an operating unit that moves the contact portion 152 so that the contact portion 152 and the contacted portion 52f come into contact.

[0057] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can open the opening / closing part 52c by bringing the contact part 152 and the contacted part 52f into contact by operating the control unit. As a result, the vacuum cleaner system S can open the opening / closing part 52c according to the user's intention.

[0058] (1-6) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-5) above is characterized in that the operating unit is provided on either the electric vacuum cleaner 1 or the dust collection device 100 together with a component that is operated by the operation of the operating unit.

[0059] By having this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can open the opening / closing part 52c by bringing the contact part 152 and the contacted part 52f into contact with each other through the operation of the control unit.

[0060] (1-7) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-1) to (1-6) above is characterized in that the dust collection device 100 is equipped with a receiving part 130 for receiving the first dust collection unit 50, and the receiving part 130 has an opening means 150.

[0061] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S in this way, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be positioned so that the first dust collection unit 50 is received by the receiving unit 130, thereby enabling the opening / closing unit 52c to be opened by the opening means 150.

[0062] (1-8) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-1) to (1-7) above is preferably characterized in that the dust collection device 100 has a space 132 that accepts the open / closed part 52c in the open state.

[0063] By having this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can suppress interference between the receiving part 130 and the opening / closing part 52c, thereby enabling the opening / closing part 52c to be in the open state.

[0064] (1-9) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-1) to (1-8) above is characterized in that the dust collection device 100 has a support part 134 that supports an opening / closing part 52c that is opened in an oblique, vertical, or horizontal direction.

[0065] By having this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can support the open / closed section 52c with the support section 134, thereby stabilizing the support section 134. In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the open / closed section 52c opens diagonally, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the open / closed section 52c may open vertically or horizontally. Furthermore, even when the open / closed section 52c opens vertically or horizontally, it is preferable to provide a support section that can support the open / closed section 52c in the same way as the support section 134 described above.

[0066] (1-10) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-1) to (1-9) above is characterized in that the dust collection device 100 has a communication section 136 that communicates with the first dust collection section 50 so that dust can be sucked from the second dust collection section 110, and the distance between the open / closed section 52c and the inner wall of the communication section 136 narrows as it moves downstream (towards the second dust collection section 110) in the direction of dust suction by the dust collection device 100.

[0067] By having this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can exert sufficient suction force in the direction from the first dust collection unit 50 to the second dust collection unit 110, while ensuring a sufficiently large opening for receiving dust on the first dust collection unit 50 side (1 - upstream side in the dust suction direction). As a result, dust accumulated in the first dust collection unit 50 can be received with sufficient opening and sucked up with sufficient suction force.

[0068] In this embodiment, an example was shown in which the distance between the open / closed section 52c and the inner wall of the connecting section 136 narrows as it moves downstream in the direction of dust suction by the dust collection device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connecting section 136 may have an opening width sufficient to receive dust, while a narrowing section with a smaller passage cross-sectional area may be provided in the middle of the connecting section 136 to achieve a similar effect.

[0069] (1-11) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-1) to (1-10) above is characterized in that the dust collection device 100 is equipped with a pipe section 136b that communicates with the first dust collection section 50.

[0070] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S in this way, the pipe section 136b can be set to match the position of the first dust collection section 50, thereby enabling the dust discharged from the first dust collection section 50 to be collected in the second dust collection section 110.

[0071] (1-12) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-3) to (1-6) above is characterized in that the dust collection device 100 has a contact portion 152 as an opening means 150, the opening / closing portion 52c is rotatable about a pivot axis 52e, has a contact portion 52f that the contact portion 152 can contact in a region on one side of the pivot axis 52e, and has a closing portion 52g that closes the first dust collection chamber 52a in a region on the other side of the pivot axis 52e, and when the contact portion 152 contacts the contact portion 52f, the closing portion 52g rotates away from the first dust collection chamber 52a and becomes open.

[0072] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can open and close the opening means 150 by lever principle, using the pivot shaft 52e as the fulcrum and the point where the contact portion 152 contacts the contacted portion 52f as the point of application. Therefore, as illustrated in the above embodiment, the closing portion 52g can be rotated without applying an excessively large force to the contacted portion 52f.

[0073] (1-13) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (1-1) to (1-12) above is characterized in that the first dust collection unit 50 has an inclined portion 52d that is inclined toward the opening (disposal port 52b) of the first dust collection chamber 52a which is opened and closed by the opening / closing portion 52c.

[0074] By having this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can smoothly move the dust accumulated inside the first dust collection chamber 52a toward the waste outlet 52b for disposal. In this embodiment, an example with an inclined section 52d is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and in cases where dust can be smoothly discharged without providing an inclined section 52d, the system may be configured without an inclined section 52d.

[0075] [Regarding a vacuum cleaner according to a second aspect of the present invention] Here, the vacuum cleaner disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-283327) does not have an extension tube 80. Therefore, if the vacuum cleaner has an extension tube 80, there is a problem in that the mounting stand disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied as is.

[0076] Therefore, the present invention, in its second embodiment, aims to realize a vacuum cleaner system in which dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner can be collected by a dust collection device, even if the vacuum cleaner has an extension tube.

[0077] (2-1) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of this embodiment, provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises an electric vacuum cleaner 1 having a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force, a first dust collection unit 50 where dust is collected, a suction tool 90 for sucking up dust, and an extension pipe 80 connecting the main body 10 and the suction tool 90; and a dust collection device 100 that collects dust from the electric vacuum cleaner 1 by communicating with the first dust collection unit 50, and comprises a second dust collection unit 110 where dust is collected, and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force, wherein the dust collection device 100 is in communication with the first dust collection unit 50 via a pipe 136b.

[0078] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner system S allows the first dust collection unit 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 and the dust collection device 100 to communicate via the pipe section 136b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner system S can collect dust accumulated in the first dust collection unit 50 into the second dust collection unit 110 by operating the second electric blower 120 of the dust collection device 100 while the first dust collection unit 50 and the dust collection device 100 are connected. Accordingly, with the above configuration, even if the vacuum cleaner 1 has an extension pipe 80, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner system S that can collect dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner 1 in the dust collection device 100.

[0079] (2-2) The above-described vacuum cleaner system S is preferably characterized in that the vacuum cleaner 1 is supported by the dust collection device 100 such that the pipe section 136b is aligned with the extension pipe 80.

[0080] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can collect dust accumulated in the first dust collection section 50 of the vacuum cleaner 1 into the second dust collection section 110 of the dust collection device 100 while the vacuum cleaner 1 is in a stable state supported by the extension pipe 80 and the pipe section 136b.

[0081] (2-3) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (2-1) to (2-2) above is characterized in that the dust collection device 100 is equipped with a receiving portion 130 for receiving the first dust collection portion 50, and the first dust collection portion 50 is supported by a pipe portion 136b via the receiving portion 130.

[0082] By having this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can receive the first dust collection unit 50 at the receiving unit 130, while the vacuum cleaner 1 is supported by the pipe unit 136b at the position where the first dust collection unit 50 is located.

[0083] (2-4) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (2-1) to (2-3) above is characterized in that, when the dust collection device 100 is in communication with the first dust collection unit 50, the second electric blower 120 is positioned closer to the floor surface than the first dust collection unit 50 in the direction of gravity.

[0084] By adopting this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can set its center of gravity close to the floor. As a result, the vacuum cleaner system S can be positioned stably even if vibrations are generated by the operation of the second electric blower 120.

[0085] (2-5) The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (2-1) to (2-4) above is characterized in that the dust collection device 100 comprises a device body housing a second dust collection unit 110 and a second electric blower 120, and the electric vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a battery 15a, the device body being located directly below at least one of the first electric blower 14 and the battery 15a.

[0086] By adopting this configuration, the electric vacuum cleaner system S can utilize the space below the electric vacuum cleaner 1.

[0087] (3-1) The electric vacuum cleaner system S of this embodiment, provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises an electric vacuum cleaner having a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force, a first dust collection unit 50 where dust is collected, a suction tool 90 for sucking up dust, and an extension pipe 80 connecting the main body 10 and the suction tool 90, and a dust collection device 100 for collecting dust from the electric vacuum cleaner 1 by communicating with the first dust collection unit 50, the dust collection device 100 comprising a second dust collection unit 110 where dust is collected and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force, wherein the dust collection device 100 supports at least one of the extension pipe 80 and the main body 10 and the first dust collection unit 50.

[0088] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner system S can stably support the vacuum cleaner 1 because the dust collection device 100 supports at least one of the extension pipe 80 and the main body 10, as well as the first dust collection unit 50. Furthermore, by operating the second electric blower 120 of the dust collection device 100 while the first dust collection unit 50 and the dust collection device 100 are in communication, dust accumulated in the first dust collection unit 50 can be collected in the second dust collection unit 110. Therefore, with the above configuration, even if the vacuum cleaner 1 has an extension pipe 80, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner system S in which dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner 1 can be collected by the dust collection device 100.

[0089] The electric vacuum cleaner system S described in (3-1) above is preferably characterized in that the dust collection device 100 supports the extension pipe 80 on the side closer to the suction tool 90 compared to the main body 10.

[0090] By adopting this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can support the vacuum cleaner 1 more stably.

[0091] Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner systems S described in (3-1) and (3-2) above are characterized in that the dust collection device 100 supports a cylindrical part of the main body 10 that has a suction port 38y.

[0092] By adopting this configuration, the vacuum cleaner system S can support the vacuum cleaner 1 more stably.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and other embodiments may be possible in the spirit and teachings thereof, without departing from the scope of the claims. The components of the embodiments described above may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the invention, or any component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to obtain rights for these as well in amendments or divisional applications of this application. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] The present invention can be suitably used in electric vacuum cleaners in general. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1: Electric vacuum cleaner 10: Main body 14:First electric blower 50:First dust collection section 52a: First dust collection room 52b: Disposal port 52c: Opening / closing part 52d: Inclined part 52e: Rotary shaft 52f: Abutted part 52g:Occluded area 80: Extension tube 90: Suction device 100: Dust collection device 110:Second dust collection section 120:Second electric blower 130: Receiving Department 132: Space part 134: Support part 136:Communication section 136b: Pipe section 150: Opening means 152: Contact part S: Electric Vacuum Cleaner System

Claims

1. An electric vacuum cleaner comprising a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force, a first dust collection unit where dust is collected, a suction tool for sucking up dust, an extension tube connecting the main body and the suction tool, and a battery. A dust collection device that communicates with the first dust collection unit to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body housing a second dust collection unit from which dust is collected and a second electric blower that generates suction force, a receiving part for receiving the first dust collection unit, and an engaging part, The extension tube has an engaging portion that is positioned on the suction device side, With the electric vacuum cleaner in a stick configuration, where one end of the extension tube is connected to the suction port of the main body and the suction tool is connected to the other end of the extension tube, connected to the dust collection device, the main body of the device is located directly below the first electric blower and the battery. A vacuum cleaner system characterized in that, when the receiving portion receives the first dust collection portion and the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, the dust collection device supports the vacuum cleaner at two locations: the receiving portion receiving the first dust collection portion and the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

2. The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body portion has a battery housing portion in which the battery is housed, and a gripping portion that is aligned with the battery housing portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body portion.

3. The main body includes a battery housing in which the battery is housed, The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first electric blower is aligned with the battery housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body.

4. The vacuum cleaner system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the dust collection device is in communication with the first dust collection unit, the second electric blower is positioned closer to the floor surface in the direction of gravity compared to the first dust collection unit.

5. An electric vacuum cleaner comprising a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force, a first dust collection unit where dust is collected, a suction tool for sucking up dust, an extension tube connecting the main body and the suction tool, and a battery. A dust collection device that communicates with the first dust collection unit to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body housing a second dust collection unit from which dust is collected and a second electric blower that generates suction force, a receiving part for receiving the first dust collection unit, and an engaging part, The extension tube has an engaging portion that is positioned on the suction device side, With the electric vacuum cleaner connected to the dust collection device, the main body of the device is located directly below the first electric blower and the battery. The main body has a cylindrical portion into which a suction port is formed to which the extension tube or the suction tool is connected, and also has a battery housing portion in which the battery is housed, and a gripping portion aligned in the front-to-back direction with respect to the battery housing portion. The aforementioned front-to-back direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body, the cylindrical portion is aligned in front of the first dust collection section in the aforementioned front-to-back direction, and the gripping portion is aligned in front of the battery housing section in the aforementioned front-to-back direction. A vacuum cleaner system characterized in that, with the vacuum cleaner in a stick state, having one end of the extension tube connected to the suction port and the suction tool connected to the other end of the extension tube, connected to the dust collection device, the receiving part receives the first dust collection part and the engaging part engages with the engaged part, and the dust collection device supports the vacuum cleaner at two points: the receiving part receiving the first dust collection part and the engaging part engaging with the engaged part.

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