Cleaning system

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system in which a reduction in dust recovery efficiency is suppressed.　A cleaning system 1 according to the present invention comprises: an electric cleaner 10 provided with an electric blower 110 and a dust pickup part 112; and a dust collection device 20 on which the electric cleaner 10 is mounted and which collects dust picked up by the dust pickup part 112.　The dust collection device 20 includes a dust collection part 28 for collecting dust in the dust pickup part 112.　The electric cleaner 10 includes a flow passage switching part 130 between the electric blower 110 and a dust pickup filter 1126 of the dust pickup part 112. The flow passage switching part 130 includes: an electric blower side opening 133 for allowing air that has passed through the dust pickup filter 1126 to flow into the electric blower 110; and a dust pickup part communication opening 132 for allowing air to flow from the flow passage switching part 130 toward the dust pickup filter 1126.

Description

Cleaning system

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system.

[0002] Vacuum cleaners use the suction power generated by an electric blower to suck in dust along with the air, and collect the dust in a dust collection unit. In the dust collection unit, the dust is captured by a filter, and the filtered air is discharged outside the machine. To maintain the suction power, the dust captured in the dust collection unit needs to be disposed of, which can be a hassle for users.

[0003] One example of a technology for reducing the amount of dust disposal work is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology including a collection device that is connected to a vacuum cleaner and collects dust from the vacuum cleaner's dust collection unit. The vacuum cleaner's electric blower is housed in a fan housing. When the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device, the fan housing and the dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner are connected to the collection device. The collection device includes a dust suction source that generates suction, a collection chamber that collects dust, and an air intake port that allows air to flow into the housing from the outside. When the collection device's dust suction source is driven while the vacuum cleaner and collection device are connected, external air flows in through the air intake port, passes through the fan housing and dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner, flows into the collection chamber of the collection device, and the dust suction source, and finally flows out of the collection device's housing. During this flow path, dust collected in the vacuum cleaner's dust collection unit is transferred together with the air to the collection chamber of the collection device. In this way, the dust collected in the dust collecting section of the vacuum cleaner is recovered, reducing the work of disposing of the dust from the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] JP 2023-56894 A

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when collecting dust from the dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner, the air passes through a fan housing chamber, which causes a pressure loss when the air hits the fan, reducing the efficiency of collecting dust from the dust collection unit. As a result, some dust cannot be collected and remains in the dust collection unit, potentially reducing the suction power of the vacuum cleaner.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide a cleaning system that suppresses a decrease in dust collection efficiency.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a cleaning system comprising: an electric blower; a dust collection unit equipped with a dust collection filter that collects dust sucked in by the suction force of the electric blower and filters the air; a main body passage that communicates with the dust collection unit and through which the dust passes; and a dust collection device on which the vacuum cleaner is placed and that collects the dust collected in the dust collection unit, wherein the dust collection device comprises a dust collection unit that collects the dust collected in the dust collection unit, and the vacuum cleaner comprises a flow path switching unit between the electric blower and the dust collection filter, and the flow path switching unit comprises an electric blower side opening that allows air that has passed through the dust collection filter to flow into the electric blower, and a dust collection unit communication opening that allows air to flow from the flow path switching unit towards the dust collection filter.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaning system that suppresses a decrease in dust collection efficiency.

[0009] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an electric vacuum cleaner placed on a mounting base according to Example 1; FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of switch buttons of an operation switch unit; FIG. 3 is a view showing another example of switch buttons of an operation switch unit; FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a cleaning system according to Example 1; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vacuum cleaner taken along the vertical direction; FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning system according to Example 1 taken along the vertical direction; FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the dust collection lid is kept closed by a lid lock mechanism; FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the lid lock mechanism is performing an unlocking operation; FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the lid lock mechanism is unlocked; FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the dust collection lid and the return flow path opening opening / closing lid are open; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system according to Example 1; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the vicinity of the dust collection blower of the dust collection device according to Example 1; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between an information terminal device and a cleaning system according to a first modified example of Example 2. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a dust collection device according to a first modified example of Example 2. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a cleaning system according to a first modified example of Example 2. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a second modified example of Example 2. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance server according to a second modified example of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cleaning system according to a third embodiment, cut along the vertical direction. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a main part of the cleaning system according to the third embodiment, cut along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the dust collection lid is closed. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a main part of the cleaning system according to the third embodiment, cut along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the dust collection lid is open.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In principle, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all drawings. Furthermore, descriptions of parts having identical functions will be omitted. Note that the configurations described below are merely examples, and it is not intended that the embodiments of the present invention be limited to the specific embodiments below.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an electric vacuum cleaner placed on a stand according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a switch button of an operation switch unit. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing another example of a switch button of an operation switch unit. In the first embodiment, front, back, left, right, and up and down are defined from the viewpoint of a user performing cleaning.

[0012] 1, cleaning system 1 includes vacuum cleaner 10 and dust collection device 20 on which vacuum cleaner 10 is placed and which collects dust collected in dust collection section 112 of vacuum cleaner 10. Dust collection device 20 also serves as a charging stand for vacuum cleaner 10. When vacuum cleaner 10 is not in use, it is placed on dust collection device 20 to charge.

[0013] The electric vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a vacuum cleaner main body 11, an extension tube 12 having one end connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 11, and a suction nozzle 13 connected to the other end of the extension tube. The vacuum cleaner main body 11 comprises a motor case 111 that houses an electric blower 110 that generates suction power, a dust collection unit 112 that collects dust sucked in by the suction power of the electric blower 110, a handle 113 that is gripped by the user, and a storage battery 114 that supplies power to the electric blower 110. The handle 113 is equipped with an operation switch unit 115.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2A , the operation switch unit 115 includes an operation control button 1151a for selecting the operation of the electric blower 110, an automatic cleaning control button 1151b (manual start button) for performing automatic cleaning of the dust collection unit 112, an off button 1152 for stopping the operation of the electric blower 110, and a display unit 1153a for displaying the remaining charge of the storage battery 114, filter maintenance, and the automatic cleaning status of the dust collection unit 112. In Example 1, the operation control button 1151a has two modes: "strong" and "standard." The operation control button 1151a also serves as the automatic cleaning control button 1151b (manual start button), and pressing and holding the "standard" button for three seconds executes automatic cleaning using the dust collection device 20, which will be described later. Note that the automatic cleaning control button 1151b may be omitted, and the dust collection device 20 may be configured to collect dust from the dust collection unit simultaneously when an electric vacuum cleaner is installed.

[0015] In Fig. 2A, the operation control button 1151a and the automatic cleaning control button 1151b are configured to serve as both buttons, but as shown in Fig. 2B, the operation control button 1151a and the automatic cleaning control button 1151b may be configured separately. In Fig. 2B, the automatic cleaning control button 1151b is configured independent of the operation control button 1151a. Furthermore, in Fig. 2B, a display unit 1153b is provided around the automatic cleaning control button 1151b.

[0016] 3 is a control block diagram of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The dust collection device 20 is connected to an AC power source. The dust collection device 20 also includes a dust collection fan 24 that generates suction force for collecting dust in the dust collection unit, a communication unit 25 that communicates with an information terminal device, an input unit 26 that includes an operation switch 261 that turns the dust collection fan 24 on and off and an operation mode selector switch 262 that changes the operation mode of the dust collection fan 24, a temperature sensor 29 that measures the temperature of air flowing into the dust collection fan 24, an alarm unit 31 that notifies the operating status of the dust collection fan 24, and a dust collection control unit 27 that controls the dust collection fan 24, the communication unit 25, the input unit 26, the temperature sensor 29, and the alarm unit 31. The dust collection control unit 27 also controls the power supplied to the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a male connector 116 that connects to the female connector 23 of the dust collection device 20 when placed on the dust collection device 20, and a control unit 118 that is connected to the male connector 116 via a power line 117. Alternatively, the connection between the dust collection device 20 and the vacuum cleaner 10 may be an electrode type using a leaf spring instead of a connector. The control unit 118 includes a memory unit that stores control programs required for operating, charging, etc., of the vacuum cleaner 10, and a central processing unit that executes the control program. The control unit 118 is also connected to a storage battery 114 and an electric blower 110, which are controlled by the control unit 118. The storage battery 114 is electrically connected to the male connector 116 via the control unit 118.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows the air flow when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use. In Fig. 4, the extension tube 12 and the suction body 13 connected to the vacuum cleaner 10 are omitted.

[0019] The dust collecting unit 112 is detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner body 11. The vacuum cleaner body 11 connected to the extension tube 12 is formed with a main body passage 1101 that communicates with the dust collecting unit 112 and through which dust passes. The outlet of the main body passage 1101 is connected to an inlet 1121 of the dust collecting unit 112.

[0020] The dust collection section 112 is equipped with an inner cylinder 1122 that centrifuges the dust-laden air that has flowed in from the inlet 1121, and an outer cylinder 1123 that forms the outer shell of the dust collection section 112. Dust 1124 is collected in a dust collection space 1123a formed inside the outer cylinder 1123 (dust collection section 112). A mesh filter is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 1122. A filter-side opening 1122a that penetrates toward the filter housing space 1123b is formed at the top of the inner cylinder 1122, and a dust collection lid-side opening 1122b that penetrates toward the opposite side to the filter housing space is formed at the bottom of the inner cylinder 1122. The filter-side opening 1122a and the dust collection lid-side opening 1122b are in communication.

[0021] The mesh-like outer appearance of the inner cylinder allows the airflow from the dust collection fan 24 to remove dust adhering to the inner cylinder surface, making it easier for the dust to move toward the collection device.

[0022] A dust collection chamber opening 1125 for disposing of dust 1124 collected in the dust storage space 1123a is provided below the dust collection unit 112 (on the side opposite the electric blower), and a dust collection lid 1125a for opening and closing the dust collection chamber opening 1125. When the dust collection lid 1125a closes the dust collection chamber opening 1125, the dust collection lid 1125a comes into contact with the lower end of the inner cylinder 1122 and closes the dust collection lid side opening 1122b.

[0023] The dust collection unit 112 is also equipped with a dust collection filter 1126. The dust collection filter 1126 is located above the dust collection unit 112 (on the electric blower side or downstream side) and filters dust-laden air. The dust collection filter 1126 is housed in a filter housing space 1123b formed downstream (on the electric blower side) of the dust collection space 1123a. The dust collection space 1123a and the filter housing space 1123b are separated by a partition wall 1123c having an opening in the center, and an inner cylinder 1122 is attached to the opening of the partition wall 1123c. The dust collection space 1123a and the filter housing space 1123b are in communication with each other through the inner cylinder 1122. An outer case 1127 is disposed behind (outside) the outer cylinder 1123, and a reflux flow path 131 is formed between the outer cylinder 1123 and the outer case 1127.

[0024] Furthermore, a flow path switching unit 130 is provided above the dust collecting unit 112 (on the electric blower side or downstream side). The flow path switching unit 130 is located between the dust collecting filter 1126 and the electric blower 110. A dust collecting unit communication opening 132 is formed in the flow path switching unit 130 of the dust collecting unit 112, which connects the flow path switching unit 130 with the return flow path 131. The dust collecting unit communication opening 132 allows air to flow from the flow path switching unit 130 into the flow path switching unit 130 toward the dust collecting filter 1126.

[0025] On the electric blower 110 side (downstream side) of the flow path switching section 130, an electric blower side opening 133 is formed which communicates with the inlet of the electric blower 110 and allows air that has passed through the dust collecting filter 1126 to flow into the electric blower 110.

[0026] Further, below the return flow path 131 (on the side opposite the electric blower), a return flow path opening 134 that communicates with a second flow path of the dust collection device 20 (described later) is formed, and a return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a that opens and closes the return flow path opening 134 is also provided. The return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a opens and closes together with the dust collection cover 1125a via a cover rotation shaft 1128. The return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a opens the return flow path opening 134 by moving toward the electric blower side (upper side), which is the downstream side, and the dust collection cover 1125a opens the dust collection chamber opening 1125 by moving toward the opposite side (lower side) of the electric blower. In other words, the return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a and the dust collection cover 1125a move in opposite directions relative to the electric blower (up and down) via the cover rotation shaft 1128. In addition, the return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a and the dust collection cover 1125a are biased to close their respective openings, the return flow path opening 134 and the dust collection chamber opening 1125, by a biasing means such as a coil spring arranged on the cover rotation shaft 1128.

[0027] When cleaning the floor, the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the dust collection device 20. At this time, the return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a and the dust collection cover 1125a close the return flow path opening 134 and the dust collection chamber opening 1125, respectively, and are kept closed by the cover lock mechanism 1129. The cover lock mechanism 1129 is provided in the dust collection unit 112, and locks the return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a and the dust collection cover 1125a from opening or closing.

[0028] When the operation control button 1151 of the operation switch unit 115 is pressed, the electric blower 110 starts operating and generates suction force. The suction body 13 is in contact with the floor surface, and dust on the floor is sucked in along with air. The air and dust sucked through the suction body 13 flow into the dust collection unit 112 via the extension tube 12, the main body passage 1101, and the inlet 1121, as shown by the arrows. The air and dust 1124 that flow into the dust collection unit 112 swirl along the outer cylinder 1123, and the dust 1124 that has been centrifuged is collected in the dust collection space 1123a. The air separated from the dust 1124 passes through the center of the inner cylinder 1122, and the fine dust contained in the air is collected by the dust collection filter 1126. The air that has passed through the dust collection filter 1126 passes through the flow path switching unit 130 and the electric blower side opening 133, is sucked into the electric blower 110, and is exhausted to the outside of the machine through the exhaust port 111a of the motor case 111.

[0029] Next, the operation after cleaning is described. Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the vertical direction. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the dust collection lid is kept closed by the lid locking mechanism. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the lid locking mechanism is releasing. Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the lid locking mechanism is released. Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the vertical direction, showing a state in which the dust collection lid and the return flow path opening opening / closing lid are open.

[0030] The dust collection cover 1125a is provided with a claw insertion portion 1125b that protrudes outward (toward the front).

[0031] The lid locking mechanism 1129 is formed with a locking claw 1129a that is inserted into the claw insertion portion 1125b of the dust collection lid 1125a, and a contact portion 1129b that is bent outward (forward). The lid locking mechanism 1129 rotates around a rotation shaft 1129c. A compression spring is disposed between the contact portion 1129b and the dust collection unit 112, and biases the locking claw 1129a so that it is inserted into the claw insertion portion 1125b.

[0032] Dust collection device 20 is equipped with a mounting portion 20a on which dust collection unit 112 of vacuum cleaner 10 is placed, a mounting protrusion 20b that protrudes upward from mounting portion 20a at the front side of dust collection device 20, and a main body support portion 20c that protrudes upward from mounting portion 20a at the rear side of dust collection device 20. When vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on dust collection device 20, main body support portion 20c supports the rear side of vacuum cleaner 10 and prevents vacuum cleaner 10 from tipping over rearward.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, when the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is not placed on the mounting portion 20a of the dust collection device 20, the locking claw portion 1129a of the lid locking mechanism 1129 is inserted into the claw insertion portion 1125b of the dust collection lid 1125a, preventing the dust collection lid 1125a from opening.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, when an attempt is made to place the vacuum cleaner 10 on the mounting portion 20a of the dust collection device 20, the mounting protrusion 20b of the dust collection device 20 comes into contact with the abutment portion 1129b of the lid locking mechanism 1129, and the locking claw portion 1129a of the lid locking mechanism 1129 operates to retract from the claw insertion portion 1125b of the dust collection lid 1125a.

[0035] 8 , when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting portion 20a of the dust collection device 20, the locking claw portion 1129a of the lid locking mechanism 1129 retracts from the claw insertion portion 1125b of the dust collection lid 1125a. In this state, the locked state of the dust collection lid 1125a is released. As described above, a coil spring is disposed on the lid rotation shaft 1128, and the coil spring is biased to close the return flow path opening 134 and the dust collection chamber opening 1125. Therefore, when the dust collection lid 1125a is released from the locked state, the dust collection lid 1125a and the return flow path opening opening / closing cover 134a close the dust collection chamber opening 1125 and the return flow path opening 134.

[0036] Next, a method for recovering the dust 1124 collected in the dust collecting section 112 will be described.

[0037] Dust collection device 20 includes dust collection blower 24 that generates suction force, and dust collection section 28 that collects dust from dust collection section 112 of vacuum cleaner 10 by the suction force generated by dust collection blower 24. In addition, dust collection section dust collection filter 32 is provided between dust collection blower 24 and dust collection section 28.

[0038] Dust collection device 20 further includes a first flow path 201 that communicates between dust collection space 1123a of dust collection unit 112 and dust collection unit 28 and transfers dust 1124 collected in dust collection space 1123a to dust collection unit 28, and a second flow path 202 that communicates with the exhaust unit of dust collection blower 24 and return flow path 131 of dust collection unit 112 and returns exhaust air from dust collection blower 24 to return flow path 131. First flow path 201 and second flow path 202 are in communication with dust collection unit 28 via dust collection blower 24.

[0039] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting section 20a of the dust collection device 20 and the dust collection blower 24 is driven with the lid unlocked by the lid locking mechanism, negative pressure is created in the first flow path 201, the dust collection lid 1125a opens downward against the biasing force of the coil spring arranged on the lid rotation shaft 1128, and dust 1124 falls from the dust storage space 1123a due to its own weight and the suction force of the dust collection blower 24, flows through the first flow path 201 together with the air, and is collected in the dust collection section 28.

[0040] Furthermore, when dust collection lid 1125a opens downward, return flow path opening opening / closing lid 134a opens upward. Air (exhaust air) exhausted from dust collection blower 24 flows through second flow path 202 and enters return flow path 131 from return flow path opening 134. The air that enters return flow path 131 enters flow path switching unit 130 from dust collection unit communication opening 132. The air that enters flow path switching unit 130 flows through dust collection filter 1126, passes through filter side opening 1122a and dust collection lid side opening 1122b of inner cylinder 1122, and again enters first flow path 201. In other words, when dust collection blower 24 is driven, air circulates between dust collection unit 112 of vacuum cleaner 10 and dust collection device 20. The air flowing from flow path switching unit 130 to dust collection filter 1126 is opposite to the air flow when electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driven to clean the floor. Therefore, the air flowing from flow path switching unit 130 to dust collection filter 1126 removes dust trapped by dust collection filter 1126 from dust collection filter 1126 and guides the dust to dust recovery unit 28, thereby preventing clogging of dust collection filter 1126.

[0041] The dust collection lid 1125a and the return flow path opening opening / closing lid 134a of this embodiment function as lids that open and close the dust collection section 112 and the return flow path 131, and move in opposite directions around the lid rotation shaft 1128.

[0042] The motor case 111 that houses the electric blower 110 is formed with an exhaust port 111a for discharging the exhaust air from the electric blower 110, so that when the dust collection blower 24 is driven, air flows back from the exhaust port 111a. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20, the main body support part 20c of the dust collection device 20 comes into contact with the exhaust port 111a, thereby closing the exhaust port 111a. Alternatively, a shutter that closes the exhaust port 111a may be provided on the motor case 111.

[0043] It is preferable that the dust collection fan 24 of the dust collection device 20 be configured to operate automatically when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting portion 20a of the dust collection device 20. For example, an operation mode selector switch 262, which is an input unit 26 of the dust collection device 20, has an automatic operation mode and a manual operation mode, and the dust collection fan 24 is operated when the operation mode selector switch 262 is set to the automatic operation mode. The dust collection device 20 also serves as a charging stand for the storage battery 114 of the vacuum cleaner 10. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting portion 20a of the dust collection device 20, the male connector 116 of the vacuum cleaner 10 and the female connector 23 of the dust collection device 20 are connected, and the dust collection control unit 27 detects this connection state and operates the dust collection fan 24. When operation mode selector switch 262 is set to the manual operation mode, the user operates operation switch 261 to operate dust collection fan 24. As described above, operation switch unit 115 of vacuum cleaner 10 is provided with automatic cleaning control button 1151b, and dust collection fan 24 may be operated by operating automatic cleaning control button 1151b with vacuum cleaner 10 placed on mounting unit 20a of dust collection device 20.

[0044] The dust collection unit 28 of the dust collection device 20 stores dust collected from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10. When the amount of collected dust exceeds a predetermined amount, the dust collected in the dust collection unit 28 must be disposed of. A disposable paper pack filter is attached to the dust collection unit 28. A dust collection unit opening / closing cover 203 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided on the side of the dust collection device 20, and the dust collection unit opening / closing cover 203 opens and closes the opening for removing the paper pack filter from the dust collection unit 28. When the paper pack filter becomes full of collected dust, the dust collection performance can be restored by replacing it with a new paper pack filter. In this embodiment, the dust collection unit opening / closing cover 203 is used as a method for removing the paper pack filter from the dust collection unit 28. However, a drawer for removing the paper pack filter from the opening may be used instead.

[0045] The above operation will be described with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20 determines whether or not the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement unit 20a of the dust collection device 20 (step S101). If it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 10 is not placed on the placement unit 20a of the dust collection device 20 (No in step S101), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S101.

[0047] When it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement portion 20a of the dust collection device 20 (Yes in step S101), the dust collection control portion 27 determines whether the operation mode is the automatic operation mode (step S102). When the operation mode is not the automatic operation mode (No in step S102), the dust collection control portion 27 repeats the operation of step S102.

[0048] If the operation mode is the automatic operation mode (Yes in step S102), the dust collection control unit 27 drives the dust collection blower 24 (step S103). Furthermore, the dust collection control unit 27 operates the notification unit 31 to notify that the dust collection blower 24 is operating (step S104). When the dust collection blower 24 is driven, the dust collected in the dust collection unit 112 is moved to the dust collection unit 28 through the first flow path 201.

[0049] Next, the dust collection control unit 27 measures the operating time of the dust collection fan 24 and determines whether the operating time has exceeded a predetermined time (step S105). If the operating time of the dust collection fan 24 has not exceeded the predetermined time (No in step S105), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S105.

[0050] If the driving time of the dust collection fan 24 has elapsed for the predetermined time (Yes in step S105), the dust collection control unit 27 stops the dust collection fan 24 (step S106). Furthermore, the dust collection control unit 27 stops the notification by the notification unit 31 (step S107).

[0051] The predetermined time for which the dust collection fan 24 is driven may be any time, such as 20 seconds, but if it is detected that the vacuum cleaner 10 has been removed from the dust collection device 20 while the dust collection fan 24 is driving, the driving of the dust collection fan is immediately stopped.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, when dust collection fan 24 is driven, air flows through dust collection unit 112, first flow path 201, dust collection unit 28, and dust collection fan 24. Furthermore, air exhausted from dust collection fan 24 is blown through second flow path 202, return flow path 131, flow path switching unit 130, dust collection filter 1126, and dust collection unit 112. In other words, when dust collection fan 24 is driven, air circulates within cleaning system 1.

[0053] According to this embodiment, since the dust collection device that collects the dust collected in the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner is provided, it is possible to reduce the disposal work of discarding the dust from the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flow path switching section is provided with a dust collection section communication opening that allows air to flow from the flow path switching section toward the dust collection filter, thereby preventing clogging of the dust collection filter and maintaining the suction power of the vacuum cleaner.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the dust collection device, air is allowed to circulate between the vacuum cleaner and the dust collection device, which prevents air from being exhausted into the room from the vacuum cleaner and the dust collection device, thereby keeping the air in the room clean.

[0056] In the cleaning system 1 of this embodiment, the dust collection fan 24 is operated to circulate air within the cleaning system 1. The circulating air contains exhaust air from the dust collection fan 24, and the temperature of the circulating air rises due to the exhaust air from the dust collection fan 24. When the temperature of the circulating air rises, it is possible to kill mites and the like that have been collected together with dust in the dust collection unit 28, but the temperature of the dust collection control unit 27, which is cooled by the exhaust air from the dust collection fan 24, also rises, which may cause the dust collection control unit 27 to malfunction. Means for solving this problem will be described below.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dust collection fan and its vicinity in the dust collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The second flow path 202 of the dust collection device 20 is provided with a dust collection control unit 27 that is cooled by the exhaust air from the dust collection blower 24. That is, the dust collection control unit 27 is located downstream of the dust collection blower 24. The dust collection control unit 27 is attached to one surface of a heat sink 204 made of metal such as aluminum. One surface of the heat sink 204 is disposed within the second flow path 202 so that the exhaust air from the dust collection blower 24 hits the heat sink 204 together with the dust collection control unit 27. The other surface of the heat sink 204 is attached so that the other surface faces outward from the dust collection blower 24. A plurality of heat radiating ports 205 are cut out in the vertical direction at the position where the heat sink 204 of the dust collection device 20 is attached, and the other surface of the heat sink 204 is exposed to the outside air via the heat radiating ports 205.

[0059] When the dust collection fan 24 is operated, the dust collection control unit 27 that controls it generates heat, but the dust collection control unit 27 is cooled by the exhaust air from the dust collection fan 24. Furthermore, the dust collection control unit 27 is cooled by radiating heat from the heat radiating port 205 via the heat sink 204. Furthermore, because the exhaust air from the dust collection fan 24 hits the heat sink 204, the exhaust air from the dust collection fan 24 also radiates heat from the heat radiating port 205 via the heat sink 204, and is cooled.

[0060] Depending on the operating time of the dust collection fan 24, the heat dissipation through the heat radiating port 205 by the heat sink 204 may not be able to keep up, and the exhaust air from the dust collection fan 24 may continue to rise. Therefore, in this embodiment, a temperature sensor 29 is installed upstream of the dust collection fan 24 to measure the temperature of the air flowing into the dust collection fan 24. When the dust collection fan 24 operates and air circulates within the dust collection device 20, the temperature sensor 29 measures the temperature of the air flowing into the dust collection fan 24 and transmits the detected temperature to the dust collection control unit 27. A preset air temperature threshold is stored in the memory unit of the dust collection control unit 27, and a calculation unit of the dust collection control unit 27 compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 29 with the temperature threshold, and stops the dust collection fan 24 if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 29 exceeds the predetermined threshold. Then, dust collection control unit 27 notifies that dust collection blower 24 has stopped through notification unit 31. Notification unit 31 is configured with, for example, an LED that emits light, a buzzer that emits sound, etc. Notification unit 31 is provided in dust collection device 20, but may also be configured to notify using display units 1153a, 1153b (FIGS. 2A and 2B) of vacuum cleaner 10.

[0061] When the dust collection fan 24 is stopped, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 29 drops. Then, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 29 drops below a predetermined threshold, the dust collection control unit 27 restarts the operation of the dust collection fan 24.

[0062] Furthermore, in order to lower the air temperature while continuing to operate the dust collection fan 24, for example, the exhaust port 111a of the motor case 111 may be opened to take in outside air through the exhaust port 111a. When taking in outside air through the exhaust port 111a, a shutter that closes the exhaust port 111a may be provided, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 29 exceeds a threshold value, the shutter may be operated to take in outside air through the exhaust port 111a.

[0063] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 29 is installed upstream of the dust collection blower 24, but the installation position of the temperature sensor is not limited to this, and it may be set at any position where the air temperature inside the dust collection device 20 can be measured.

[0064] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the dust collection fan 24 is operating, it generates operating noise. For example, at night or when a user is present in the room where the dust collection device 20 is installed, it may be desirable for the dust collection device 20 not to operate or to operate at a low noise level. Means for achieving this will be described.

[0065] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system according to Example 2 of the present invention. In Fig. 12, steps S121 and S122 relating to the silent operation mode are added to Fig. 10. The rest is the same as Fig. 10, so details are omitted. The silent operation mode is selected by operation mode selector switch 262.

[0066] If the operation mode is the automatic operation mode (Yes in step S102), the dust collection control unit 27 determines whether the silent operation mode is selected (step S121). If the silent operation mode is not selected (No in step S121), the dust collection control unit 27 executes steps S103 to S107 as the normal operation mode.

[0067] If the silent operation mode is selected (Yes in step S121), the dust collection control unit 27 operates the dust collection fan 24 in the silent operation mode (step S122), and then executes steps S104 to S107.

[0068] In the silent operation mode, for example, the dust collection fan 24 is driven at a lower rotation speed than in the normal operation mode, or the predetermined time for which the dust collection fan 24 is driven is shortened. In other words, in the silent operation mode, the dust collection fan 24 is driven in a state different from that in the normal operation mode.

[0069] According to this embodiment, since a silent operation mode different from the normal operation mode is provided, the dust collection fan 24 can be operated in accordance with the environment.

[0070] [Modification 1] Next, Modification 1 will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between an information terminal device and a cleaning system according to Modification 1 of Example 2. Fig. 14 is a control block diagram of a dust collection device according to Modification 1 of Example 2.

[0071] In the cleaning system of the first modification, communication between the dust collection device 20 and the information terminal device 300 is enabled using the communication unit 25 of the dust collection device 20 .

[0072] The dust collection control unit 27 includes a communication status determination unit 270 that determines the communication status with the information terminal device 300, an operation detection unit 273 that detects the operation of the dust collection fan 24, and a storage unit 274 that stores the operation status of the dust collection fan 24. The communication status determination unit 270 also includes a radio wave strength calculation unit 271 that calculates the radio wave strength between the information terminal device 300 and the information terminal device 300, and a communication time calculation unit 272 that calculates the communication time.

[0073] Short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used between the dust collection device 20 and the information terminal device 300. The dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20 can determine the distance from the information terminal device 300 based on the difference in radio wave strength with the information terminal device 300. That is, the stronger the radio wave strength, the closer the dust collection device 20 and the information terminal device 300 are, and the weaker the radio wave strength, the farther the dust collection device 20 and the information terminal device 300 are.

[0074] In the first modification, when the radio wave strength between the information terminal device 300 and the dust collection device 20 becomes weak (below a predetermined value), it is determined that the user has left the dust collection device 20, and the dust collection fan 24 is operated. A state in which the user has left the dust collection device 20 may be when the user has moved from the room in which the dust collection device 20 is installed to another room, for example.

[0075] The operation will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system according to the first modification of the second embodiment.

[0076] The dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20 determines whether or not the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement unit 20a of the dust collection device 20 (step S151). If it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 10 is not placed on the placement unit 20a of the dust collection device 20 (No in step S151), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S151.

[0077] If it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 10 has been placed on the placement section 20a of the dust collection device 20 (Yes in step S151), the communication status determination section 270 of the dust collection control section 27 determines whether or not it has received radio waves from the information terminal device 300 (step S152). If it has not received radio waves from the information terminal device 300 (No in step S152), the dust collection control section 27 repeats the operation of step S152.

[0078] If radio waves from the information terminal device 300 are being received (Yes in step S152), the radio wave intensity calculation unit 271 of the dust collection control unit 27 determines whether the radio wave intensity is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S153). If the radio wave intensity is greater than the predetermined value, the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S153.

[0079] If the radio wave strength of the information terminal device 300 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the communication time calculation unit 272 of the dust collection control unit 27 calculates the communication time since the radio wave strength became equal to or less than the predetermined value, and determines whether the predetermined time has elapsed (step S154). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S154), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S152. The processing of step S154 may be omitted, but if the dust collection blower 24 is driven immediately after the radio wave strength becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value, the distance between the user and the dust collection device 20 will not be sufficient, which would be unpleasant to the user. Therefore, in this first modification, step S154 is executed.

[0080] If a predetermined time has elapsed since the radio wave intensity became equal to or less than the predetermined value (Yes in step S154), the dust collection control unit 27 drives the dust collection fan 24 (step S155). Furthermore, the dust collection control unit 27 operates the notification unit 31 to notify that the dust collection fan 24 is operating (step S156).

[0081] Next, the dust collection control unit 27 measures the operating time of the dust collection fan 24 and determines whether the operating time has exceeded a predetermined time (step S157). If the operating time of the dust collection fan 24 has not exceeded the predetermined time (No in step S157), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S157.

[0082] If the driving time of the dust collection fan 24 has elapsed for a predetermined time (Yes in step S157), the dust collection control unit 27 stops the dust collection fan 24 (step S158). Furthermore, the dust collection control unit 27 stops the notification from the notification unit 31 and stores the operation information of the dust collection fan 24 in the storage unit 274 (step S159). After the dust collection fan 24 has started operating, if the user approaches the dust collection device 20 and then moves away from the dust collection device 20 so that the radio wave intensity falls below a predetermined value, the dust collection fan 24 may be driven. However, in the first modification, the operation information of the dust collection fan 24 is stored in the storage unit 274, and the dust collection control unit 27 refers to this information, thereby preventing the dust collection fan 24 from being driven more than necessary.

[0083] According to the first modification, the dust collection fan 24 is driven upon detecting that the user has left the dust collection device 20, thereby making it possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0084] In the first modification, the distance between the dust collection device 20 and the information terminal device 300 is determined using radio wave intensity. However, it is also possible to obtain position information of the user and the dust collection device 20 using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and control the driving and stopping of the dust collection device 20. In this case, the dust collection device 20 is equipped with a GPS to determine its own position. Since the information terminal device 300 is generally equipped with a GPS, the self-position information of the information terminal device 300 carried by the user is transmitted to the dust collection device 20. The dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20 calculates the distance between them, and drives the dust collection blower 24 when the distance between the dust collection device 20 and the information terminal device 300 carried by the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

[0085] Furthermore, the information terminal device 300 may directly instruct the dust collection fan 24 to be driven via the communication unit 25 of the dust collection device 20. The dust collection control unit 27 receives the instruction from the information terminal device 300 and drives the dust collection fan 24.

[0086] [Variation 2] Fig. 16 is a configuration diagram of a system according to Variation 2 of Example 2. Fig. 17 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance server according to Variation 2 of Example 2. The system of Variation 2 is composed of a cleaning system 1, a wireless LAN router 400, an information terminal device 300, and a home appliance server 500. The home appliance server 500 is connected to an internet line 600, and is connected to the information terminal device 300 and the wireless LAN router 400 via the internet line 600.

[0087] The home appliance server 500 stores user management information 501, such as an ID and a password, which is registered in advance for each user, user history information 502 relating to the user's history, terminal management information 503 of the information terminal device linked to the user management information 501, operation history information 504 relating to the operation history of the dust collection device 20, and log data 505 relating to access to the home appliance server 500. The home appliance server 500 also includes a device communication unit 507 that transmits and receives information to and from the information terminal device 300 and the wireless LAN router 400 via the Internet line 600.

[0088] The cleaning system 1 can be wirelessly connected to an external home appliance server 500 via a wireless LAN router 400 installed in the home. The cleaning system 1 can also communicate with an external and internal information terminal device 300 via the wireless LAN router 400 and the home appliance server 500. When the cleaning system 1 communicates with an internal information terminal device 300, communication is via the wireless LAN router 400 to the home appliance server 500 and the home appliance server 500 to the wireless LAN router 400.

[0089] The information terminal device 300 can issue instructions to start or stop operation of the dust collection device 20 (dust collection blower 24) from the wireless LAN router 400 via the home appliance server 500. Furthermore, upon receiving an instruction to start operation from the information terminal device 300, the dust collection device 20 drives the dust collection blower 24 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0090] In the second modification, the dust collection fan 24 of the dust collection device 20 can be operated from the information terminal device 300, so that, for example, by issuing an instruction to start operation from outside the home, it is possible to avoid operating the dust collection fan 24 while the user is at home. This reduces discomfort to the user.

[0091] Furthermore, since the information terminal device 300 can access the home appliance server 500, it is possible to know the operation history of the dust collection device 20. Therefore, even if the user is vague about whether or not the dust collection device 20 has been operated, for example, it is possible to know whether or not the dust collection device 20 has been operated by checking the operation history.

[0092] Furthermore, location information of the user and the dust collection device 20 may be obtained using a GPS (Global Positioning System), and the activation and deactivation of the dust collection device 20 may be controlled. In this case, the dust collection device 20 is equipped with a GPS to identify its own location. The identified location information of the dust collection device 20 is stored in the home appliance server 500 via the wireless LAN router 400. Furthermore, since the information terminal device 300 is generally equipped with a GPS, the home appliance server 500 transmits the location information of the information terminal device 300 held by the user to the home appliance server 500. The home appliance server 500 transmits a command signal to the dust collection device 20 when the distance between the dust collection device 20 and the information terminal device 300 held by the user exceeds a predetermined distance. The dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20 receives this command signal and drives the dust collection blower 24.

[0093] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 18, 19, 20A, and 20B. Fig. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a main part of a cleaning system according to the third embodiment, taken along the vertical direction. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 20A is a partial cross-sectional view of a main part of a cleaning system according to the third embodiment, taken along the vertical direction, showing the dust collection lid in a closed state. Fig. 20B is a partial cross-sectional view of a main part of a cleaning system according to the third embodiment, taken along the vertical direction, showing the dust collection lid in an open state.

[0094] In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the dust collection device 20 does not have a dust collection blower 24, and instead collects dust 1124 from the dust collection section 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection device 20 by driving the electric blower 110 of the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0095] The dust collection device 20 includes a dust collection section 28 that collects dust from the dust collection section 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10, and a dust collection section dust collection filter 32 at the bottom of the dust collection section 28.

[0096] Dust collection device 20 further includes a first flow path 201 and a second flow path 202. First flow path 201 communicates between dust collection space 1123a of dust collection unit 112 and dust collection unit 28, and transfers dust collected in dust collection space 1123a to dust collection unit 28. Second flow path 202 communicates with return flow path 131 of dust collection unit 112, and has the function of directing airflow generated by electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 from first flow path 201 through dust collection unit 28 and dust collection unit dust collection filter 32, and then returning it to return flow path 131. First flow path 201 and second flow path 202 communicate with dust collection unit 28 via dust collection unit dust collection filter 32. In this embodiment, the dust collection filter 32 for the dust collection unit is provided at the bottom of the dust collection unit 28, but this is not a limitation and it may be located anywhere in the airflow path between the dust collection unit 28 and the second flow path 202, for example, on the side of the dust collection unit 28. If located on the side, providing a door on the side makes cleaning the filter easier.

[0097] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the mounting section 20a of the dust collection device 20 and the electric blower 110 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is driven with the lid unlocked by the lid locking mechanism, negative pressure is created in the first flow path 201, the dust collection lid 1125a opens downward against the biasing force of the coil spring arranged on the lid rotation shaft 1128, and dust 1124 falls from the dust storage space 1123a due to its own weight and the suction force of the electric blower 110 of the vacuum cleaner 10, flows through the first flow path 201 together with the air, and is collected in the dust collection section 28.

[0098] Furthermore, when dust collection lid 1125a opens downward, return flow path opening opening / closing lid 134a opens upward. Airflow from electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 passes through dust collection unit dust collection filter 32, flows through second flow path 202, and enters return flow path 131 from return flow path opening 134. The air that flows into return flow path 131 flows into flow path switching unit 130 from dust collection unit communication opening 132. The air that flows into flow path switching unit 130 flows through dust collection filter 1126, passes through filter side opening 1122a and dust collection lid side opening 1122b of inner cylinder 1122, and again enters first flow path 201. In other words, when electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driven, air circulates between dust collection unit 112 of vacuum cleaner 10 and dust collection device 20. The air flowing from flow path switching unit 130 to dust collection filter 1126 is opposite to the air flow when electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driven to clean the floor. Therefore, the air flowing from flow path switching unit 130 to dust collection filter 1126 removes dust trapped by dust collection filter 1126 from dust collection filter 1126 and guides the dust to dust recovery unit 28, thereby preventing clogging of dust collection filter 1126.

[0099] The dust collection lid 1125a and the return flow path opening opening / closing lid 134a of this embodiment function as lids that open and close the dust collection section 112 and the return flow path 131, and move in opposite directions around the lid rotation shaft 1128.

[0100] The motor case 111 that houses the electric blower 110 is formed with an exhaust port 111a for discharging exhaust air from the electric blower 110, so that when the electric blower 110 of the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is driven, air flows back through the exhaust port 111a. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the electric vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20, the main body support part 20c of the dust collection device 20 comes into contact with the exhaust port 111a, thereby closing the exhaust port 111a. Alternatively, a shutter that closes the exhaust port 111a may be provided on the motor case 111.

[0101] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cleaning system according to the third embodiment.

[0102] Unlike the first embodiment, the third embodiment drives the electric blower 110 of the vacuum cleaner 10, so the dust collection control unit 27 does not need to be provided in the dust collection device 20 and may be provided in the vacuum cleaner 10. The dust collection control unit 27 determines whether the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement unit 20a (step S191). If it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 10 is not placed on the placement unit 20a of the dust collection device 20 (No in step S191), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S191.

[0103] If it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the placement section 20a of the dust collection device 20 (Yes in step S191), the dust collection control section 27 determines whether the operation mode is the automatic operation mode (step S192). If the operation mode is not the automatic operation mode (No in step S192), the dust collection control section 27 repeats the operation of step S192.

[0104] If the operation mode is the automatic operation mode (Yes in step S192), dust collection control unit 27 drives electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 (step S193). Furthermore, dust collection control unit 27 operates notification unit 31 to notify that electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driving (step S194). When electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driven, dust collected in dust collection unit 112 is moved to dust collection unit 28 through first flow path 201.

[0105] Next, dust collection control unit 27 measures the driving time of electric blower 110 of electric vacuum cleaner 10 and determines whether the driving time has elapsed for a predetermined time (step S195). If the driving time of electric blower 110 of electric vacuum cleaner 10 has not elapsed for the predetermined time (No in step S195), dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S195.

[0106] If the driving time of electric blower 110 of electric vacuum cleaner 10 has elapsed for the predetermined time (Yes in step S195), dust collection control unit 27 stops electric blower 110 of electric vacuum cleaner 10 (step S196). Furthermore, dust collection control unit 27 stops the notification by notification unit 31 (step S197).

[0107] The predetermined time for which electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driven may be any time, such as 20 seconds. However, if it is detected that electric vacuum cleaner 10 has been removed from dust collection device 20 while electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driving, driving of electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is immediately stopped.

[0108] As described above, in this embodiment, when electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driven, air flows through dust collection unit 112, first flow path 201, and dust collection unit 28. The air is then blown through second flow path 202, return flow path 131, flow path switching unit 130, dust collection filter 1126, and dust collection unit 112. In other words, when electric blower 110 of vacuum cleaner 10 is driven, air circulates within cleaning system 1.

[0109] According to this embodiment, since the dust collection device that collects the dust collected in the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner is provided, it is possible to reduce the disposal work of discarding the dust from the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flow path switching section is provided with a dust collection section communication opening that allows air to flow from the flow path switching section toward the dust collection filter, thereby preventing clogging of the dust collection filter and maintaining the suction power of the vacuum cleaner.

[0111] In comparison with Example 1, Example 3 has a weaker suction force toward the dust collection device. However, since there is no need to provide a dust collection blower 24 in the dust collection device, the number of parts can be reduced, and the dust collection device can be made lighter. Furthermore, in order to increase the force from the dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner toward the first flow path 201 of the dust collection device, the vacuum cleaner of Example 3 can also be provided with an umbrella-shaped or cylindrical inner tube 1122 in the dust collection unit, as shown in FIG. 20 . The inner tube 1122 has a sliding part 2001 that has an elastic function and slides toward the first flow path 201 when the dust collection lid 1125a is opened. As a result, when the dust collection lid 1125a is closed as shown in FIG. 20A , the sliding part 2001 is contracted. When the dust collection lid 1125a is open as shown in FIG. 20B , the sliding part 2001 is expanded, which makes it easier for dust 1124 stored in the dust collection unit 112 to move toward the first flow path with the movement of the sliding part 2001. Furthermore, when the dust collection lid 1125a is open, the inner tube 1122, moved by the sliding part 2001, stops at a position 2003 above the suction port, and the upper position 2003 is closed. This prevents the airflow from the suction port of the vacuum cleaner from flowing in the exhaust direction of the electric blower of the vacuum cleaner, and guides all airflow to be sucked toward the dust collection device. Note that to prevent the airflow from the suction port of the vacuum cleaner from flowing in the exhaust direction of the electric blower of the vacuum cleaner, an elastic rubber gasket or the like may be attached to the upper position 2003 of the umbrella-shaped inner tube 1122. This allows more airflow to be sucked toward the dust collection device.

[0112] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the dust collection device, air is allowed to circulate between the vacuum cleaner and the dust collection device, which prevents air from being exhausted into the room from the vacuum cleaner and the dust collection device, thereby keeping the air in the room clean.

[0113] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0114] 1... cleaning system, 10... electric vacuum cleaner, 11... vacuum cleaner main body, 13... suction nozzle body, 20... dust collection device, 20a... mounting portion, 20b... mounting protrusion portion, 20c... main body support portion, 23... female connector, 24... dust collection blower, 25... communication portion, 26... input portion, 27... dust collection control portion, 28... dust collection portion, 29... temperature sensor, 31... alarm portion, 32... dust collection portion dust collection filter, 110... electric blower, 111... motor case, 111a... exhaust port, 112... dust collection portion, 113... handle portion, 114... storage battery, 115... operation switch switch unit, 116...male connector, 117...power line, 118...control unit, 130...flow path switching unit, 131...return flow path, 132...dust collection unit communication opening, 133...electric blower side opening, 134...return flow path opening, 134a...return flow path opening opening / closing cover, 201...first flow path, 202...second flow path, 203...dust collection unit opening / closing cover, 204...heat sink, 205...heat radiator vent, 205...heat radiator vent, 261...operation switch, 262...operation mode changeover switch, 270...communication status determination unit, 271...radio wave intensity calculation unit, 272...communication time calculation unit , 273...operation detection unit, 274...storage unit, 300...information terminal device, 400...wireless LAN router, 500...home appliance server, 501...user management information, 502...user history information, 503...terminal management information, 504...operation history information, 505...log data, 507...device communication unit, 600...internet line, 1101...main body passage, 1121...inlet, 1122...inner cylinder, 1122a...filter side opening, 1122b...dust collection lid side opening, 1123...outer cylinder, 1123a...dust collection space, 1123b...filter collection Space, 1123c...partition plate, 1124...dust, 1125...dust collection chamber opening, 1125a...dust collection lid, 1125b...claw insertion portion, 1126...dust collection filter, 1127...outer case, 1128...lid rotation shaft, 1129...lid locking mechanism, 1129a...locking claw portion, 1129b...contact portion, 1129c...rotation shaft, 1151...operation control button, 1151a...operation control button, 1151b...automatic cleaning control button, 1152...off button, 1153a...display portion, 1153b...display portion, 2001...sliding portion, 2003...upper position

Claims

1. A cleaning system comprising an electric blower, a dust collection unit equipped with a dust collection filter that collects dust sucked in by the suction force of the electric blower and filters the air, an electric vacuum cleaner equipped with a main body passage that communicates with the dust collection unit and through which the dust passes, and a dust collection device on which the electric vacuum cleaner is placed and that collects the dust collected in the dust collection unit, wherein the dust collection device has a dust collection unit that collects the dust collected in the dust collection unit, and the electric vacuum cleaner has a flow path switching unit between the electric blower and the dust collection filter, and the flow path switching unit has an electric blower side opening that allows air that has passed through the dust collection filter to flow into the electric blower, and a dust collection unit communication opening that allows air to flow from the flow path switching unit towards the dust collection filter.

2. A cleaning system as described in claim 1, wherein the dust collection unit has a return flow path that communicates with the dust collection unit communication opening, and the dust collection device has a dust collection blower that generates suction force, a first flow path that communicates between the dust collection unit and the dust collection unit, and a second flow path that communicates between the exhaust unit of the dust collection blower and the return flow path.

3. A cleaning system as claimed in claim 1, in which the electric vacuum cleaner is placed on the dust collection device and the electric blower is driven, wherein the dust collection unit has a return flow path that communicates with the dust collection unit communication opening, and the dust collection device has a first flow path that communicates between the dust collection unit and the dust collection unit, and a second flow path that communicates between the dust collection unit and the return flow path.

4. A cleaning system according to claim 2, wherein the dust collecting unit is provided with a cover that opens and closes the dust collecting unit and the return flow path.

5. A cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein the electric vacuum cleaner has an exhaust port for discharging exhaust air from the electric blower, and the dust collection device has a main body support part that comes into contact with and closes the exhaust port.

6. A cleaning system as described in claim 5, wherein the cover body is composed of a dust collection cover that opens and closes the dust collection section, and a return flow path opening opening / closing cover that opens and closes the return flow path, and the dust collection cover and the return flow path opening opening / closing cover move in opposite directions around a rotation axis.

7. A cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotating shaft is provided with a biasing means for biasing the dust collection lid and the return flow path opening opening / closing lid so as to close the dust collection section and the return flow path.

8. A cleaning system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the dust collection unit is provided with a lid locking mechanism that locks the opening and closing operations of the dust collection lid and the return flow path opening opening and closing lid, and the dust collection device is provided with a mounting protrusion that abuts against the lid locking mechanism to release the locked state when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the dust collection device.

9. A cleaning system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the dust collection blower or the electric blower is driven with the electric vacuum cleaner placed on the dust collection device, and the dust collected in the dust collection section is transferred to the dust collection section through the first flow path.

10. A cleaning system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the air exhausted from the dust collection fan or the airflow from the electric fan passes through the second flow path and is sent to the return flow path, the flow path switching unit and the dust collection filter.

11. A cleaning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the dust collection section comprises a dust collection space for collecting dust, a filter storage space for storing the dust collection filter, and a partition wall which separates the dust collection space from the filter storage space and has an opening in the center, an inner cylinder is attached to the opening, and the inner cylinder comprises a filter side opening formed by penetrating on the filter storage space side and a dust collection lid side opening formed by penetrating on the opposite side to the filter storage space, and the dust collection lid side opening communicates with the filter side opening and is closed by contact with the dust collection lid.

Images