filter component

Abstract

To provide a technique for facilitating removal of dust accumulated between two filters.SOLUTION: The filter member of the present disclosure is configured to be attached to a device in which a fluid flows in a vertical direction and to remove foreign matter contained in the fluid. The filter member includes a first filter that has a mesh size capable of capturing a part of foreign matter contained in a fluid flowing through the device and is long in the up-down direction, a second filter that has a mesh size finer than that of the first filter and is long in the up-down direction, and a holding body that holds the first filter and the second filter in a state where the first filter and the second filter face each other with a gap therebetween. The first filter has a flat sheet shape, whereas the second filter is bent so as to form a plurality of ridges extending in the up-down direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter member having two filters.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stick-type vacuum cleaner 300 as shown in FIG. 13. The vacuum cleaner 300 has a grip portion 310 that constitutes the proximal end portion of the vacuum cleaner 300, and this grip portion 310 is formed so as to be grippable by a user. Further, at the distal end portion of the vacuum cleaner 300, a suction nozzle 320 that is moved on the floor surface by the user is provided.

[0003] Between the grip portion 310 and the suction nozzle 320, there are provided a vacuum cleaner main body 330 incorporating a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust on the floor surface through the suction nozzle 320, and a dust storage portion 340 that stores the dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source. This dust storage portion 340 is attached to the vacuum cleaner main body 330.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 14, the dust storage portion 340 has a dust storage container 341 that opens upward and a lid portion 342 for opening and closing the opening at the upper end of the dust storage container 341. In order to prevent the dust in the dust storage container 341 from flowing into the vacuum cleaner main body 330, a filter portion 343 is disposed at the upper part of the dust storage container 341. The filter portion 343 has a primary filter 344 and a secondary filter 345 that is finer than the primary filter 344.

[0005] The primary filter 344 can retain most of the dust in the dust storage container 341, but some dust can pass through the primary filter 344. However, the dust that has passed through the primary filter 344 is captured by the secondary filter 345 and stored between the primary filter 344 and the secondary filter 345.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-42332 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] To dispose of the dust between the primary filter 344 and the secondary filter 345, the user removes the dust collection unit 340 from the vacuum cleaner body 330. Then, the user operates the lid 342 to open the opening at the top of the dust collection container 341 and removes the filter unit 343 from the dust collection container 341. The user then disassembles the filter unit 343 into the primary filter 344 and the secondary filter 345 and disposes of the dust between them. Thus, in order to dispose of the dust between the primary filter 344 and the secondary filter 345, the user needs to separate the primary filter 344 and the secondary filter 345.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that facilitates the removal of dust accumulated between two filters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The filter member in this disclosure is configured to be attached to a device through which a fluid flows vertically and to remove foreign matter contained in the fluid. The filter member comprises a first filter that is elongated vertically and has a mesh size that can capture some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid flowing through the device; a second filter that is elongated vertically and has a finer mesh than the first filter; and a holder that holds the first and second filters apart from each other and facing each other, thereby forming a storage space for accumulating foreign matter between the first and second filters, and is configured to be attached to the device in a position where the second filter is located downstream of the first filter in the direction of fluid flow in the device. The first filter is in the form of a flat sheet, while the second filter is bent so that a plurality of vertically extending ridges are formed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure shows that dust between the first filter and the second filter can be easily removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a filter component incorporated (first embodiment) [Figure 2] Vertical cross-section of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Developed perspective view of the filter component [Figure 4] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner around the filter component. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of other filter components [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of other filter components [Figure 7] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of another vacuum cleaner around the filter component [Figure 8] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of vacuum cleaner and collection device (second embodiment) [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the recovery device [Figure 10] Rear view of the recovery device [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of a filter component installed in the piping of a washing machine (third embodiment) [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of a filter component installed in the piping of another washing machine. [Figure 13] Perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 14] Perspective view of the dust collection section of a conventional vacuum cleaner. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, while referring to the drawings, the first to third embodiments of the filter member will be described in detail. However, for the convenience of those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying 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 thereby.

[0013] (First Embodiment) The filter member can be used in various devices through which a fluid flows. The filter member of the present embodiment is used in the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in FIG. 1 and is disposed inside the vacuum cleaner 100. In the vacuum cleaner 100, air flows as the fluid. And the filter member is configured to remove dust contained in this air as foreign matter.

[0014] [[ID=​​​​​The suction nozzle 130 includes a nozzle case 132 that is wider than the housing 111. As shown in FIG. 2, a wide suction space 131 for sucking dust is formed within this nozzle case 132. This suction space 131 opens towards the floor surface at the front portion of the nozzle case 132. At the rear side of this opening portion, the suction space 131 is closed by the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132. A rotary scraping brush 133 is disposed in the suction space 131, and the scraping brush 133 protrudes from the nozzle case 132 so as to be able to contact the floor surface through the opening of the suction space 131.

[0016] The upper part of the housing 111 narrows towards the upper end 112 of the housing 111, and a grip portion 140 extends upward from the upper end 112. The grip portion 140 is a rod-shaped portion having a thickness that can be grasped by a user. As shown in FIG. 1, an operation portion 141 that is operated by the user is provided on the grip portion 140.

[0017] The housing 111 is configured to incorporate various components for sucking up dust on the floor surface and storing the sucked-up dust. Specifically, inside the lower part of the housing 111, as shown in FIG. 2, a suction pipe 113 extending in the vertical direction is disposed. The internal space of the housing 111 above the suction pipe 113 is vertically partitioned by a filter member 115.

[0018] The space above the filter member 115 is referred to as the "drive chamber 153" in the following description, and the space below the filter member 115 is referred to as the "dust storage chamber 152" in the following description. The drive chamber 153 houses a suction source 116 that generates a suction force for sucking up dust on the floor surface to produce an upward suction air flow, and a power storage unit 117 that stores electric power for operating the suction source 116. Dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of the suction source 116 flows into the dust storage chamber 152 through the suction nozzle 130 and the suction pipe 113.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the filter member 115 includes a first filter 171, a second filter 172, and a holder 190 that holds them so that they are spaced apart from each other and facing each other. The holder 190 is installed inside the housing 111 such that the first filter 171 is located upstream of the second filter 172 in the flow direction of the suction airflow, as will be described later.

[0020] The holder 190 has a roughly rectangular first frame portion 191 to which the first filter 171 is attached, and a roughly rectangular second frame portion 192 to which the second filter 172 is attached, and the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are elongated in the vertical direction. The upper end portion 193 of the first frame portion 191 is bent backward relative to the main portion 194 below it. Similarly, the upper end portion 195 of the second frame portion 192 is also bent backward relative to the main portion 196 below it.

[0021] The first frame portion 191 has a certain thickness in the front-to-back direction, and the first filter 171 is attached to the first frame portion 191 along its rear surface. As a result, the first frame portion 191 and the first filter 171 form a recess that opens forward. The second frame portion 192 is superimposed on the first frame portion 191 so that the second filter 172 attached to the second frame portion 192 closes the opening of this recess. When the second frame portion 192 is superimposed on the first frame portion 191, a space is formed between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172, as shown in Figure 4. This space will be referred to as the "storage space 173" in the following description. This storage space 173 is used to store dust that is finer than the dust stored in the dust storage chamber 152.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the first frame portion 191 has a boss 197 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of its upper end portion 193. The second frame portion 192 also has a boss 198 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of its upper end portion 195. Recesses into which these bosses 197 and 198 are fitted are recessed in the inner surface of the rear wall portion of the housing 111. By fitting these bosses 197 and 198 into these recesses, the upper end portions 193 and 195 of the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are fixed to the rear wall portion of the housing 111. In this state, the storage space 173 between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 extends diagonally downward and forward from the rear end portions of the upper end portions 193 and 195.

[0023] To discharge dust from the storage space 173, a discharge passage 180 communicating with the lower end of the storage space 173 is formed at the lower end of the first frame portion 191, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The discharge passage 180 extends diagonally downward from the storage space 173, and its lower end is open downward. An on-off valve 181 for opening and closing the opening at the lower end of the discharge passage 180 is attached to the lower end of the first frame portion 191. In Figure 4, the on-off valve 181 is in the closed state, closing the discharge passage 180. Due to its own weight, the on-off valve 181 can rotate downward from the position shown in Figure 4, opening the discharge passage 180.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the first frame portion 191 has a boss 199 that protrudes forward from the front surface of the lower end portion of the first frame portion 191. The second frame portion 192 has a semi-ring shaped fixing plate 160 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the main portion 196, and this fixing plate 160 has a through hole that is complementary to the boss 199 of the first frame portion 191. The first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are fixed to each other by fitting the boss 199 into this through hole.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, a groove 161 extending in the width direction is formed on the front surface of the lower end portion of the second frame portion 192. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a protrusion 163 protrudes rearward from the inner surface of the front wall portion of the housing 111. When this protrusion 163 is inserted into the groove 161 of the second frame portion 192, the lower end portion of the holder 190 is fixed to the front wall portion of the housing 111.

[0026] The mesh size of the first filter 171, which is attached to the first frame 191, is larger than that of the second filter 172, which is attached to the second frame 192. As a result, some of the dust that flows upward on the suction airflow is captured by the first filter 171 and kept in the dust storage chamber 152, but dust smaller than the mesh size of the first filter 171 passes through the first filter 171 and flows into the storage space 173. However, this small dust is captured by the second filter 172, which has a relatively small mesh size, and kept in the storage space 173.

[0027] The first filter 171 is a flat sheet, while the second filter 172 is bent so that multiple protrusions 178 extending in the vertical direction are formed. As a result, the second filter 172 can have a larger area than the first filter 171.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 111 has an exhaust port 122 consisting of numerous through holes that communicate with the drive chamber 153 above the second filter 172, and a roughly rectangular dust outlet 124 that communicates with the dust storage chamber 152 below the first filter 171. The suction airflow flowing through the housing 111 is discharged through the exhaust port 122.

[0029] The dust outlet 124 is provided for discharging dust from the dust storage chamber 152. A roughly rectangular cover 121 is attached to the housing 111 so as to be able to rotate up and down in order to open and close the dust outlet 124. In Figure 1, the cover 121 is in the open state, opening the dust outlet 124, and in Figure 2, the cover 121 is in the closed state, closing the dust outlet 124. The cover 121 is biased to the closed state so as to close the dust outlet 124 when no external force is acting on the cover 121.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the upper end of the dust storage chamber 152 is partitioned by the filter member 115, while the lower end of the dust storage chamber 152 is partitioned by a check valve 114 attached to the upper end of the suction pipe 113. The check valve 114 shown in Figure 1 is in a closed state, closing the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 113. When the suction source 116 generates an upward suction force, the check valve 114 rotates upward from the position shown in Figure 1, opening the opening at the upper end of the suction pipe 113.

[0031] The suction tube 113 extends vertically, and its lower end is attached to the suction nozzle 130. The connection between the suction tube 113 and the suction nozzle 130 is configured to allow the suction tube 113, housing 111, and gripping portion 140 to tilt backward from the upright position shown in Figure 1. This connection may also be configured to allow the housing 111 and gripping portion 140 to tilt forward.

[0032] When the suction tube 113, housing 111, and gripping portion 140 are in the upright position shown in Figure 2, the lower end of the suction tube 113 is in contact with the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132. That is, when the housing 111 is in the upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 113 is closed off by the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132. When the housing 111 tilts backward from the upright position, the lower end of the suction tube 113 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 2. As a result, the flow path of the suction tube 113 becomes connected to the suction space 131 of the nozzle case 132.

[0033] (Explanation of how the vacuum cleaner works) During cleaning, the vacuum cleaner 100 is held by the user in a position where the housing 111 and the grip 140 are tilted backward relative to the suction nozzle 130. By tilting the housing 111 and the grip 140 backward relative to the suction nozzle 130, it becomes easier to push the suction nozzle 130 forward. In this state, the flow path of the suction pipe 113 is in communication with the suction space 131 of the suction nozzle 130.

[0034] When the user then operates the control unit 141 to activate the suction source 116, an upward suction force is generated, creating a suction airflow that flows from the dust storage chamber 152 to the drive chamber 153. At this time, the on-off valve 181 of the filter member 115 is sucked upward by the pressure of the suction airflow, closing the discharge passage 180. In addition, the check valve 114 attached to the upper end of the suction pipe 113 is also sucked upward by the suction force of the suction source 116, opening the upper end of the suction pipe 113.

[0035] When the upper end of the suction pipe 113 is opened, the suction force of the suction source 116 acts on the suction space 131 of the suction nozzle 130 through the filter member 115, the dust storage chamber 152, and the flow path of the suction pipe 113. As a result, the air near the opening of the suction space 131 flows into the dust storage chamber 152 through the suction space 131 and the suction pipe 113. Dust on the floor surface near the opening of the suction space 131 also flows into the dust storage chamber 152, carried by this airflow (i.e., the suction airflow).

[0036] At this time, since the discharge passage 180 is closed by the on-off valve 181, the suction airflow that flows into the dust storage chamber 152 does not flow into the discharge passage 180, but flows into the storage space 173 through the first filter 171. Of the dust contained in this suction airflow, dust larger than the mesh size of the first filter 171 cannot pass through the first filter 171 and is retained in the dust storage chamber 152. On the other hand, dust smaller than the mesh size of the first filter 171 flows into the storage space 173 along with the suction airflow that passes through the first filter 171.

[0037] Since the mesh of the second filter 172, which partitions the upper end of the storage space 173, is smaller than that of the first filter 171, the suction airflow can pass through the second filter 172, while dust cannot pass through the second filter 172 and can be retained within the storage space 173. As a result, relatively large dust is stored in the dust storage chamber 152 below the first filter 171, and relatively small dust is stored in the storage space 173 between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172.

[0038] While the suction source 116 is operating, dust is adsorbed onto the lower surfaces of the first filter 171 and the second filter 172. On the other hand, when the user operates the control unit 141 to stop the suction source 116, the suction force of the suction source 116 is lost, and the dust that was adsorbed onto the lower surface of the first filter 171 falls to the bottom of the dust storage chamber 152. At this time, the check valve 114 returns to the position that closes the upper end of the suction pipe 113 as the suction source 116 stops, so the dust that falls from the first filter 171 is caught by the check valve 114.

[0039] As the suction source 116 stops, the suction airflow ceases, causing the on-off valve 181 to rotate downward due to its own weight, opening the discharge passage 180. The dust adsorbed on the lower surface of the second filter 172 falls into the storage space 173, which is inclined downward toward the discharge passage 180, and reaches the discharge passage 180. This dust then falls from the storage space 173 to the dust storage chamber 152 through the discharge passage 180.

[0040] After stopping the suction source 116, the user may operate the cover 121 to open the dust outlet 124 in order to remove dust from the dust storage chamber 152. In this state, the user may insert a rod-shaped tool into the dust outlet 124 to scrape out the dust from inside the dust storage chamber 152. Alternatively, the user may hold the housing 111 in a position where the dust outlet 124 is open downwards to allow the dust from inside the dust storage chamber 152 to fall out.

[0041] In the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 2, dust can be discharged from the storage space 173 between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 without disassembling the filter member 115. Therefore, dust can be easily removed from the storage space 173.

[0042] In the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 2, the second filter 172 has a finer mesh than the first filter 171, and is therefore more prone to clogging than the first filter 171. However, as shown in Figure 3, the second filter 172 has a bent shape that forms multiple protrusions 178, so the area of ​​the second filter 172 is larger than the area of ​​the first filter 171 by the amount of these protrusions 178. Therefore, clogging of the entire second filter 172 is suppressed. Note that in Figure 3, the protrusions 178 are long in the longitudinal direction (i.e., vertical direction) of the second filter 172, but the second filter 172 may also be bent so that protrusions 178 that are long in the width direction of the second filter 172 are formed.

[0043] It is also possible to increase the area of ​​the second filter 172 by means other than forming the protrusion 178. For example, the second filter 172 may be curved so as to be convex in the direction away from the first filter 171 (i.e., towards the drive chamber 153), as shown in Figure 5. In this case, the area of ​​the second filter 172 will be increased by the amount by which the second filter 172 is curved. In addition, the storage space 173 between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 will be widened, and more dust can be stored in the storage space 173 while the suction source 116 is operating. Furthermore, in order to further widen the storage space 173, the first filter 171 may be curved so as to be convex in the direction away from the second filter 172 (i.e., towards the dust storage chamber 152), as shown in Figure 6.

[0044] Furthermore, if the risk of clogging of the second filter 172 is small, the area of ​​the second filter 172 may be equal to the area of ​​the first filter 171. In this case, sheet-type filters may be used for both the second filter 172 and the first filter 171. By using sheet-type filters, the filter member 115 can be constructed at a low cost.

[0045] In the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 4, the storage space 173 extends diagonally downward toward the discharge passage 180. Therefore, dust can fall within the storage space 173 and move toward the discharge passage 180. To avoid obstructing the movement of dust toward the discharge passage 180 within the storage space 173, the holder 190 may be configured to hold the first filter 171 and the second filter 172, as shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, the distance between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 increases as it approaches the discharge passage 180, so dust falling toward the discharge passage 180 is less likely to be trapped between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172. Also, since the lower end portion of the storage space 173 is wide, dust is less likely to accumulate in an excessively dense state in this lower end portion. Therefore, clogging of dust in the upper end portion of the discharge passage 180 connected to this lower end portion is suppressed.

[0046] The on-off valve 181 shown in Figure 4 rotates downward due to its own weight. However, if the on-off valve 181 is lightweight, it is conceivable that the lower end of the discharge passage 180 will not be sufficiently opened if the on-off valve 181 rotates downward due to its own weight. To avoid this situation, the on-off valve 181 may be configured to be biased to the open state. In this case, the on-off valve 181 may be made of, for example, a thin sheet-like elastic member. This on-off valve 181 can then be attached to the first frame 191 so as to open the lower end of the discharge passage 180 when the suction source 116 is not operating. In this case, when the suction source 116 is activated, the on-off valve 181 will elastically bend and deform due to the pressure of the suction airflow so as to close the discharge passage 180.

[0047] The shapes of the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are determined according to the internal shape of the housing 111 to which the filter member 115 is fixed. Therefore, the shapes of the first frame portion 191 and the second frame portion 192 are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0048] (Second Embodiment) In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment, the on-off valve 181 is in the open state due to its own weight or biasing force. However, if a discharge airflow (a flow in a second direction) flows in the opposite direction to the upward suction airflow (a flow in a first direction) within the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100, the on-off valve 181 may be in the open state due to the pressure of the discharge airflow. In this case, the on-off valve 181 may be biased to be in the closed state. The discharge airflow can be generated, for example, by the recovery device 200 shown in Figure 8.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the collection device 200 is configured to be connectable to the vacuum cleaner 100, and is configured to collect dust while generating suction force to suck dust from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected. In detail, the collection device 200 has a base plate 220 on which the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed, a support part 217 erected from the base plate 220, and a housing 210 supported by the support part 217 at a position spaced above the base plate 220. The support part 217 is smaller than the housing 210 and the base plate 220 in the front-rear direction, and a recess is formed surrounded by the base plate 220, the support part 217 and the housing 210. The front part of the suction nozzle 130 placed on the base plate 220 is inserted into this recess.

[0050] The housing 210 is a roughly rectangular box-shaped portion, and as shown in Figure 9, a groove 215 is formed in the rear wall of the housing 210 into which the front wall portion of the housing 111 is fitted. As shown in Figure 10, the groove 215 extends in the vertical direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 10, a collection port 216 is formed in the groove 215 into which dust from the dust collection chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 flows. The collection port 216 is formed at a height opposite to the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100, which is placed on the base plate 220. The collection port 216 is sized to allow the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to enter when it is open.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the housing 210 of the collection device 200 contains a dust collection source 250 that generates suction force to suck dust out of the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and a dust storage box 240 that stores the dust sucked in by the dust collection source 250. The dust storage box 240 is located above the dust collection source 250, and a filter 247 is placed between the dust storage box 240 and the dust collection source 250. The filter 247 is configured to capture dust while allowing air to pass through. The dust collection source 250 sucks the air in the dust storage box 240 downwards through the filter 247. At this time, the dust in the dust storage box 240 is retained in the dust storage box 240 by the filter 247.

[0053] A recovery duct 230 extends from the dust collection box 240, and the tip of the recovery duct 230 is connected to the recovery port 216. The recovery duct 230 forms a flow path for dust that flows from the recovery port 216 to the dust collection box 240.

[0054] (Explanation of the operation of the dust collection device during dust collection) The user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 in order to collect the dust accumulated in the dust storage chamber 152. Specifically, the user places the vacuum cleaner 100 on the base plate 220 of the collection device 200 and positions the housing 111 and gripping part 140 in an upright position. When the upright housing 111 is fitted into the groove 215 of the collection device 200, the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 faces the collection port 216 of the collection device 200 in the front-to-back direction.

[0055] When the dust collection source 250 is activated in this state, the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250 acts on the lid 121 facing the collection port 216 through the dust storage box 240 and the recovery duct 230. The lid 121, receiving the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250, changes from a closed state that closes the dust discharge port 124 to an open state that opens the dust discharge port 124.

[0056] When the dust outlet 124 is opened, the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the internal space of the dust storage box 240 through the recovery duct 230. In this state, the suction force of the dust collection source 250 of the recovery device 200 acts on the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the dust storage box 240 and the recovery duct 230. The dust in the dust storage chamber 152 then flows into the dust storage box 240 through the recovery duct 230.

[0057] During the collection of dust from the dust storage chamber 152 to the recovery duct 230, as shown in Figure 8, a downward exhaust airflow is generated within the housing 111 from the drive chamber 153 toward the dust storage chamber 152. Furthermore, due to the pressure of the exhaust airflow, the on-off valve 181 shown in Figure 4 rotates toward the dust storage chamber 152 and opens. As a result, the opening at the lower end of the discharge passage 180 is opened.

[0058] A portion of the exhaust airflow passes through the second filter 172 and the first filter 171 in sequence. The remaining exhaust airflow passes through the second filter 172, then flows through the storage space 173, and flows out to the dust storage chamber 152 through the discharge passage 180 of the filter member 115 shown in Figure 4.

[0059] As the exhaust airflow passes through the second filter 172, dust adhering to the underside of the second filter 172 can be pulled off by this exhaust airflow. This dust is then discharged from the storage space 173 along with the exhaust airflow that flows through the storage space 173 and is discharged from the discharge passage 180 to the dust storage chamber 152.

[0060] As the exhaust airflow passes through the first filter 171, dust adhering to the underside of the first filter 171 can be pulled off by this exhaust airflow. The dust pulled off from the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 is then collected into the dust collection box 240 of the recovery device 200 through the dust outlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the recovery outlet 216 and recovery duct 230 of the recovery device 200.

[0061] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the second embodiment, the on-off valve 181 can be opened by the pressure of the discharge airflow inside the housing 111. For this reason, the on-off valve 181 may be biased to close. In this case, the sealing performance between the on-off valve 181 and the lower end portion of the discharge passage 180 is improved. Therefore, during cleaning work using the vacuum cleaner 100, the inflow of suction airflow into the discharge passage 180 through the gap between the on-off valve 181 and the first frame portion 191 that forms the discharge passage 180 is suppressed.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 and the collection device 200 are configured to be connectable to each other, and the exhaust airflow for discharging dust from the dust storage chamber 152 is generated by the dust collection source 250 of the collection device 200. Alternatively, the suction source 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured to generate not only an exhaust airflow but also an exhaust airflow. In this case, the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 can be discharged through the dust outlet 124 even without the collection device 200, and the collection device 200 can be omitted.

[0063] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first and second embodiments, the housing 111 and the gripping part 140 do not tilt forward from an upright position. However, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured such that the housing 111 and the gripping part 140 can tilt forward from an upright position.

[0064] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first and second embodiments, the lid 121 is configured to rotate vertically relative to the housing 111. Alternatively, the lid 121 may be configured to rotate horizontally relative to the housing 111, or to slide on the housing 111 to open the dust outlet 124.

[0065] The filter member 115 in the first and second embodiments is housed in a stick-type vacuum cleaner 100. However, the filter member 115 may be housed in an upright-type vacuum cleaner, a canister-type vacuum cleaner, or a handheld vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, the filter member 115 may be housed in a self-propelled robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0066] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first and second embodiments, when the housing 111 is in an upright position, the lower end of the suction pipe 113 is closed by the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured such that when the housing 111 is in an upright position, the lower end of the suction pipe 113 does not come into contact with the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132 and remains open.

[0067] (Third embodiment) The filter member 115 of the first and second embodiments can remove dust from the air flowing inside the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 as foreign matter. Alternatively, the filter member 115 may be attached to a device through which liquid flows. For example, the filter member 115 may be attached to a washing machine to remove dirt components contained in the water after washing clothes.

[0068] If the washing machine has a pipeline extending horizontally as shown in Figure 11, the filter member 115 may be configured to be positioned in the middle of this pipeline. That is, the holder 190 of the filter member 115 has a holding cylinder 154 that holds the first filter 171 and the second filter 172 horizontally spaced apart, and a discharge pipe 155 connected to the holding cylinder 154. Both ends of the holding cylinder 154 are configured to be connectable to the washing machine's pipe members 261 and 262 that extend horizontally upstream and downstream of the filter member 115. The discharge pipe 155 is connected to the discharge pipe 155 at a position that communicates with the storage space 173 between the first filter 171 and the second filter 172, forming a discharge passage 180 that extends downward from the storage space 173. An on-off valve 181 is also attached to the discharge pipe 155. This on-off valve 181 may be a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to a command from a control unit that controls the operation of the washing machine.

[0069] With the shut-off valve 181 closing the discharge pipe 155, as the water used to wash clothes passes through the pipeline shown in Figure 11, larger foreign matter (e.g., lint) in the water is captured by the first filter 171. On the other hand, foreign matter smaller than the mesh size of the first filter 171 is captured by the second filter 172 and retained in the storage space 173. As a result, water with reduced foreign matter can flow downstream of the filter member 115. This water may be reused for washing clothes.

[0070] When dust is removed from the storage space 173, the washing machine's piping may be closed downstream of the filter member 115. Then, the on / off valve 181 opens the discharge pipe 155 in response to a command from the washing machine's control unit. In this state, when water flows through the piping, the water passes through the first filter 171, and then sequentially through the storage space 173 and the discharge passage 180. With this water flow, foreign matter in the storage space 173 can be discharged through the discharge passage 180.

[0071] If the washing machine is configured to not only flow water in a first direction when washing clothes, as shown in Figure 12, but also to flow water in a second direction opposite to the first direction when washing the filter member 115, the filter member 115 may be configured as follows: That is, an additional discharge pipe 156 may be provided upstream of the first filter 171 in the first direction of water flow, and an additional on / off valve 157 may be attached to this discharge pipe 156.

[0072] In this case, when washing clothes, the washing machine closes the on-off valves 181 and 157. When cleaning the filter member 115, the washing machine closes the pipeline upstream of the filter member 115 and opens the on-off valves 181 and 157. In this state, when the washing machine flows water in the second direction, some of the water passes sequentially through the second filter 172 and the first filter 171 and is discharged through the discharge pipe 156. The remaining water passes through the second filter 172 and is then discharged through the discharge pipe 155.

[0073] As water passes through the second filter 172, any foreign matter adhering to the second filter 172 can be detached from it by the water. This foreign matter is then discharged from the storage space 173 through the discharge pipe 155.

[0074] As water passes through the first filter 171, any foreign matter adhering to the first filter 171 can be detached from it by the water. This foreign matter is then discharged through the discharge pipe 156.

[0075] (Effects, etc.) The filter member 115 according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0076] A filter member according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to be attached to a device through which a fluid flows and to remove foreign matter contained in the fluid. The filter member comprises a first filter having a mesh size that can capture some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid flowing through the device, a second filter having a finer mesh than the first filter, a holder configured to be attached to the device in a position where the second filter is located downstream of the first filter in the fluid flow direction within the device, a discharge passage provided in the holder to discharge foreign matter accumulated in the storage space to the outside of the storage space, and an on / off valve for opening and closing the discharge passage.

[0077] In the above configuration, the fluid in the device passes through the first filter and the second filter in sequence. At this time, some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid is captured by the first filter, but foreign matter smaller than the mesh size of the first filter passes through the first filter. However, this foreign matter can be captured by the second filter, which has a smaller mesh size than the first filter. At this time, if the on-off valve closes the discharge passage formed in the holder, the foreign matter captured by the second filter is retained in the storage space between the first filter and the second filter. Subsequently, if the on-off valve opens the discharge passage, the foreign matter accumulated in the storage space can be discharged outside the storage space through the discharge passage, so it is not necessary to separate the first filter and the second filter from each other.

[0078] In the above configuration, the discharge passage may be formed to extend downward or diagonally downward from the storage space and open downward, with the holder attached to the device in a position that allows foreign matter in the storage space to fall towards the discharge passage due to gravity.

[0079] In the configuration described above, foreign matter in the storage space can be moved toward the discharge passage by gravity. If the on / off valve is open in the discharge passage, the foreign matter in the storage space can be discharged out of the storage space through the discharge passage by gravity.

[0080] In the above configuration, the holder may be configured to hold the first filter and the second filter such that the distance between them increases as they approach the discharge passage.

[0081] In the above configuration, the distance between the first filter and the second filter increases as it approaches the discharge passage, making it less likely for foreign matter moving toward the discharge passage to be trapped between the first and second filters. In other words, foreign matter in the storage space can reach the discharge passage without being obstructed by the first and second filters.

[0082] In the above configuration, the on-off valve may be configured to be in a closed state, closing the discharge passage due to the pressure of the fluid flowing inside the device, and to be in an open state, opening the discharge passage due to the weight of the valve itself when this pressure is released.

[0083] In the configuration described above, while the fluid is flowing through the device, the pressure of the fluid causes the valve to close, thereby closing the discharge passage. This prevents the fluid from flowing into the storage space through the discharge passage without passing through the first filter.

[0084] When the fluid flow stops, the fluid pressure disappears. In this state, the valve opens due to its own weight, and the discharge passage opens. As a result, foreign matter in the storage space is discharged out of the storage space through the discharge passage due to the action of gravity.

[0085] In the above configuration, the on-off valve may be biased to be in an open state, opening the discharge passage. Alternatively, the on-off valve may be configured to be in a closed state, closing the discharge passage due to the pressure of the fluid flowing through the device.

[0086] In the configuration described above, when no fluid is flowing through the device, the on-off valve can open the discharge passage. Subsequently, when fluid begins to flow through the device, the pressure of this fluid causes the on-off valve to close, closing the discharge passage. This prevents the fluid from flowing into the storage space through the discharge passage without passing through the first filter. During this time, foreign matter that has passed through the first filter is stored in the storage space. Then, when the fluid flow stops again, the on-off valve opens, and the discharge passage is opened. The foreign matter in the storage space is then discharged to the outside of the storage space through the discharge passage.

[0087] In the above configuration, the device may be configured to allow the fluid to flow in a first direction, passing sequentially through the first and second filters, or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The on-off valve may be configured to be in a closed state, closing the discharge passage due to the pressure of the fluid when the fluid is flowing in the first direction, and in an open state, opening the discharge passage due to the pressure of the fluid when the fluid is flowing in the second direction.

[0088] In the above configuration, when the fluid is flowing in the first direction, the pressure of this fluid causes the valve to close, thereby preventing the fluid flowing in the first direction from entering the storage space through the discharge passage without passing through the first filter.

[0089] When the fluid flows in the second direction, the pressure of this fluid causes the valve to open the discharge passage, allowing foreign matter in the storage space to be discharged through the discharge passage. At this time, a portion of the fluid flowing in the second direction passes through the second filter and the first filter in sequence, while the remaining fluid flows through the storage space and is discharged through the discharge passage. Foreign matter in the storage space can be carried by this fluid flow and discharged outside the storage space through the discharge passage.

[0090] In the above configuration, the second filter may have a larger area than the first filter.

[0091] In the configuration described above, the second filter has a finer mesh than the first filter, making it more prone to clogging. However, since the area of ​​the second filter is larger than that of the first filter, clogging of the entire second filter is suppressed.

[0092] In the above configuration, the second filter may be bent such that ridges are formed on the surface of the second filter.

[0093] In the above configuration, the second filter is bent so that ridges are formed on its surface, and therefore it can have a larger surface area due to the ridges compared to when the second filter has a flat shape without being bent. For this reason, even if the mesh of the second filter is relatively fine, clogging of the entire second filter is suppressed.

[0094] In the above configuration, one of the first filter and the second filter may have a curved shape that separates it from the other filter.

[0095] In the above configuration, one of the first and second filters has a curved shape that separates it from the other filter, thus widening the storage space. As a result, more foreign matter can be stored in the storage space. [Industrial applicability]

[0096] The filter member of the above embodiment is suitably used in various devices that require the removal of foreign matter from a fluid (for example, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, or air purifiers). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 115·············Filter component 171·············First filter 172·············Second filter 173·············Storage space 178·············Sudden bar 190············Maintain body

Claims

1. A filter member attached to a device in which a fluid flows in an upward direction, for removing foreign matter contained in the fluid, The apparatus includes a first filter that has a mesh size capable of capturing some of the foreign matter contained in the fluid flowing through it, and is elongated in the vertical direction, A second filter, which has a finer mesh than the first filter and is longer in the vertical direction, The device comprises a holder configured to be attached to the device in such a manner that the second filter is located downstream of the first filter in the fluid flow direction within the device, by holding the first filter and the second filter apart from each other and facing each other, thereby forming a storage space for storing foreign matter between the first filter and the second filter, and holding the first filter and the second filter facing each other with a gap between them. The first filter is a flat sheet, while the second filter is bent so that multiple protrusions extending in the vertical direction are formed, in the filter member.

2. The filter member according to claim 1, wherein the second filter has a larger area than the area of ​​the first filter.

3. The filter member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the first filter and the second filter has a curved shape so as to be spaced apart from the other filter.

Images