Dust removal device

Abstract

A dust removal device according to the present disclosure comprises: a dust storage part that is for storing dust; an insertion tube that is configured to allow insertion thereinto of a mop from above, through an insertion port which is open facing upward; a collection duct that is in communication with the dust storage part and the insertion tube; and a suction source that, by sucking air from the dust storage part, causes a suction force for sucking dust from the mop inside the insertion tube to act on the mop inside the insertion tube, via the dust storage part and the collection duct. The collection duct has an extending section which extends along a floor surface. A dust suction opening which is open so as to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in is formed in the extending section.

Description

Dust removal equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dust removal device for removing dust from a mop.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dust removal device 300 shown in Fig. 15. This dust removal device 300 is configured to remove dust from a mop 330 shown in Fig. 16.

[0003] The mop 330 has a dust cloth portion 331 for wiping off dust from the floor surface, and a handle portion 332 extending from the dust cloth portion 331. The dust cloth portion 331 is a rectangular plate-shaped member that is elongated in the left-right direction and is configured so that dust on the floor surface adheres to the dust cloth portion 331. The lower end of the handle portion 332 is attached to the upper surface of the dust cloth portion 331 at a position near the rear edge of the dust cloth portion 331, which is the center of the dust cloth portion 331 in the left-right direction. The handle portion 332 shown in Figure 16 extends upward from the dust cloth portion 331 in an upright position, but is tiltable left-right.

[0004] The handle 332 has a lower portion 333 attached to the dust cloth portion 331 and a rod-shaped upper portion 334 formed to a thickness that is easy for a user to grip. The upper portion 334 is detachable from the lower portion 333. As shown in Figure 15, the mop 330 is attached to the dust removal device 300 with the upper portion 334 and the lower portion 333 separated.

[0005] The dust removal device 300 includes a housing 310 and a suction source 320 mounted on the housing 310. The housing 310 is formed with a handle housing 312 for housing an upper part 334 of a handle 332, and a dust removal chamber 313 for housing a lower part 333 of the handle 332 together with a dust cloth part 331. The handle housing 312 and the dust removal chamber 313 are open upward so that a user can insert the upper part 334 and lower part 333 of the handle 332 from above.

[0006] The suction source 320 is configured to generate a suction force that sucks up dust adhering to the dust cloth part 331. The inside of the housing 310 is configured so that the suction force of the suction source 320 acts on the dust removal chamber 313.

[0007] After using the mop 330 for cleaning, the user disassembles the handle 332 of the mop 330 into the upper and lower parts near the dust removal device 300. The user then inserts the upper part 334 of the handle 332 into the handle storage part 312 of the housing 310 from above, and lifts the lower part 333 of the handle 332 together with the dust cloth part 331 off the floor and inserts them into the dust removal chamber 313. In this state, when the user activates the suction source 320, the suction force of the suction source 320 acts on the dust removal chamber 313, removing dust from the dust cloth part 331.

[0008] While the suction source 320 is operating, the user may hold the lower part 333 of the handle 332 and move the wiping cloth part 331 up and down within the dust removal chamber 313. The up and down movement of the wiping cloth part 331 can further promote the separation of dust from the wiping cloth part 331.

[0009] To remove dust adhering to the mop 330 using the dust remover 300, a user may drag the mop 330 along the floor while bringing the mop 330 closer to the dust remover 300. When the user then lifts the mop 330, some of the dust adhering to the mop 330 may fall off the mop 330, scattering the dust on the floor around the dust remover 300. However, the dust remover 300 cannot suck up the dust scattered on the floor in this manner.

[0010] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-14802

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dust remover that can suck up dust scattered on the floor surface around the dust remover when a mop is attached to the dust remover.

[0012] The dust removal device disclosed herein is configured to remove dust from a mop. The dust removal device includes an insertion tube configured to allow the mop to be inserted from above through an insertion opening that opens upward, a dust storage section for storing dust, a recovery duct that connects the dust storage section to the insertion tube, and a suction source that draws air from the dust storage section and applies suction force to the mop in the insertion tube through the dust storage section and the recovery duct to suck dust from the mop in the insertion tube. The recovery duct has an extension section that extends along the floor surface, and the extension section is formed with a dust suction port that opens to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in.

[0013] Another dust removal device disclosed herein is configured to remove dust adhering to a mop from the mop. The dust removal device includes an insertion tube configured to allow the mop to be inserted from above through an insertion opening that opens upward and having a dust suction opening that opens along the floor surface to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in, a dust storage section for storing dust, a suction source that draws air from the dust storage section to apply suction force to the mop inside the insertion tube through the dust storage section to suck dust from the mop inside the insertion tube, an opening / closing section for opening and closing the dust suction opening, and another opening / closing section for opening and closing the insertion opening.

[0014] The dust removal device of the present disclosure can suck up dust scattered on the floor surface around the dust removal device when a mop is attached to the dust removal device.

[0015] The objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1. Perspective view of a dust removal device (first embodiment) 2. Cross-sectional view of a dust removal device 3. Perspective view of a collection duct of a dust removal device 4. Cross-sectional view of a dust collection pipe of the collection duct 5. Schematic view of a mop 6. Schematic view of a mop 7. Schematic view of a biasing section that biases the cover member of a dust removal device 8. Schematic view of a locking section that locks the cover member (second embodiment) 9. Cross-sectional view of a dust removal device having a proximity sensor 10. Perspective view of a dust removal device that optically detects the approach of a mop (third embodiment) 11. Cross-sectional view of a dust removal device provided with a guide section that guides a mop toward an outlet formed in an insertion tube into which the mop is inserted (fourth embodiment) 12. Cross-sectional view of a dust removal device provided with a cover member that closes the insertion opening of the insertion tube (fifth embodiment) 13. Cross-sectional view of a dust removal device provided with an insertion tube with a dust suction opening (sixth embodiment) 14. Perspective view of a dust removal device provided with a fixed cover (seventh embodiment) 15. Perspective view of a conventional dust removal device 16. Schematic view of a mop

[0017] Hereinafter, first to seventh embodiments of the dust removal device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0018] First Embodiment The dust removal device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is used to remove dust attached to a mop used for cleaning work. After completing cleaning work, a user brings the mop to the dust removal device 100 to remove dust from the mop. When the user lifts the mop from the floor, some of the dust attached to the mop may scatter on the floor surface around the dust removal device 100. The dust removal device 100 is configured not only to remove dust attached to the mop but also to collect dust scattered on the floor surface around the dust removal device 100 after cleaning work.

[0019] 1, the dust removal device 100 includes a housing 110 having a substantially rectangular box shape and an insertion tube 120 having a substantially square cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction within the housing 110. A rectangular notch 112 that is elongated in the left-right direction is formed at the lower end of a rear wall 111 of the housing 110.

[0020] The upper end of the insertion tube 120 opens upward on the top surface of the housing 110, and this opening will be referred to as the "insertion opening 121" in the following description. A user can insert a mop into the insertion tube 120 from above through this insertion opening 121.

[0021] 2, the lower part of the insertion tube 120 is tapered downward, and an outlet 122 is formed at the bottom (lower end) of the insertion tube 120, through which dust that has fallen from the mop inside the insertion tube 120 flows out. In addition, another outlet 123 is provided at the upper part of the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 120, and this outlet 123 is also formed to allow dust that has fallen off the mop to flow out of the insertion tube 120.

[0022] A plurality of scraping parts 160 are fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 120. The scraping parts 160 are formed to come into contact with the mop that is moved up and down inside the insertion tube 120 and scrape off dust adhering to the mop. The scraping parts 160 are thin plate-like members that protrude inward from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 120, and the leading edges of the scraping parts 160 are comb-shaped so that they can easily catch on the bristles of the mop.

[0023] The multiple scraping portions 160 may include one that protrudes rearward from the inner surface of the front wall of the insertion tube 120 and one that protrudes forward from the inner surface of the rear wall of the insertion tube 120. Additionally or alternatively, these scraping portions 160 may include one that protrudes rightward from the inner surface of the left wall of the insertion tube 120 and one that protrudes leftward from the inner surface of the right wall of the insertion tube 120. Furthermore, these scraping portions 160 may be arranged at intervals at different height positions.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, a suction source 130 and a dust storage unit 140 are disposed at a position away from the insertion tube 120 in the opening direction of another outlet 123 formed in the upper part of the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 120. The suction source 130 is disposed below the dust storage unit 140 and is configured to generate a suction force that sucks air downward from the dust storage unit 140. This suction force is strong enough to suck in dust adhering to the mop inside the insertion tube 120. The suction source 130 can be operated or stopped in response to an operation on an operation unit 131 exposed on the top surface of the housing 110 shown in Fig. 1.

[0025] The dust storage section 140 is a container for storing dust separated from the mop inside the insertion tube 120. A filter 141 is provided at the bottom of the dust storage section 140. This filter 141 is configured to allow air to flow out of the dust storage section 140 while retaining dust within the dust storage section 140.

[0026] An inlet 142 through which dust flows in is formed in the peripheral wall of the dust storage section 140. In this embodiment, the inlet 142 of the dust storage section 140 is formed at a height position substantially equal to that of the outlet 123 of the insertion tube 120, and the inlet 142 and the outlet 123 face each other in the left-right direction.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2 , a recovery duct 150 extends within the housing 110 to form a flow path for dust to flow from the insertion tube 120 to the dust storage section 140. The recovery duct 150 has a main pipe section 151 extending in the vertical direction between the insertion tube 120 and the dust storage section 140, and a connecting pipe section 152 extending from the lower end of the main pipe section 151 to a position below the outlet 122 of the insertion tube 120. The tip of the connecting pipe section 152 is connected to the outlet 122 at the bottom of the insertion tube 120. The upper end of the main pipe section 151 branches into a T-shape and is connected to the inlet 142 of the dust storage section 140 and the outlet 123 formed in the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 120. The internal spaces of the insertion tube 120 and the dust storage section 140 are connected by the main pipe section 151 and the connecting pipe section 152. While the air in the dust storage section 140 is being sucked out by the suction source 130, the suction force of the suction source 130 acts on the inside of the insertion tube 120 through the dust storage section 140 and the recovery duct 150. Therefore, the suction force of the suction source 130 can separate dust from the mop inserted into the insertion tube 120. This dust flows out of the insertion tube 120 through the outlets 122 and 123 of the insertion tube 120 and flows into the dust storage section 140 through the recovery duct 150.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3 , the collection duct 150 further includes a dust pipe 153 used to collect dust scattered on the floor near the rear wall 111 of the housing 110. The dust pipe 153 forms a flow path that bends rearward from the lower end of the main pipe 151 and has a funnel-like shape that widens in the left-right direction as it approaches the rear. Therefore, the rear end of the dust pipe 153 forms an extension section that extends left-right along the floor. The length of this extension section is approximately equal to the left-right length of the notch 112 in the housing 110. As shown in FIG. 4 , the rear end of the dust pipe 153 is located within the notch 112 in the housing 110 and opens rearward. This opening is provided to allow dust scattered on the floor around the notch 112 to flow into the collection duct 150. In the following description, this opening will be referred to as the "dust suction port 154." The dust suction port 154 has a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction, similar to the notch 112 of the housing 110. The opening area of ​​the dust suction port 154 is larger than the sum of the opening areas of the outlets 122 and 123 of the insertion tube 120 shown in FIG.

[0029] An opening / closing unit 170 for opening and closing the dust suction opening 154 is attached to the rear end of the dust pipe 153. As shown in FIG. 4 , the opening / closing unit 170 has a cover member 171 in the shape of a generally rectangular plate that is complementary to the dust suction opening 154, and a pivot shaft 172 extending along the upper edge of the cover member 171. Note that the cover member 171 shown in FIG. 4 is in the open position that opens the dust suction opening 154. Furthermore, when the cover member 171 is in the closed position that closes the dust suction opening 154, it is exposed to the outside through the notch 112 as shown in FIG. 1 . The cover member 171 can pivot about the pivot shaft 172 between the closed position and the open position.

[0030] The dust remover 100 is configured such that the cover member 171 pivots from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 to the open position shown in FIG. 4 in response to the approach of a mop to the dust suction port 154. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the dust remover 100 has a detection unit 173 that detects the approach of a mop to the dust suction port 154. In this embodiment, the detection unit 173 is configured by contact pieces 174, 175 that protrude rearward from the rear wall 111 of the housing 110 on the left and right sides of the notch 112. The contact pieces 174, 175 are connected to the left and right ends of the pivot shaft 172 and are provided to be pivotable up and down around the pivot shaft 172. Because the cover member 171 is connected to the contact pieces 174, 175 via the pivot shaft 172, it can be displaced in response to the displacement of the contact pieces 174, 175.

[0031] When an operator applies a downward external force to the contact pieces 174, 175 to lower the contact pieces 174, 175, the pivot shaft 172 connected to the contact pieces 174, 175 rotates, and the cover member 171 is displaced from the closed position shown in Fig. 1 to the open position shown in Fig. 4. Then, when the downward external force is no longer applied to the contact pieces 174, 175, the cover member 171 can return by its own weight from the open position shown in Fig. 4 to the closed position shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] (Operation of Dust Removal Device) A user can clean a floor surface using, for example, the mop 200 shown in FIG. 5 . The mop 200 has a dusting cloth portion 210 and a handle portion 220 extending from the dusting cloth portion 210. The width of the dusting cloth portion 210 is wider than the left-right distance between the contact pieces 174, 175 shown in FIG. 1 . The dusting cloth portion 210 can be moved from the position shown in FIG. 5 to a position aligned with the handle portion 220 as shown in FIG. 6 . A user can perform cleaning work by positioning the dusting cloth portion 210 in the position shown in FIG. 5 . Then, the user can insert the dusting cloth portion 210 into the insertion tube 120 in the position shown in FIG. 6 .

[0033] After using the mop 200 for cleaning, the user slides the mop cloth portion 210 of the mop 200 along the floor surface, bringing it close to the notch 112 of the housing 110. When the user then lifts the mop cloth portion 210 off the floor surface to place the mop cloth portion 210 on the contact pieces 174, 175, some of the dust adhering to the mop cloth portion 210 may fall off the mop cloth portion 210. This dust may scatter around the notch 211.

[0034] The user then operates operating unit 131 to activate suction source 130 and presses contact pieces 174, 175 downward with dust cloth portion 210 of mop 200. This causes cover member 171 to rotate from the closed position to the open position, opening dust suction port 154 as shown in Figure 4. As a result, dust scattered on the floor around notch 112 flows into collection duct 150 through dust suction port 154 due to the suction force of suction source 130. This dust then flows into dust collection section 140 through dust collection pipe 153 and main pipe 151.

[0035] During this time, the suction force of the suction source 130 acts on the insertion tube 120 through the outlets 122 and 123 of the insertion tube 120, and outside air can flow into the dust removal device 100 through the insertion port 121 of the insertion tube 120. If a large amount of outside air flows in through the insertion port 121 of the insertion tube 120, the suction force acting on the dust suction port 154 will be significantly reduced. However, in this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the outlets 122 and 123 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port 154, so outside air is more likely to flow in through the dust suction port 154 rather than through the insertion port 121. As a result, the reduction in the suction force acting on the dust suction port 154 is suppressed.

[0036] After collecting the dust around the notch 112, the user lifts the mop 200 and inserts the dust cloth part 210 downward from above into the insertion opening 121. At this time, the dust cloth part 210 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the insertion tube 120 and can assume the position shown in FIG.

[0037] When the user lifts the mop 200, the downward external force on the contact pieces 174, 175 is eliminated, and the cover member 171 returns to the closed position shown in Figure 1 due to its own weight. As a result, the dust suction port 154 is closed by the cover member 171, and the suction force acting inside the insertion tube 120 becomes stronger.

[0038] While the user is lowering the wiping cloth portion 210 within the insertion tube 120, the wiping cloth portion 210 comes into contact with the scraping portion 160 that protrudes within the insertion tube 120. Due to this contact, some of the dust adhering to the wiping cloth portion 210 is scraped off by the scraping portion 160 and detached from the wiping cloth portion 210. The dust that has detached from the wiping cloth portion 210 then falls due to gravity and flows into the connecting pipe portion 152 of the collection duct 150 through the outlet 122 provided at the bottom of the insertion tube 120. Furthermore, dust scraped from the wiping cloth portion 210 by the scraping portion 160, which is positioned at a height close to another outlet 123 above the outlet 122, can flow into the main pipe portion 151 of the collection duct 150 through the outlet 123. In this way, the dust that flows out of the insertion tube 120 through the outlets 122 and 123 flows into the dust storage section 140 through the recovery duct 150 .

[0039] After inserting the wiping cloth portion 210 into the insertion tube 120, the user may move the mop 200 up and down. The force exerted by the user to move the mop 200 up and down is unlikely to tip the dust remover 100, so the user can move the mop 200 up and down without worrying about the dust remover 100 tipping over. By moving the mop 200 up and down, the wiping cloth portion 210 repeatedly rubs against the scraping portion 160, which can promote the release of dust from the wiping cloth portion 210.

[0040] The dust removal device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4 can collect not only dust that adheres to the dust cloth part 210 during cleaning work, but also dust that is scattered around the notch 112 of the housing 110 after cleaning work.

[0041] 1 to 4 has not only an outlet 122 provided at the bottom of the insertion tube 120, but also an outlet 123 provided on the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 120. In this case, a strong suction force can be applied to multiple parts of the dust cloth part 210 inserted into the insertion tube 120, and dust can be promoted to be removed from the dust cloth part 210.

[0042] 2 faces the inlet 142 provided in the dust storage section 140. The upper end of the main pipe section 151 of the collection duct 150 is configured so that dust and air flow from the outlet 123 of the insertion tube 120 in a substantially straight line into the inlet 142 of the dust storage section 140. This prevents the dust and air flowing out from the outlet 123 from colliding with the wall surface of the collection duct 150. As a result, noise caused by this collision is suppressed.

[0043] The more outlets 122, 123 there are, the more areas of the dust cloth section 210 inside the insertion tube 120 that can be subjected to strong suction force. On the other hand, as the number of outlets 122, 123 increases, the opening area of ​​these outlets 122, 123 increases, and more outside air flows in through the insertion port 121 when collecting dust through the dust suction port 154. In other words, as a result of increasing the number of outlets 122, 123, the suction force acting on the dust suction port 154 decreases. For this reason, it is preferable to set the number or size of the outlets 122, 123 so that the suction force acting on the dust suction port 154 does not decrease excessively.

[0044] 2 is connected to the main pipe portion 151 of the collection duct 150. However, the outlet 123 may be directly connected to the dust storage portion 140 via another collection duct provided separately from the collection duct 150, without being connected to the collection duct 150.

[0045] 1 to 4 is provided with outlets 122 and 123 to encourage dust to separate from the dust cloth portion 210 inside the insertion tube 120. However, one of the outlets 122 and 123 may be omitted as long as the dust can be separated from the dust cloth portion 210. In this case, when collecting dust through the dust suction port 154, less outside air flows in through the insertion port 121, thereby increasing the suction force acting on the dust suction port 154. Note that when only one of the outlets 122 and 123 is provided, the opening area of ​​this outlet can be set to a value smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port 154.

[0046] When the cover member 171 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 4 , it rotates inward (forward) and enters the dust collection tube 153. Therefore, the cover member 171 does not contact the dust cloth part 210, which is in contact with the contact pieces 174 and 175. However, if the weight of the cover member 171 is too small compared to the suction force of the suction source 130, the suction force of the suction source 130 may maintain the cover member 171 in the open position shown in FIG. 4 even if the user separates the dust cloth part 210 from the contact pieces 174 and 175. In this case, dust may continue to be sucked through the dust suction port 154 even after the user separates the dust cloth part 210 from the contact pieces 174 and 175, which may cause the following problem. That is, even if the user inserts the dust cloth part 210 into the insertion tube 120, outside air may continue to flow in through the dust suction port 154, weakening the suction force acting on the insertion tube 120.

[0047] To avoid the above-mentioned situation, the opening / closing unit 170 may be configured so that the cover member 171 rotates outward (backward) in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 4 to be displaced to an open position that opens the dust suction port 154. In this case, the suction force can act to displace the cover member 171 from the open position to the closed position, preventing the cover member 171 from being unnecessarily held in the open position.

[0048] When the cover member 171 is rotated outward, the contact pieces 174, 175 may be configured to be pushed upward by inserting the dust cloth part 210 below the contact pieces 174, 175. Furthermore, the rear end portion of the dust pipe 153 may be positioned forward and spaced from the notch 112 of the housing 110 so that the cover member 171 does not come into contact with the dust cloth part 210 even when the cover member 171 is rotated outward.

[0049] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7 , the opening / closing unit 170 may have a biasing portion 176 that biases the cover member 171 toward the closed position. For example, the biasing portion 176 may be configured as a coil spring connected to an extension 177 that extends downward from the contact pieces 174, 175. When a user presses the contact pieces 174, 175 downward and the cover member 171 rotates forward about the rotation shaft 172 from the closed position shown in FIG. 7 , the biasing portion 176 (coil spring) is compressed. Then, when the external force is removed from the contact pieces 174, 175, the restoring force of the biasing portion 176 allows the cover member 171 to return to the closed position.

[0050] While the user is inserting the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120, the suction force of the suction source 130 acts on the cover member 171 in a direction that rotates the cover member 171 forward (inward), but the biasing portion 176 generates a resistance to the rotation of the cover member 171. If the biasing portion 176 is configured so that the resistance caused by the biasing portion 176 exceeds the suction force of the suction source 130, the cover member 171 is prevented from opening the dust suction port 154 while the mop 200 is inserted into the insertion tube 120 to remove dust from the dust cloth portion 210. As a result, a decrease in the suction force acting within the insertion tube 120 is prevented.

[0051] 7 is configured by a coil spring, but may also be configured by a torsion spring attached to the pivot shaft 172 so as to urge the cover member 171 toward the closed position, or may be configured by another component that can urge the cover member 171 toward the closed position.

[0052] 1 to 4 , while the user is inserting the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120, the cover member 171 returns from the open position to the closed position due to its own weight. However, if the mop 200 blocks the outlets 122 and 123 during this time, the suction force in the collection duct 150 may increase. It is assumed that the increase in suction force in the collection duct 150 will cause the cover member 171 to rotate from the closed position, opening the dust suction port 154. To prevent the dust suction port 154 from being unintentionally opened in this manner, the dust remover 100 may have a locking portion 180 as shown in FIG. 8 .

[0053] The locking portion 180 has a brake pad 181 that comes into contact with the rotating shaft portion 172 to generate a braking force, and a pneumatically driven actuator 182 that moves the brake pad 181 toward and away from the rotating shaft portion 172. The actuator 182 has a cylinder 183 and a piston 186 that is arranged in the cylinder 183 so as to divide the internal space of the cylinder 183 into a first chamber 184 and a second chamber 185. A piston rod 187 extends from the piston 186 toward the rotating shaft portion 172, and the brake pad 181 is fixed to the tip of the piston rod 187.

[0054] To supply air to the actuator 182, the locking unit 180 further includes an air pressure source 188 that sends out air, and supply pipes 189 and 190 that form flow paths from the air pressure source 188 to the first chamber 184 and the second chamber 185, respectively. Exhaust pipes 191 and 192 branch off from the supply pipes 189 and 190, respectively. Valves 193 to 196 are provided in the supply pipes 189 and 190 and the exhaust pipes 191 and 192, respectively.

[0055] To control these valves 193-196, the lock unit 180 has a valve control unit 197. The valve control unit 197 is configured to control the opening and closing of the valves 193-196 based on signals from a reflective optical sensor 198 disposed opposite the front end surfaces of the contact pieces 174 and 175. A reflector 199 is attached to the lower part of the front end surfaces of the contact pieces 174 and 175 so as to be positioned on the optical path of detection light emitted from the optical sensor 198 when no downward external force is applied to the contact pieces 174 and 175. At this time, the intensity of the reflected light received by the optical sensor 198 increases. On the other hand, when the contact pieces 174 and 175 rotate downward around the pivot shaft 172 from the position shown in FIG. 8, the reflector 199 moves upward and out of the optical path of the optical sensor 198. At this time, the intensity of the reflected light received by the optical sensor 198 decreases. In this way, based on the intensity of the reflected light, it can be determined whether the user has pressed the contact pieces 174, 175 downward with the mop 200. The optical sensor 198 is configured to output a signal when the intensity of the reflected light falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0056] When the optical sensor 198 outputs a signal, the valve control section 197 opens the valves 193 and 196 while closing the valves 194 and 195. In this case, air is supplied from the air pressure source 188 to the first chamber 184 through the supply pipe 189. As a result, the piston 186 moves toward the second chamber 185, and the air in the second chamber 185 is pushed out of the cylinder 183. This air is exhausted through the exhaust pipe 192.

[0057] As piston 186 moves toward second chamber 185, piston rod 187 moves in a direction retracting into cylinder 183. As a result of actuator 182 operating in this manner, brake pad 181 moves away from pivot shaft 172. Therefore, when a user presses contact pieces 174, 175 downward with mop 200, contact pieces 174, 175 can rotate downward about pivot shaft 172 without being obstructed by brake pad 181. In other words, the lock on cover member 171 by locking portion 180 is released, and cover member 171 can move from the closed position to the open position without being obstructed by brake pad 181.

[0058] On the other hand, when the user releases the mop 200 from the contact pieces 174 and 175, the cover member 171 returns to the closed position due to its own weight. At this time, the contact pieces 174 and 175 rotate upward around the pivot shaft 172 and return to the position shown in FIG. 4 . At this time, the reflector 199 is positioned on the optical path of the detection light from the optical sensor 198, and the optical sensor 198 receives reflected light exceeding the threshold value. As a result, the optical sensor 198 stops outputting a signal. When the signal output from the optical sensor 198 stops, the valve control unit 197 opens the valves 194 and 195 and closes the valves 193 and 196.

[0059] In this state, air flows from the air pressure source 188 through the supply pipe 190 into the second chamber 185. As a result, the piston 186 is displaced toward the first chamber 184, and the air in the first chamber 184 is pushed out from the cylinder 183. The air pushed out from the first chamber 184 is exhausted through the exhaust pipe 191.

[0060] As the piston 186 moves toward the first chamber 184, the piston rod 187 moves in a direction to be pushed out from the cylinder 183. As a result of this displacement, the brake pad 181 attached to the tip of the piston rod 187 is pressed against the pivot shaft 172. The braking force of the brake pad 181 locks the cover member 171 in the closed position. Therefore, even if the suction force in the collection duct 150 increases while the user is inserting the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120, the cover member 171 can remain in the closed position.

[0061] 9, a proximity sensor 230 attached to the insertion tube 120 may be used instead of the optical sensor 198 and the reflector 199. The proximity sensor 230 is configured to detect whether the mop 200 is inserted into the insertion tube 120.

[0062] When the proximity sensor 230 detects that the mop 200 is not inserted into the insertion tube 120, the valve control unit 197 controls the valves 193 to 196 so that the brake pads 181 are separated from the rotating shaft 172. On the other hand, when the proximity sensor 230 detects that the mop 200 is inserted into the insertion tube 120, the valve control unit 197 controls the valves 193 to 196 so that the brake pads 181 are pressed against the rotating shaft 172.

[0063] The locking unit 180 of the second embodiment uses air pressure to lock the cover member 171 in the closed position. Alternatively, the locking unit 180 may have a structure that magnetically locks the cover member 171 in the closed position.

[0064] The locking portion 180 of the second embodiment is configured to operate in response to displacement of the contact pieces 174, 175. Alternatively, the dust removal device 100 may have a locking operation portion for operating the locking portion 180 separate from the contact pieces 174, 175, and the locking portion 180 may be configured to operate in response to operation of this locking operation portion.

[0065] <Third Embodiment> The dust remover 100 of the first and second embodiments uses contact pieces 174, 175 protruding rearward from the housing 110 as the detection unit 173 that detects the mop 200, and detects that the mop 200 has approached the notch 112 of the housing 110. However, if it is not desirable for the contact pieces 174, 175 to protrude from the housing 110, an optical sensor configured to detect the approach of the mop 200 to the notch 112 of the housing 110 may be used as the detection unit 173, as shown in FIG.

[0066] 10, a drive control unit 232 electrically connected to the detection unit 173 and a drive unit 233 controlled by the drive control unit 232 are disposed within the housing 110 of the dust removal device 100. The drive control unit 232 and the drive unit 233, together with the cover member 171 and the pivot shaft 172, constitute the opening / closing unit 170.

[0067] Drive unit 233 may be configured with a stepping motor connected to the end of pivot shaft 172. Drive control unit 232 is configured to control drive unit 233 so that lid member 171 is displaced from the closed position to the open position when detection unit 173 detects that mop 200 is approaching notch 112 of housing 110. On the other hand, when detection unit 173 does not detect that mop 200 is approaching notch 112 of housing 110, drive control unit 232 controls drive unit 233 so that lid member 171 is in the closed position.

[0068] When the drive unit 233 is controlled in this manner, the cover member 171 is displaced to the open position when the mop 200 is brought close to the notch 112, and dust is collected through the dust suction port 154. When the user inserts the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120, the cover member 171 returns to the closed position, and the inflow of outside air through the dust suction port 154 is suppressed. In this state, the suction force acting within the insertion tube 120 increases, and dust adhering to the mop 200 is removed.

[0069] <Fourth embodiment> When a user inserts the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120, the smaller the distance between the wiping cloth portion 210 of the mop 200 and the outlet 123 formed in the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 120, the stronger the suction force that the wiping cloth portion 210 can receive through the outlet 123. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 11 , a guide portion 124 may be provided to guide the wiping cloth portion 210 inserted into the insertion tube 120 so that it approaches the outlet 123.

[0070] The guide portion 124 is formed so as to protrude from a surface 126 facing the surface 125 on which the outlet 123 is provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 120 toward the surface 125. The guide portion 124 extends downward from a middle position in the height direction of the insertion tube 120 so as not to narrow the insertion opening 121. The upper end surface of the guide portion 124 is inclined downward.

[0071] When the user inserts the wiping cloth part 210 deeply into the insertion tube 120 through the insertion port 121, the wiping cloth part 210 comes into contact with the upper end surface of the guide part 124 and moves toward the surface 125 according to the inclination of the upper end surface of the guide part 124. As a result, the wiping cloth part 210 approaches the surface 125 and can receive a strong suction force through the outlet 123 formed in this surface 125.

[0072] The guide portion 124 can be applied to any of the dust removers 100 of the first to third embodiments.

[0073] Fifth Embodiment In the dust remover 100 of the first to fourth embodiments, the insertion opening 121 remains open even while the user is collecting dust through the dust suction opening 154. Therefore, a certain amount of outside air can flow in through the insertion opening 121. The inflow of outside air through the insertion opening 121 can reduce the suction force acting on the dust suction opening 154 to some extent. By reducing the opening area of ​​the outlets 122 and 123, the amount of outside air flowing in through the insertion opening 121 and, therefore, the reduction in suction force at the dust suction opening 154 can be reduced to some extent. However, this can cause dust clogging at the outlets 122 and 123. To prevent the clogging of the outlets 122 and 123 with dust while suppressing the reduction in suction force at the dust suction opening 154, the dust remover 100 may further include an opening / closing unit 127 that opens and closes the insertion opening 121, as shown in FIG. 12 .

[0074] Opening / closing unit 127 is attached to the top wall of housing 110 above insertion opening 121 so that it can rotate up and down. When opening / closing unit 127 closes insertion opening 121 while a user is collecting dust through dust suction opening 154, almost no outside air flows in through insertion opening 121. This increases the suction force acting on dust suction opening 154. Opening / closing unit 127 also prevents the operating noise of suction source 130 from leaking through insertion opening 121.

[0075] When inserting the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120, the user simply rotates the opening / closing part 127 upward to open the insertion opening 121. Then, the user inserts the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120 through the insertion opening 121, and can remove dust from the mop 200.

[0076] In the dust removal device 100 of the fifth embodiment, the insertion opening 121 can be blocked by the opening / closing part 127, so even if the opening areas of the outlets 122 and 123 are increased, the suction force at the dust suction opening 154 is unlikely to decrease. Therefore, by enlarging the outlets 122 and 123, it is possible to prevent the outlets 122 and 123 from becoming clogged with dust.

[0077] The dust remover 100 of the fifth embodiment may be applied with the biasing portion 176 shown in FIG. 7 or with the locking portion 180 shown in FIG.

[0078] Sixth Embodiment In the dust remover 100 of the first to fifth embodiments, the dust suction port 154 is formed in the recovery duct 150. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 13, the dust suction port 154 may be formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 120 so as to extend along the floor surface. In this case, the recovery duct 150 may be omitted.

[0079] The insertion tube 120 is disposed within the housing 110 such that the dust suction port 154 communicates with the notch 112 of the housing 110. A plurality of scraping units 160 are fixed within the insertion tube 120. In addition, in order to suppress the inflow of outside air through the insertion port 121 of the insertion tube 120, an opening / closing unit 127 that opens and closes the insertion port 121 is attached to the upper wall of the housing 110.

[0080] Furthermore, another opening / closing unit 170 is attached to the dust suction port 154 of the insertion tube 120. The opening / closing unit 170 includes a cover member 171 and a pivot shaft 172. The opening / closing unit 170 may further include contact pieces 174 and 175 shown in FIG. 1. In this case, a user can open the cover member 171 by pressing the contact pieces 174 and 175 with the mop 200. When the mop 200 separates from the contact pieces 174 and 175, the cover member 171 returns to the closed position due to its own weight or the biasing force of the biasing unit 176 shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the opening / closing unit 170 may include a detection unit 173, a drive unit 233, and a drive control unit 232 shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the cover member 171 can be displaced between the open position and the closed position by the drive unit 233.

[0081] The dust storage section 140 is disposed adjacent to the insertion tube 120. A communication section 240 that communicates the internal spaces of the insertion tube 120 and the dust storage section 140 is formed on the peripheral walls of the insertion tube 120 and the dust storage section 140 to allow dust to flow from the insertion tube 120 into the dust storage section 140. A check valve 241 that prevents dust from flowing out from the dust storage section 140 to the insertion tube 120 is disposed in the communication section 240. The check valve 241 is configured to rotate toward the dust storage section 140 by the suction force of a suction source 130 disposed above the dust storage section 140. The suction source 130 is configured to suck out air from the dust storage section 140 through a filter 141 attached to the upper wall of the dust storage section 140.

[0082] When the user finishes cleaning, he or she brings the mop 200 close to the notch 112 of the housing 110 to open the dust suction port 154. If the insertion port 121 is open at this time, the user closes the insertion port 121 with the opening / closing part 127. When the user then activates the suction source 130, dust that has detached from the mop 200 around the notch 112 flows into the insertion tube 120 through the dust suction port 154. At this time, the check valve 241 has rotated toward the dust storage section 140 due to the suction force of the suction source 130, and the communication part 240 is open. Therefore, the dust flows from the insertion tube 120 into the dust storage section 140.

[0083] When dust collection through the dust suction port 154 is complete, the user rotates the opening / closing unit 127 upward to open the insertion port 121. Then, the user inserts the mop 200 into the insertion tube 120 through the insertion port 121. As a result, dust adhering to the mop 200 is scraped off by the scraping unit 160 inside the insertion tube 120. At this time, the user may move the mop 200 up and down inside the insertion tube 120 to further encourage the dust to detach from the mop 200. The dust detached from the mop 200 inside the insertion tube 120 flows into the dust storage unit 140 through the communication unit 240.

[0084] Thereafter, when the user stops the suction source 130, the suction force of the suction source 130 disappears, and the check valve 241 returns to the position where it closes the communication part 240. As a result, backflow of dust from the dust storage part 140 to the insertion tube 120 is prevented.

[0085] 13 does not include the recovery duct 150, so there is no need to provide a space for the recovery duct 150 within the housing 110. This allows the dust remover 100 to be made smaller.

[0086] It should be noted that a locking portion 180 shown in FIG. 8 may be applied to the dust remover 100 of the sixth embodiment.

[0087] The opening / closing unit 170 of the dust removal device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments is configured so that the cover member 171 rotates around the rotation shaft 172. Alternatively, the opening / closing unit 170 may be configured so that the dust suction port 154 is opened and closed by sliding the cover member 171 in the left-right or up-down direction.

[0088] Seventh Embodiment The dust remover 100 of the first to sixth embodiments has an opening / closing part 170. However, the opening / closing part 170 may be omitted if sufficient suction force acts inside the insertion tube 120 even when the dust suction port 154 is left open. For example, a fixed lid 178 may be provided instead of the opening / closing part 170, as shown in FIG. 14 .

[0089] 14 is fixed to the rear end of dust tube 153 so as to close a portion of the opening at the rear end of dust tube 153, and the narrow space below fixed lid 178 forms dust suction port 154. Because dust suction port 154 is narrowed by fixed lid 178, a decrease in suction force inside insertion tube 120 can be suppressed even when dust suction port 154 is open.

[0090] Even when the dust suction port 154 is narrowed by the fixed cover 178, small dust particles on the floor surface can be sucked into the dust remover 100 through the dust suction port 154. However, it is expected that large dust particles will get caught on the lower end portion of the fixed cover 178 and not flow into the dust remover 100. To avoid this situation, the fixed cover 178 may be formed with a notch 179 recessed upward from the lower edge of the fixed cover 178. In this case, large dust particles can flow into the dust remover 100 through the notch 179.

[0091] The dust remover 100 of the first to seventh embodiments includes a scraping unit 160. However, if the suction force acting within the insertion tube 120 is strong enough to separate dust from the mop 200, the scraping unit 160 may be omitted.

[0092] (Effects, etc.) The dust remover 100 according to the above-described embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0093] A dust removal device according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to remove dust adhering to a mop from the mop. The dust removal device includes an insertion tube configured to allow the mop to be inserted from above through an insertion opening that opens upward, a dust storage section for storing dust, a recovery duct that connects the dust storage section to the insertion tube, and a suction source that draws air from the dust storage section and applies suction force to the mop in the insertion tube through the dust storage section and the recovery duct to suck dust from the mop in the insertion tube. The recovery duct has an extension section that extends along the floor surface, and the extension section is formed with a dust suction port that opens to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in.

[0094] In the above-described configuration, when the suction source draws air from the dust storage compartment, the suction force of the suction source acts on the collection duct through the dust storage compartment. The collection duct has an extension section that extends along the floor surface, and a dust suction port is formed in this extension section. Therefore, dust on the floor surface around the dust removal device is sucked into the collection duct through the dust suction port and then flows into the dust storage compartment.

[0095] When a user inserts a mop into the insertion tube from above through the insertion opening, the insertion tube is connected to the dust storage compartment, so the suction force of the suction source acts on the mop inside the insertion tube. Furthermore, because the insertion tube opens upward, the user can move the mop up and down while it is inserted into the insertion tube. As a result, the suction force acting on the mop, the acceleration caused by the mop's up and down movement, and gravity promote the release of dust from the mop. The dust released from the mop is then collected in the dust storage compartment through the collection duct.

[0096] In the above-described configuration, the dust remover may further include an opening / closing unit that opens and closes the dust suction port.

[0097] In the above-described configuration, a user can open the dust suction port by operating the opening / closing unit. In this state, dust on the floor around the dust removal device can be sucked into the collection duct through the dust suction port. After suctioning dust through the dust suction port is finished, the user can close the dust suction port with the opening / closing unit. In this state, the inflow of outside air through the dust suction port is suppressed, increasing the suction force of the suction source acting inside the insertion tube.

[0098] In the above-described configuration, the insertion tube may be formed with an outlet that allows dust detached from the mop inside the insertion tube to flow into the collection duct. The opening area of ​​the outlet may be smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port.

[0099] In the above-described configuration, when the suction source is activated, outside air flows into the insertion tube through the insertion port and can flow out into the collection duct through the outlet. However, because the opening area of ​​the outlet is smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port, when the dust suction port is open, outside air mainly flows into the collection duct through the dust suction port, and less outside air flows into the collection duct through the insertion port and outlet of the insertion tube. In other words, even when the insertion port of the insertion tube is open, the suction force of the suction source acting on the dust suction port can be somewhat high, allowing dust on the floor to be collected through the dust suction port. When the dust suction port is then closed by the opening / closing section, the inflow of outside air through the dust suction port is suppressed, and the suction force of the suction source acting on the insertion tube increases. As a result, dust is removed from the mop inside the insertion tube.

[0100] In the above-described configuration, the insertion tube may have a plurality of outlets formed at different positions from each other, and the plurality of outlets are configured to allow dust released from the mop in the insertion tube to flow into the collection duct or the dust storage section.

[0101] In the above-described configuration, dust can flow out from multiple outlets, which can facilitate collection of dust from the mop in the insertion tube. The dust flowing out from these outlets can flow sequentially to the collection duct and the dust storage section. Alternatively, the dust flowing out from these outlets can flow into the dust storage section.

[0102] In the above-described configuration, the insertion tube may have a plurality of outlets formed at different positions. The sum of the opening areas of the plurality of outlets may be smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port. The plurality of outlets may be configured to allow dust detached from the mop in the insertion tube to flow into the collection duct or the dust storage section. The sum of the opening areas of the plurality of outlets may be smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port.

[0103] In the above-described configuration, the sum of the opening areas of the multiple outlets is smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port, so even if multiple outlets are provided, the reduction in the suction force of the suction source acting on the dust suction port when the dust suction port is opened can be suppressed.

[0104] In the above-described configuration, the outlet may be formed at the bottom of the insertion tube so that dust that has fallen from the mop flows into the collection duct.

[0105] In the above-described configuration, some of the dust adhering to the mop placed in the insertion tube may fall from the mop due to gravity and move toward the bottom of the insertion tube. Because an outlet is formed at the bottom, the dust falls into the outlet and flows into the collection duct. The dust is transferred from the mop to the collection duct using gravity as well as the suction force of the suction source, which further promotes the removal of dust from the mop.

[0106] In the above-described configuration, an outlet may be formed in the peripheral wall of the insertion tube to allow dust released from the mop in the insertion tube to flow into the collection duct or the dust storage section. The dust removal device may further include a guide section provided in the insertion tube to come into contact with the mop inserted into the insertion tube and guide the mop closer to the outlet.

[0107] In the above-described configuration, when a user inserts a mop into the insertion tube, the mop comes into contact with a guide provided inside the insertion tube. The guide then guides the mop toward the outlet formed on the peripheral wall of the insertion tube. As a result, the mop approaches the outlet, increasing the suction force of the dust collection source acting on the mop.

[0108] In the above-described configuration, the peripheral wall of the insertion tube may be formed with an outlet that allows dust detached from the mop in the insertion tube to flow into the collection duct. The dust storage section may be formed with an inlet facing the outlet, through which dust detached from the mop in the insertion tube flows. The collection duct may be configured so that dust flowing out from the outlet flows straight into the inlet.

[0109] In the above-described configuration, the inlet of the dust storage unit is formed at a position opposite the outlet of the insertion tube, and the collection duct can be formed so that dust flowing out from the outlet flows directly into the inlet. In this case, the dust and air flowing out from the outlet can flow into the dust storage unit without colliding with the collection duct, thereby suppressing noise caused by this collision.

[0110] In the above-described configuration, the dust removal device may further include a detection unit that detects the approach of a mop to the dust suction opening. The opening / closing unit may be configured to open the dust suction opening in response to the detection unit detecting the approach of the mop to the dust suction opening.

[0111] In the above-described configuration, when the detection unit detects that the mop is approaching the dust suction port, the opening / closing unit opens the dust suction port, so that dust scattered on the floor near the dust suction port can be collected into the dust removal device through the dust suction port.

[0112] In the above-described configuration, the detection unit may include a contact piece protruding from the collection duct at a position close to the dust suction port. The contact piece may be attached to the collection duct so as to be activated by an external force. The opening / closing unit may include a cover member connected to the contact piece so as to be displaced from a closed position that closes the dust suction port to an open position that opens the dust suction port in response to activation of the contact piece.

[0113] In the above-described configuration, when a user lifts the mop near the dust suction port, some of the dust adhering to the mop may fall off the mop and scatter near the dust suction port. When the user then brings the mop into contact with the contact piece, the contact piece is moved by an external force from the mop. As the contact piece moves, the cover member is displaced to the open position, opening the dust suction port. As a result, the dust scattered near the dust suction port can be collected by the dust removal device through the dust suction port.

[0114] In the above-described configuration, the cover member may be configured to return to the closed position by its own weight when the external force acting on the contact piece is removed.

[0115] In the above-described configuration, the cover member returns to the closed position by its own weight when the external force acting on the contact piece is removed, so the user does not have to operate the opening and closing part to close the dust suction opening.

[0116] In the above-described configuration, the cover member may be configured such that, when the suction source is activated while the cover member is in the open position, the suction force of the suction source keeps the dust suction opening open.

[0117] In the above configuration, when the suction source is activated while the cover is in the open position, the suction force of the suction source can keep the dust suction port open even if the mop is separated from the contact piece. Therefore, dust collection through the dust suction port continues even if the mop is not kept close to the dust storage device. After that, when the suction source is stopped, the cover returns to the closed position under its own weight.

[0118] In the above-described configuration, the dust removal device may further include a locking unit that locks the cover member in the closed position when the contact piece is not subjected to an external force. The locking unit may be configured to release the lock on the cover member in response to contact of the mop with the contact piece.

[0119] In the above-described configuration, when a user brings the mop close to the dust suction port, the mop comes into contact with the contact piece. At this time, the locking part releases the lock on the cover member, allowing the cover member to move to the open position. Then, when the suction source is activated, dust scattered at the dust suction port can be collected through the dust suction port.

[0120] When the user then inserts the mop into the insertion tube, the contact piece is no longer subject to external force. In this state, the cover returns to the closed position under its own weight, and the locking mechanism locks the cover. When the suction source is then reactivated, dust is removed from the mop inside the insertion tube. At this time, the cover attempts to move to the open position due to the suction force of the suction source, but this movement is prevented by the locking mechanism. Therefore, the suction force acting on the mop inside the insertion tube is not reduced by the inflow of outside air through the dust suction port.

[0121] In the above-described configuration, the dust remover may further include a locking portion that locks the cover member in the closed position in response to the insertion of the mop into the insertion tube.

[0122] In the above-described configuration, when a user inserts a mop into the insertion tube, the locking mechanism locks the cover in the closed position. This prevents the dust suction port from being opened while the mop is inserted into the insertion tube. Therefore, the suction force acting on the mop inside the insertion tube is not reduced by the inflow of outside air through the dust suction port.

[0123] In the above-described configuration, the opening / closing portion may have a biasing portion that biases the cover member toward the closed position.

[0124] In the above configuration, when the mop is released from the contact piece, the lid member returns to the closed position, closing the dust suction port, due to the biasing force of the biasing member. This eliminates the need for the user to operate the lid member to close the dust suction port. Furthermore, the lid member is prevented from unintentionally opening the dust suction port.

[0125] In the above-described configuration, the opening / closing unit may have a lid member configured to be displaceable between a closed position that closes the dust suction port and an open position that opens the dust suction port, and a drive unit that displaces the lid member from the closed position to the open position on the condition that the detection unit detects that a mop is approaching the dust suction port.

[0126] In the above-described configuration, when a user approaches the mop to the dust suction opening and lifts the mop, dust detached from the mop may scatter on the floor near the dust suction opening. When the detection unit detects the mop's approach to the dust suction opening, the drive unit displaces the cover member from the closed position to the open position. This opens the dust suction opening, allowing the scattered dust near the dust suction opening to be collected by the dust removal device through the dust suction opening.

[0127] In the above-described configuration, the dust remover may further include another opening / closing unit that opens and closes the insertion opening.

[0128] With the above-described configuration, when collecting dust through the dust suction port, the user can close the insertion port of the insertion tube with the other opening / closing part. During this time, the inflow of outside air through the insertion port is suppressed by the other opening / closing part. As a result, a decrease in suction force acting on the dust suction port is suppressed. When dust collection through the dust suction port is finished, the user operates the opening / closing part for the insertion port to open the insertion port of the insertion tube, while operating the opening / closing part for the dust suction port to close the dust suction port. The user can then insert a mop into the insertion tube through the insertion port and activate the suction source. In this state, the inflow of outside air through the dust suction port is suppressed, thereby suppressing a decrease in suction force acting on the mop inside the insertion tube.

[0129] In the above-described configuration, the dust removal device may further include a scraping section that is provided within the insertion tube so as to come into contact with the mop within the insertion tube, and is configured to scrape off dust adhering to the mop within the insertion tube as the mop moves up and down.

[0130] In the above-described configuration, when the user moves the mop up and down inside the insertion tube, the mop rubs against the scraping part provided inside the insertion tube, and the scraping part scrapes off the dust adhering to the mop, thereby facilitating the removal of dust from the mop.

[0131] A dust removal device according to another aspect of the above-described embodiments is configured to remove dust adhering to a mop from the mop. The dust removal device may include an insertion tube configured to allow the mop to be inserted from above through an insertion opening that opens upward and having a dust suction opening that opens along the floor surface to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in, a dust storage section for storing dust, a suction source that draws air from the dust storage section to apply suction force to the mop in the insertion tube through the dust storage section so as to suck dust from the mop in the insertion tube, an opening / closing section for opening and closing the dust suction opening, and another opening / closing section for opening and closing the insertion opening.

[0132] With the above-described configuration, after cleaning with a mop, a user can bring the mop close to the dust suction port formed in the insertion tube. When the user lifts the mop from the floor, some of the dust adhering to the mop may fall off the mop and scatter onto the floor near the dust suction port. To collect the dust scattered on the floor, the user can operate the dust suction port opening / closing part to open the dust suction port and the insertion port opening / closing part to close the insertion port. When the suction source is activated in this state, the suction force of the suction source acts on the dust suction port, and dust around the dust suction port flows into the insertion tube through the dust suction port and then into the dust storage section. Since the insertion port is closed at this time, the suction force acting on the dust suction port is prevented from decreasing due to the inflow of outside air through the insertion port.

[0133] After the user has finished suctioning dust through the suction port, they can close the suction port and open the insertion port. Then, they can insert the mop into the insertion tube through the insertion port. In this state, the suction port is closed, preventing outside air from entering through the suction port. This allows a fairly strong suction force to act on the mop inside the insertion tube.

[0134] The dust removal device of the above-described embodiment is suitably used as a device for cleaning work.

Claims

1. A dust removal device for removing dust adhering to a mop from the mop, comprising: an insertion tube configured so that the mop can be inserted from above through an insertion port that opens upward; a dust storage section for storing dust; a recovery duct that connects the dust storage section and the insertion tube; and a suction source that draws air from the dust storage section, thereby applying a suction force to the mop in the insertion tube through the dust storage section and the recovery duct to suck dust from the mop in the insertion tube, wherein the recovery duct has an extension section that extends along the floor surface, and the extension section is formed with a dust suction port that opens to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in.

2. The dust removal device according to claim 1, further comprising an opening / closing part for opening and closing the dust suction port.

3. A dust removal device as described in claim 2, wherein the insertion tube is formed with an outlet that allows dust detached from the mop inside the insertion tube to flow out into the recovery duct, and the opening area of ​​the outlet is smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port.

4. A dust removal device as described in claim 1, wherein the insertion tube has a plurality of outlets formed at different positions from each other, and the plurality of outlets are configured to allow dust detached from the mop inside the insertion tube to flow out into the recovery duct or the dust storage section.

5. A dust removal device as described in claim 2, wherein the insertion tube has a plurality of outlets formed at different positions from each other, the plurality of outlets are configured to allow dust detached from the mop inside the insertion tube to flow out into the recovery duct or the dust storage section, and the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of outlets is smaller than the opening area of ​​the dust suction port.

6. A dust removal device as described in claim 3, wherein the outlet is formed at the bottom of the insertion tube so that dust falling from the mop flows into the recovery duct.

7. A dust removal device as described in claim 1, wherein an outlet is formed in the peripheral wall of the insertion tube to allow dust detached from the mop inside the insertion tube to flow out into the recovery duct or the dust storage section, and the dust removal device further comprises a guide section provided inside the insertion tube to come into contact with the mop inserted into the insertion tube and bring the mop closer to the outlet.

8. A dust removal device as described in claim 1, wherein an outlet is formed in the peripheral wall of the insertion tube to allow dust that has detached from the mop inside the insertion tube to flow out into the recovery duct, and the dust storage section is formed with an inlet facing the outlet through which dust that has detached from the mop inside the insertion tube flows, and the recovery duct is configured so that dust that has flowed out from the outlet flows straight into the inlet.

9. A dust removal device as described in claim 2, further comprising a detection unit that detects the approach of the mop to the dust suction opening, and the opening / closing unit is configured to open the dust suction opening in response to the detection unit detecting the approach of the mop to the dust suction opening.

10. A dust removal device as described in claim 9, wherein the detection unit includes a contact piece protruding from the collection duct at a position close to the dust suction port, the contact piece being attached to the collection duct so as to be activated by an external force, and the opening / closing unit includes a cover member connected to the contact piece so as to be displaced from a closed position that closes the dust suction port to an open position that opens the dust suction port in accordance with the operation of the contact piece.

11. The dust removal device according to claim 10, wherein the cover member is configured to return to the closed position by its own weight when the external force acting on the contact piece is removed.

12. The dust removal device according to claim 11, wherein the cover member is configured to maintain the dust suction port open by the suction force of the suction source when the suction source is activated while the cover member is in the open position.

13. The dust removal device of claim 12, further comprising a locking section that locks the lid member in the closed position when the contact piece is not subjected to an external force, and the locking section is configured to release the lock on the lid member in response to contact of the mop with the contact piece.

14. The dust removal device according to claim 12, further comprising a locking portion that locks the cover member in the closed position in response to insertion of the mop into the insertion tube.

15. The dust remover according to claim 10, wherein the opening / closing portion has a biasing portion that biases the cover member toward the closed position.

16. A dust removal device as described in claim 9, wherein the opening / closing unit has a cover member configured to be displaceable between a closed position that closes the dust suction port and an open position that opens the dust suction port, and a drive unit that displaces the cover member from the closed position to the open position on the condition that the detection unit detects that the mop is approaching the dust suction port.

17. The dust remover according to claim 2, further comprising another opening / closing section for opening and closing the insertion opening.

18. A dust removal device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a scraping section that is provided within the insertion tube so as to come into contact with the mop within the insertion tube and is configured to scrape off dust adhering to the mop within the insertion tube as the mop moves up and down.

19. A dust removal device for removing dust adhering to a mop from the mop, comprising: an insertion tube configured to allow the mop to be inserted from above through an insertion opening that opens upward, and having a dust suction opening that opens along the floor surface to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in; a dust storage section for storing dust; a suction source that draws air from the dust storage section, thereby applying suction force to the mop inside the insertion tube through the dust storage section to suck dust from the mop inside the insertion tube; an opening / closing section for opening and closing the dust suction opening; and another opening / closing section for opening and closing the insertion opening.

Images