Dust collection container and vacuum cleaner

Abstract

This dust collection container comprises a first separation member (110), a first storage part (161) for storing dust separated by the first separation member (110), and a second separation member (120) for further separating dust from the air having passed through the first separation member (110). An opening (310) is formed in the first separation member (110). The first separation member (110) and the second separation member (120) communicate with each other via the opening (310). A check valve (320) for preventing air from flowing back from the first separation member (110) to the second separation member (120) is disposed in the opening (310).

Description

Dust collection container and vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dust collection container that separates air and dust using centrifugal force, and a vacuum cleaner that includes the dust collection container.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been vacuum cleaners that can maintain suction power by generating a swirling flow inside a dust collection container to prevent the dust collection container from clogging with dust. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a vacuum cleaner that generates a swirling flow containing dust inside a cylindrical dust collection container and separates the air and dust by centrifugal force.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-061307

[0004] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the air after separating the dust by the swirling airflow passes through a filter and then flows to the electric blower, which requires cleaning the filter to remove the dust adhering to it, which is troublesome.

[0005] The dust collection container of the present disclosure includes a first separating member that separates dust by generating a swirling air current inside, a dust collection section that collects the dust separated by the first separating member, and a second separating member that further separates dust from the air that has passed through the first separating member, the first separating member having an opening that allows the first separating member and the second separating member to communicate with each other via the opening, and a check valve disposed in the opening to prevent air from flowing back from the first separating member to the second separating member, and the dust separated by the second separating member can be collected in the dust collection section via the opening and the first separating member.The present disclosure also relates to an electric vacuum cleaner including the above dust collection container.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a dust collection container that allows easy disposal of dust separated by the second separating member and prevents the swirling airflow generated by the first separating member from flowing into the second separating member as much as possible, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with the dust collection container.

[0007] 20 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a dust collecting container. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collecting container. FIG. 23 is a side view of the dust collecting container viewed from the outside to the inside in the axial direction of the suction tube. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the first separating member cut along line II of FIG. 4. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a protruding member. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a dust collecting container. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting container according to embodiment 2. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting container according to embodiment 2. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting container according to embodiment 3. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting container according to embodiment 3. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another example of embodiment 3. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting container according to embodiment 4. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another example of embodiment 4. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another example of embodiment 4. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another example of embodiment 4. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting container according to embodiment 5. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a dust collection container and a vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are presented as examples to explain the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, the shapes, structures, materials, components, relative positional relationships, connection states, numerical values, mathematical formulas, the content of each step in a method, and the order of each step shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and may include content not described below. Furthermore, while geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal may be used, these expressions do not imply mathematical precision and include substantially acceptable errors, deviations, and the like. Furthermore, expressions such as simultaneous and identical also include substantially acceptable ranges.

[0009] The drawings are schematic diagrams in which emphasis, omission, or adjustment of proportions is appropriately made for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and differ from the actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in the drawings represent Cartesian coordinates arbitrarily set for the purpose of explaining the drawings. In other words, the Z-axis is not necessarily an axis along the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis are not necessarily located within a horizontal plane.

[0010] In addition, multiple inventions may be collectively described below as one embodiment, and some of the content described below may be described as optional components related to the present disclosure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner 200. The vacuum cleaner 200 is a device that sucks in air together with dust and separates and retains the dust from the sucked air, and includes a dust collection container 100 and a suction device 210. Here, "dust" is used to include dirt, dust, dirt, and living organisms such as mites that are large enough for the vacuum cleaner 200 to suck up. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 200 is a so-called stick-type device and includes a head 220, a pipe 230, and a handle 240. Note that, although a stick-type vacuum cleaner 200 is illustrated in this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 200 may also be a canister-type vacuum cleaner or an autonomously traveling robot-type vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Suction device 210 is a device that includes a motor (not shown) and a fan (not shown) and generates suction force by rotating the fan with the motor. In this embodiment, suction device 210 generates suction force by creating a negative pressure inside dust collection container 100, and sucks air containing dust into dust collection container 100.

[0013] The head 220 is a member that comes into contact with a cleaning surface, such as a floor, and sucks in dust and air over a wide area by transmitting the suction force generated by the suction device 210 via the pipe 230. The head 220 is connected to the pipe 230 in a communicating state and is rotatably connected to the pipe 230.

[0014] Pipe 230 is a hard cylindrical member that is interposed between head 220 and gripping portion 240 and connects head 220 and gripping portion 240. Pipe 230 forms a transport path that transports air sucked in together with dust from head 220 to dust collection container 100.

[0015] The grip portion 240 is a portion that is gripped by the user. In the present embodiment, the grip portion 240 houses a battery for driving the suction device 210, a control device for controlling the suction device 210, and the like.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of dust collection container 100. Arrows indicate air flow. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of dust collection container 100. Dust collection container 100 is a component that separates dust from air sucked by suction device 210, retains the dust, and discharges the air. Dust collection container 100 includes a first separating member 110, a suction pipe 130, a protruding member 140, a filter member 150, and a first storage section (dust collection section) 161. In this embodiment, dust collection container 100 includes a second separating member 120, a second storage section 162, a cover member 170, and an outer cylinder 180.

[0017] The first separating member 110 is a cylindrical member that is closed on one side and open on the other side, and separates dust from air by centrifugal force by swirling dust-containing air. The shape of the first separating member 110 is not limited, but in this embodiment, the first separating member 110 is cylindrical, with one end (the end on the Z+ side (upper) in the figure) covered by a closed portion 112 and the other end (the end on the Z- side (lower) in the figure) forming an opening 113. The peripheral wall of the first separating member 110 is provided with suction holes 111 through which dust-containing air flows in. The cross-sectional shape of the first separating member 110 perpendicular to the tube axis may be D-shaped or the like. When corners exist on the inner surface of the first separating member 110, such as in the case of a first separating member 110 with a D-shaped cross section, it is desirable that the corners be smoothly rounded.

[0018] In this embodiment, the length L1 (see FIG. 3) of the first separating member 110 in the tube axis direction (Z-axis direction in the drawing) is longer than the length L2 of the filter member 150 (described in detail below). This allows the dust-containing air to swirl sufficiently within the first separating member 110, effectively separating the dust from the air.

[0019] The suction pipe 130 is a tubular member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first separating member 110 and communicating with a suction hole 111 provided in a penetrating manner in the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110. In the present embodiment, the suction pipe 130 is connected in a communicating state to a pipe 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200. Dust-containing air sucked by the suction device 210 flows into the suction pipe 130 via the head 220 and the pipe 230.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the dust collection container 100 viewed from the outside to the inside in the axial direction of the suction pipe 130 (the X-axis direction in the figure). In FIG. 4, the first separation member 110 is hatched to clearly show the suction holes 111. In FIG. 4, the hatching does not indicate a cross section. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first separation member 110 taken along line II in FIG. 4. The opening area of ​​the suction hole 111 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the suction pipe 130 facing the suction hole 111. The suction hole 111 is biased toward the downstream side of the swirling air flow relative to the suction pipe 130. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction of the suction pipe 130, the suction hole 111 is biased away from the axis 101 of the first separation member 110. In this embodiment, the suction hole 111 is rectangular and is disposed so that the tangent surface of the inner circumferential surface of the first separation member 110 coincides with or nearly coincides with one side of the suction hole 111. The inner surface of the suction pipe 130 is also rectangular, and the suction pipe 130 is arranged so that the contact surface of the inner circumferential surface of the first separating member 110 and one surface of the inner surface of the suction pipe 130 coincide or nearly coincide.

[0021] When the inside of the suction pipe 130 is viewed from the axial direction of the suction pipe 130, the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110 protrudes in a direction away from the pipe axis 101, and part of the opening of the suction pipe 130 is covered by the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110. As a result, the dust-laden air flowing from the suction pipe 130 into the inside of the first separating member 110 is forced against the inner peripheral surface of the first separating member 110, making it easier for a swirling flow to occur within the first separating member 110.

[0022] The suction hole 111 is disposed with a predetermined gap from the blocking portion 112. In other words, the edge of the suction hole 111 does not contact the blocking portion 112. This facilitates the generation of an appropriate swirling flow of dust-containing air inside the first separating member 110. The suction hole 111 is large enough to allow, for example, spherical debris with a diameter of approximately 1 cm or rectangular debris with sides of approximately 1 cm to pass through. This prevents the suction hole 111 from clogging even when relatively large debris is sucked in.

[0023] The protruding member 140 protrudes from the center of the blocking portion 112 of the first separating member 110 toward the opening 113. The shape of the protruding member 140 is not limited, but is preferably columnar or tapered from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113. This is because if the protruding member 140 widens from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113, hair, lint, and other particles sucked in as dust are more likely to become tangled and unable to fall. In this embodiment, the protruding member 140 has a shape similar to an upside-down truncated cone. The protruding member 140 may also have a cylindrical, conical, dome-like, or semicircular shape. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding member 140 perpendicular to the tube axis (the axis extending from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113) is not limited to a circle and may be a D-shape, polygonal, or other shape. The cross-sectional shape may be similar to the cross-sectional shape of the inner circumferential surface of the first separating member 110. When corners are present on the circumferential surface of the protruding member 140, such as the protruding member 140 having a D-shaped cross section, it is desirable that the corners be rounded with smooth curved surfaces.

[0024] 3, in the direction of the tube axis of the first separating member 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figure), the tip of the protruding member 140 is positioned closer to the blocking portion 112 than the suction hole 111. In other words, in the direction of the tube axis of the first separating member 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figure), the part of the protruding member 140 farthest from the blocking portion 112 is closer to the blocking portion 112 than the part of the edge of the suction hole 111 farthest from the blocking portion 112. In the case of this embodiment, in the direction of the tube axis of the first separating member 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figure), the position of the tip face, which is the part of the protruding member 140 farthest from the blocking portion 112, is positioned at or near the center between the part closest to the blocking portion 112 and the part farthest from the blocking portion 112 on the edge of the suction hole 111.

[0025] The filter member 150 is a cylindrical member that allows air to pass through extending outward from the open end of the first separating member 110 in the direction of the tube axis from the closing portion 112 toward the opening 113 of the first separating member 110, and is provided with holes for separating air from dust. The filter member 150 separates, by filtration, dust that was not completely separated by the first separating member 110.

[0026] The filter member 150 is, for example, a mesh filter, and the first separating member 110 and the filter member 150 are formed over 360 degrees around the tube axis direction (Z-axis direction in the drawing) in FIG.

[0027] The shape of the filter member 150 is not limited. In the present embodiment, the filter member 150 has a shape in which the opening widens from the first separating member 110 toward the first storage section 161. Specifically, the filter member 150 has a peripheral shape equivalent to that of a truncated cone. This prevents dust separated by the filter member 150 from remaining on the inner surface of the filter member 150 and makes it easier for the dust to fall into the first storage section 161.

[0028] The first storage section 161 is disposed on the opposite side of the filter member 150 from the first separating member 110, and is a container-shaped portion that stores dust that is centrifuged from the air by the swirling air flow generated inside the first separating member 110. It also stores dust that is separated by the filter member 150 and falls. In this embodiment, the first storage section 161 is cylindrical and is open at both ends, one facing the filter member 150 and the other facing the opposite side of the filter member 150. The end facing the opposite side of the filter member 150 is sealed by a cover member 170 in an openable and closable manner. By opening the cover member 170, the dust stored in the first storage section 161 can be discharged to the outside of the dust collection container 100.

[0029] The second separating member 120 separates dust from the dust-containing air that has passed through the filter member 150. The type of the second separating member 120 is not limited. For example, it may be a filter or the like. In the present embodiment, the second separating member 120 generates a swirling flow of air and separates dust by centrifugal separation.

[0030] Second storage section 162 is a container-shaped portion that stores dust separated by second separating member 120. In the present embodiment, second storage section 162 is sealed openably and closably by lid member 170 that also seals first storage section 161. Therefore, the dust accumulated in first storage section 161 and the dust accumulated in second storage section 162 can be simultaneously discarded by opening lid member 170 downward.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, dust collection container 100 has suction pipe 130 formed on one side (X- side) of outer cylinder 180, and a substantially cylindrical second storage section 162 formed on the other side (X+ side). The space on the upper surface of closing section 112 is a space that receives dust separated by second separating member 120, and is formed over 360 degrees around the tube axis in Figure 3 (axis in the Z-axis direction in Figure 3). This space on the upper surface of closing section 112 and second storage section 162 are in communication.

[0032] The substantially cylindrical second storage section 162 may also be formed 360 degrees around the tube axis in Figure 3 (the axis in the Z-axis direction in Figure 3) so as to surround the outer cylinder 180, or may be formed in a smaller area. However, the wider the area in which the second storage section 162 is formed, the more difficult it may be to see the contents of the dust collection container 100, so it is preferable that the second storage section 162 be formed from a material such as a transparent resin.

[0033] When dust container 100 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body as shown in Figure 1, suction tube 130 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body. When a user uses the vacuum cleaner, outer tube 180 shown in Figure 3 is inclined relative to the floor so that second storage section 162 is closer to the floor. As a result, dust separated by second separating member 120 slides down the upper surface of closing section 112 toward second storage section 162 and falls to the bottom of second storage section 162. In this way, dust separated by second separating member 120 accumulates in second storage section 162.

[0034] In order to efficiently guide the dust separated by the second separating member 120 to the second storage section 162, the surface below the second separating member 120 (the upper surface of the closing section 112) may be formed as an inclined surface that slopes toward the second storage section 162. When the dust collection container 100 is configured to be attached to a canister-type vacuum cleaner body so as to be perpendicular to the floor, forming an inclined surface in this manner is preferable because it enables the dust to be efficiently guided to the second storage section 162. Furthermore, the surface below the second separating member 120 (the upper surface of the closing section 112) may be formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward outward from the center (the central axis in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3 ) of the surface below the second separating member 120 (the upper surface of the closing section 112). For example, as mentioned above, if the approximately cylindrical second storage section 162 is formed 360 degrees around the tube axis in Figure 3 (the axis in the Z-axis direction in Figure 3) so as to surround the outer tube 180, dust can be efficiently stored in the second storage section 162.

[0035] In this embodiment, outer cylinder 180 provided in dust collection container 100 is a cylindrical member that surrounds first separating member 110 with a predetermined gap between it and the outer peripheral surface of first separating member 110, and forms a transport path that transports dust-containing air that has passed through filter member 150 to second separating member 120. In addition, outer cylinder 180 is formed integrally with first storage section 161.

[0036] Next, the operation of the vacuum cleaner 200 equipped with the dust container 100 will be described. First, when the vacuum cleaner 200 equipped with the dust container 100 starts operating, a suction airflow is generated by the suction device 210 built into the vacuum cleaner 200, and air containing dust is sucked in through the head 220. The sucked in air containing dust is sucked into the dust container 100 via the pipe 230 and the suction tube 130.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5 , dust-laden air passing through the suction pipe 130 is narrowed by the suction holes 111 and flows into the first separating member 110 along a tangent to the inner surface, forcing it against the inner surface. By arranging the suction pipe 130 and the suction holes 111 in this manner, the dust-laden air turns into a swirling flow within the first separating member 110. Due to the presence of the protruding member 140, the generated swirling flow does not immediately reach the filter member 150, but instead gradually reaches the filter member 150 while swirling multiple times within the first separating member 110. As the dust swirls within the first separating member 110, it is separated from the air and falls into the first storage section 161. Furthermore, even if long, thin pieces of dust, such as hair and lint, become entangled in the protruding member 140, the shape of the protruding member 140 allows them to easily fall into the first storage section 161, and they rarely remain in the protruding member 140.

[0038] Furthermore, the swirling flow passes through the filter member 150. When the dust-containing air passes through this filter member 150, the dust remains inside the filter member 150, and the air passes through the filter member 150. The air containing fine dust that has passed through the filter member 150 passes through the gap (part of the conveying path) between the first separating member 110 and the outer cylinder 180, and reaches the second separating member 120. In this way, the first separating member 110 and the filter member 150 separate the air containing coarse dust from the air containing fine dust.

[0039] Next, the second separating member 120 separates the fine dust from the air. In this embodiment, the second separating member 120 includes multiple conical cyclone members 121 arranged around its circumference. Air that passes through the gap (part of the transport path) between the first separating member 110 and the outer cylinder 180 passes through an opening (not shown) in the second separating member 120 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (Z-axis in FIG. 3 ) of the second separating member 120 and enters the second separating member 120. A swirling flow of air containing the fine dust is again generated within each cyclone member 121, separating the fine dust from the air. The fine dust separated from the air in the cyclone members 121 falls into the second storage section 162 as described above. Meanwhile, the air passes through an exhaust hole 122 provided at the top of the cyclone member 121 and is returned to the atmosphere.

[0040] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. The main difference from embodiment 1 is that in embodiment 2, an opening 310 is formed in the bottom of protruding member 140, and a check valve 320 is disposed in this opening 310. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate parts that are common to embodiment 1.

[0041] Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of dust collection container 100 of embodiment 2. In dust collection container 100 of embodiment 2, opening 310 is formed in the bottom of protruding member 140, which is disposed approximately in the center of the upper part of first separating member 110 and protrudes downward, and check valve 320 is disposed in this opening 310.

[0042] The check valve 320 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, but may also be made of other materials such as resin or metal.

[0043] A space 330 is defined between the second separating member 120 and the opening 310, and the fine dust separated by the second separating member 120 falls into the space 330. Some of the fallen fine dust falls directly to the opening 310, while other dust falls onto an inclined portion 340 defined on the inner side surface of the protruding member 140. The fine dust that falls onto the inclined portion 340 slides down the inclined portion 340 and falls to the opening 310.

[0044] The lower central portion of the space 330 is convex downward. Normally, fine dust (dirt) separated by the second separating member 120 begins to accumulate directly below the second separating member 120 in the space 330, but because the central bottom portion is convex downward, once a certain amount of fine dust has accumulated, the fine dust naturally flows down the downward convex shape. Normally, if too much fine dust accumulates directly below the second separating member 120, the fine dust will continue to pile up and get too close to the bottom end surface of the second separating member 120. If cleaning is performed in this state, the fine dust will be lifted up by the second separating member 120, reducing the fine dust separation performance of the second separating member 120. However, by having a convex shape below the space 330, separation performance can be maintained for a longer period of time even when a large amount of fine dust is sucked in.

[0045] 8, check valve 320 is normally closed, and therefore fine dust that has fallen to opening 310 (falls onto check valve 320) cannot fall below opening 310. Furthermore, the presence of check valve 320 makes it possible to prevent the swirling air current generated within first separating member 110 from entering opening 310 and flowing back into space 330.

[0046] Various methods are conceivable for causing fine dust accumulated on the check valve 320 or in the space 330 to fall into the first storage section 161. For example, as shown in Figure 9, a rod-shaped member (rod member 360) is provided to link the cover member 170 and the check valve 320, and when the cover member 170 rotates downward, the check valve 320 connected to the rod-shaped member (rod member 360) opens downward, thereby allowing fine dust accumulated on the check valve 320 or in the space 330 to fall into the first storage section 161. In this manner, the first separating member 110 and the second separating member 120 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the opening 310. The cover member 170 can be opened and closed vertically about a shaft 350 provided below the dust container 100.

[0047] Alternatively, the check valve 320 may be configured so that as fine dust accumulates on the check valve 320, the weight of the dust causes the check valve 320 to open downward.

[0048] Alternatively, it is also possible to link the check valve 320 with the operation button. For example, a rod-shaped member connected to the operation button can also be connected to the check valve 320, so that when the operation button is pressed, the rod-shaped member is pushed downward and the check valve 320 opens downward. The operation button is preferably provided on the top surface or upper side of the dust collection container 100 so that it is easy for the user to operate.

[0049] The check valve 320 is preferably opened when no swirling air current is being generated within the dust collection container 100. In other words, it is preferable to open the check valve 320 when no suction air is being generated by the motor. For this reason, it is preferable to open the check valve 320 when the user opens or closes the lid member 170, or to open the check valve 320 automatically or by operation of the user after cleaning is completed. To automatically open the check valve 320, for example, a rod-shaped member may be moved by a motor or the like, and the rod-shaped member may push the check valve 320, or the check valve 320 may be moved together with the rod-shaped member in a direction to open it.

[0050] The check valve 320 is preferably provided at the bottom of the protruding member 140. This configuration can prevent the swirling air current generated within the first separating member 110 from hitting the check valve 320 as much as possible. On the other hand, another possible configuration is to provide one or more check valves 320 on the side surface of the protruding member 140.

[0051] In the second embodiment, even if the second storage section 162 is not provided as in the first embodiment, it is possible for the fine dust separated by the second separating member 120 to fall toward the cover member 170 (the first storage section 161). In other words, the dust separated by the second separating member 120 can be stored in the first storage section 161 via the opening 310 and the first separating member 110.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the swirling air current generated within the first separating member 110 from flowing back into the space 330 as much as possible.

[0053] In this embodiment, the dust container is detachable from the stick-type vacuum cleaner body, but this embodiment can also be applied to a vacuum cleaner that, for example, moves dust accumulated in the dust container of the vacuum cleaner to a paper bag or other container on the charging base when the stick-type vacuum cleaner is attached to the charging base. In this case, the suction air generated by the electric blower mounted on the charging base moves the dust in the dust container to the charging base, and check valve 320 can be opened.

[0054] Specifically, for example, by connecting a flow path through which suction air is generated from the charging base to suction pipe 130 of the dust collection container, dust accumulated in first reservoir 161 can be sent to the charging base via suction pipe 130, and check valve 320 can be opened by the suction air. At this time, dust accumulated in space 330 can also be sent to the charging base through opening 310 and suction pipe 130. For example, suction air can be generated into the dust collection container via the charging base, the suction port of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and suction pipe 130.

[0055] Alternatively, cover member 170 may be configured to open while the dust collection container and the charging base are connected, and the opening where cover member 170 is located may be connected to a flow path where suction air from the charging base is generated, thereby sending dust accumulated in first reservoir 161 to the charging base and opening check valve 320. In this case, check valve 320 may be configured to open with rod member 360 as shown in Fig. 9, or if rod member 360 is not provided, check valve 320 may be opened by suction air.

[0056] The area of ​​the opening 310 is configured to be smaller than the opening area of ​​the filter member 150. When transferring dust from the dust collection container to the charging base, two wind paths pass through the dust collection container. These paths are described using FIG. 10 . One path is a first path that runs from the second separating member 120 through the second storage section 162, the opening 310, and the first separating member 110. The first path is a path for transferring dust from the second storage section 162 to the charging base. The other path is a second path that runs from the second separating member 120 through the gap (part of the transport path) between the first separating member 110 and the outer cylinder 180, through the filter member 150, and through the first separating member 110. The second path is a path for transferring dust and other particles adhering to the filter member 150 to the charging base. The first path has a smaller pressure loss than the second path. Therefore, by configuring the area of ​​opening 310 to be smaller than the opening area of ​​filter member 150, it is possible to ensure a certain amount of airflow passing through the second path, and dust adhering to filter member 150 and the second path can also be transferred to the charging base. Therefore, it is possible to transfer the dust from the entire dust collection container to the charging base in a balanced manner.

[0057] 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 10 shows a state in which check valve 320 is open, and Fig. 11 shows a state in which check valve 320 is closed.

[0058] In this embodiment, a return portion 370 is provided above the protruding member 140 .

[0059] The fine dust separated by the second separating member 120 accumulates in the second storage section 162. At this time, the fine dust tends to accumulate in a location within the second storage section 162 that is distant from the connection with the second separating member 120. This is because the wind flows fast at the connection with the second separating member 120 within the second storage section 162, and the force of this wind blows the fine dust away.

[0060] As a result, the fine dust tends to move to the vicinity of the opening 310, which is the bottom of the inside of the protruding member 140 and is the part farthest from the second separating member 120. Therefore, the fine dust will preferentially accumulate on the inside of the protruding member 140.

[0061] In this embodiment, by providing the return portion 370, it is possible to prevent dust that has accumulated at the bottom of the protruding member 140 from being stirred up as much as possible.

[0062] The return portion 370 is provided around the opening portion above the protruding member 140 so as to surround the upper side of the protruding member 140. Note that only one protruding member 140 may be provided, or a plurality of protruding members 140 may be provided.

[0063] 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to the third embodiment, showing other examples of return portion 370. Fig. 12 shows a state in which check valve 320 is open, and Fig. 13 shows a state in which check valve 320 is closed.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12, the turned portion 370 may have a shape that is inclined downward from the middle to the tip of the turned portion 370.

[0065] 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to embodiment 4. Fig. 14 shows a state in which check valve 320 is open, and Fig. 15 shows a state in which check valve 320 is closed.

[0066] In the fourth embodiment, a bent portion 380 is provided at one of the left and right ends of the check valve 320 in Fig. 14 , which is the end near the rotation axis of the check valve 320. When the check valve 320 is opened, this bent portion 380 comes into contact with the protruding member 140, thereby preventing the check valve 320 from opening beyond a predetermined angle.

[0067] With this configuration, even when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after the check valve 320 has opened, the check valve 320 can be quickly moved in the closing direction.

[0068] The following configuration may also be used: Figures 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to the fourth embodiment, showing other examples of the opening and closing structure of check valve 320. Figure 16 shows the check valve 320 in an open state, and Figure 17 shows the check valve 320 in a closed state.

[0069] 16, a valve receiving portion 390 may be provided below the check valve 320. When the check valve 320 opens downward, the check valve 320 abuts against the valve receiving portion 390, thereby restricting the opening angle of the check valve 320. With this configuration, even when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after the check valve 320 has opened, the check valve 320 can be quickly moved in the closing direction.

[0070] The following configuration may also be used: Figures 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to the fourth embodiment, showing further examples of the opening and closing structure of check valve 320. Figure 18 shows the check valve 320 in an open state, and Figure 19 shows the check valve 320 in a closed state.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 19 , a gap may be provided between the check valve 320 and the valve receiving portion 390. As shown in Fig. 18 , when the check valve 320 opens downward, the check valve 320 abuts against the valve receiving portion 390, thereby restricting the opening angle of the check valve 320. In the example of the valve receiving portion 390 shown in Fig. 18 , the tip of the check valve 320 abuts against the valve receiving portion 390 when the check valve 320 opens downward. With this configuration, even when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after the check valve 320 opens, the check valve 320 can be quickly moved in the closing direction.

[0072] (Embodiment 5) Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of dust collection container 100 of embodiment 5. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 20.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, a labyrinth structure 400 is provided inside the protruding member 140 .

[0074] The labyrinth structure 400 has three bridges 410 formed at the top thereof. The bridges 410 extend from the upper end of the protruding member 140 toward the central axis of the dust collecting container 100.

[0075] Furthermore, a generally rod-shaped member extends downward from the intersection of the three bridge portions 410, and a circular portion 420 is formed at the tip of the rod-shaped member. A gap 430 is formed between the circular portion 420 and the protruding member 140. Therefore, dust present in the space 330 falls into the check valve 320 through the gap 430.

[0076] Dust accumulated inside protruding member 140 can be dropped into first reservoir 161 by opening check valve 320 .

[0077] Furthermore, even if check valve 320 does not close quickly when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after check valve 320 has opened, labyrinth structure 400 prevents the dust accumulated in first storage section 161 from flowing back. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust accumulated in first storage section 161 from flowing back into space 330 as much as possible.

[0078] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the present disclosure may be embodied in another embodiment realized by any combination of the components described in this specification or by excluding some of the components. Furthermore, the present disclosure also includes modifications obtained by applying various modifications to the above-described embodiments that would occur to a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, i.e., the meaning of the wording of the claims.

[0079] For example, the outer peripheral shape of the protruding member 140 is not limited to a specific shape, and may be a D-shape with a part of the circle cut out as shown in FIG.

[0080] 7, the first separating member 110 may be provided with a guide member 190 that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface thereof and extends spirally around the pipe axis. The guide member 190 guides the dust-containing air sucked into the first separating member 110 through the suction holes 111 so that the air becomes a swirling flow toward the filter member 150. In this embodiment, one end of the guide member 190 is disposed between the suction holes 111 in the pipe axis direction and on the periphery of the suction holes 111, and the other end is disposed on the filter member 150 side. In other words, the guide member 190 winds counterclockwise from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113 when viewed from above (Z+ side in the figure).

[0081] The cross-sectional shape of the guide member 190 taken along a plane including the tube axis is not limited. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the guide member 190 is a rectangle that is thinner in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. The number of turns of the spiral guide member 190 is not limited. In this embodiment, the guide member 190 is wound three times from the top to the bottom of the first separation member 110. The portions of the guide member 190 corresponding to the suction holes 111 are cut out. In other words, the guide member 190 does not cross the suction holes 111, and the portions corresponding to the suction holes 111 are discontinued. Note that the guide member 190 may be formed by forming a spiral groove in a first separation member 110 that is configured to have a large wall thickness. In other words, forming the guide member 190 by erecting ribs on the inner circumferential surface of the first separation member 110 is the same as forming the guide member 190 by providing a spiral groove on the inner circumferential surface of the first separation member 110.

[0082] The dust collection container 100 of the first aspect described in the above embodiment comprises a cylindrical first separating member 110 that is closed at one end and open at the other, a suction pipe 130 that is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first separating member 110 and that communicates with a suction hole 111 that is provided in the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110, a protruding member 140 that protrudes from the center of the closing portion 112 of the first separating member 110 toward the opening 113, a cylindrical filter member 150 that extends outward from the open end of the first separating member 110 in the direction of the pipe axis from the closing portion 112 toward the opening 113, and a first storage section 161 that is arranged on the opposite side of the first separating member 110 from the filter member 150 and that stores dust that is centrifuged from the air by a swirling air flow generated inside the first separating member 110.

[0083] According to the first aspect of dust collection container 100, protruding member 140 is provided inside first separating member 110, so that even if first separating member 110 is small enough to be provided in stick-type vacuum cleaner 200, it is possible to make the dust-laden air sucked through suction hole 111 into a swirling flow, thereby effectively separating the dust from the air. The presence of protruding member 140 allows the size of suction hole 111, which sucks in dust-laden air, to be relatively large, and clogging of suction hole 111 with dust can be avoided as much as possible.

[0084] The dust collection container 100 of the second embodiment includes the dust collection container of the first embodiment, and the opening area of ​​the suction hole 111 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the suction pipe 130 opposite the suction hole 111, and the suction hole 111 is biased downstream of the swirling air flow relative to the suction pipe 130.

[0085] According to the dust collection container 100 of the second aspect, the dust-laden airflow passing through the suction hole 111 flows in so as to be pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the first separating member 110. Therefore, even with a small first separating member 110, a more effective swirling flow can be generated. Furthermore, due to the presence of the protruding member 140, an effective swirling flow can be generated even when the opening area of ​​the suction hole 111 is set to 70% or more of the opening area of ​​the suction tube 130. This makes it possible to prevent the suction hole 111 from becoming clogged with dust even when large dust particles are sucked in.

[0086] The dust collection container 100 of the third aspect includes either the first aspect or the second aspect, and the tip of the protruding member 140 is arranged closer to the blocking portion 112 than the suction hole 111 in the direction of the tube axis.

[0087] According to the third aspect of the dust collection container 100, the protruding member 140 does not overlap with any part of the suction hole 111 in the axial direction of the tube, and pressure loss of the air flowing in from the suction hole 111 due to the protruding member 140 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0088] The dust collection container 100 of the fourth aspect includes any one of the first to third aspects, and the suction hole 111 is arranged with a predetermined gap from the blocking portion 112 .

[0089] According to the dust collection container 100 of the fourth aspect, the downward force that the swirling flow receives from the blocking portion 112 can be suppressed, and the swirling flow can be effectively contained within the first separating member 110.

[0090] The dust collection container 100 of the fifth aspect includes any of the first to fourth aspects, and the filter member 150 widens toward the first storage portion 161 .

[0091] According to the dust collection container 100 of the fifth aspect, it is possible to easily cause dust adhering to the inner surface of the filter member 150 to fall into the first storage section 161 .

[0092] The dust collection container 100 of the sixth aspect includes any of the first to fifth aspects, and the length L1 of the first separating member 110 is longer than the length L2 of the filter member 150 in the direction of the tube axis.

[0093] According to the dust collection container 100 of the sixth aspect, even though it is small, it is possible to effectively separate relatively large dust particles from the air, and it is possible to prevent clogging of the filter member 150.

[0094] The dust collection container 100 of the seventh aspect includes any of the first to sixth aspects, and is provided with a guide member 190 that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the first separating member 110 and extends spirally around the pipe axis.

[0095] The dust collection container 100 of the eighth aspect includes the seventh aspect, and one end of the guide member is positioned between the suction holes 111 in the direction of the tube axis and on the periphery of the suction holes 111, and the other end is positioned on the filter member 150 side.

[0096] According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the dust collection container 100, the swirling flow within the first separating member 110 can be stabilized, and even a small dust collection container 100 can more effectively separate dust from air.

[0097] The vacuum cleaner 200 of the ninth aspect described in the above embodiment includes any of the dust collection containers 100 from the first aspect to the eighth aspect, and is equipped with a suction device 210 that creates negative pressure inside the first separating member 110 of the dust collection container 100 via the filter member 150.

[0098] According to the cleaner 200 of the ninth aspect, it is possible to achieve the effects corresponding to the above aspects.

[0099] The vacuum cleaner 200 of the tenth aspect includes the vacuum cleaner of the ninth aspect, and further includes a second separating member interposed between the filter member 150 and the suction device 210 in the suction path.

[0100] This makes it possible to separate fine dust particles that cannot be separated by the first separating member 110 .

[0101] The dust collection container of the present disclosure can be used in devices that treat sucked air, such as vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and air conditioners.

[0102] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Dust collecting container 101 Tube shaft 110 First separating member 111 Suction hole 112 Blocking portion 113 Opening 120 Second separating member 121 Cyclone member 122 Exhaust hole 130 Suction pipe 140 Protruding member 150 Filter member 161 First storage portion (dust collecting portion) 162 Second storage portion 170 Lid member 180 Outer cylinder 200 Vacuum cleaner 210 Suction device 220 Head 230 Pipe 240 Grip portion 310 Opening 320 Check valve 330 Space 340 Inclined portion 350 Shaft 360 Rod member 370 Return portion 380 Bent portion 390 Valve receiving portion 400 Labyrinth structure 410 Bridge portion 420 Circular portion 430 Gap

Claims

1. A dust collection container having: a first separating member that separates dust by generating a swirling air current inside; a dust collection section that collects the dust separated by the first separating member; and a second separating member that further separates dust from the air that has passed through the first separating member, wherein the first separating member is formed with an opening, the first separating member and the second separating member are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the opening, and a check valve is disposed in the opening to prevent air from flowing back from the first separating member to the second separating member, and the dust separated by the second separating member can be collected in the dust collection section via the opening and the first separating member.

2. A dust collection container as described in claim 1, wherein a protruding member that protrudes downward is provided at approximately the center of the upper surface of the first separating member, and the opening and the check valve are located at the bottom of the protruding member.

3. A dust collection container according to claim 2, wherein a space is defined between the protruding member and the second separating member into which dust separated by the second separating member enters.

4. A dust collection container as described in claim 3, wherein the side of the protruding member is configured with an inclined surface, and a portion of the dust separated by the second separating member can slide down the inclined surface and fall into the opening.

5. A dust collection container as described in claim 4, further comprising an openable and closable cover member disposed at the bottom of the dust collection container, the cover member and the check valve being connected to a rod-shaped member, and when the cover member is opened, the rod-shaped member moves downward and the check valve opens.

6. A vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images