Dust suction device and electric vacuum cleaner system

Abstract

A dust suction device (10) comprises an electric blower (30), a dust collection portion (40), a reception portion (80), and an airtight member (100) that provides hermetic sealing between the reception portion (80) and a dust collection container (252). The dust collection container (252) includes a lid body (254) capable of opening and closing a disposal port (262). When the suction force of the electric blower (30) acts on the dust collection container (252) in a state where the dust collection container (252) with the lid body (254) open communicates with the dust collection portion (40) via the reception portion (80), dust sucked out from the dust collection container (252) is collected in the dust collection portion (40). The reception portion (80) receives the bottom side of the dust collection container (252) in a state where the airtight member (100) is disposed between the reception portion (80) and the dust collection container (252).

Description

Dust suction device and electric vacuum cleaner system

[0001] The present invention relates to a dust suction device and a vacuum cleaner system.

[0002] Conventionally, a dust collection device for collecting dust from an electric vacuum cleaner has been provided, as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. The conventional dust collection device according to Patent Document 1 includes a second dust collection section that communicates with a first dust collection section in which dust is collected in the electric vacuum cleaner. This dust collection device is capable of collecting dust from the first dust collection section of the electric vacuum cleaner to the second dust collection section by applying suction force to the first dust collection section with the first dust collection section fitted into a receiving section.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-3875

[0004] Here, if the dust collection device is configured like the one in Patent Document 1 above, it is thought that the ability to collect dust from the first dust collection part to the second dust collection part can be further improved if the suction force acting on the first dust collection part can be made even easier when the first dust collection part is fitted into the receiving part.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device and a vacuum cleaner system that can easily apply suction force to a dust container of a vacuum cleaner.

[0006] The dust suction device of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a dust suction device for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container of an electric vacuum cleaner, and comprises: an electric blower that generates suction force; a dust collection unit that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container by the electric blower; a receiving unit that receives the dust collection container; and an airtight member that hermetically seals the space between the receiving unit and the dust collection container, wherein the dust collection container has a lid that can open and close a disposal port on the bottom side, and when the dust collection container is in an open state and connected to the dust collection unit via the receiving unit, the suction force of the electric blower acts on the dust collection container, causing the dust sucked out of the dust collection container to be collected in the dust collection unit, and when the airtight member is arranged between the receiving unit and the dust collection container, the receiving unit receives the bottom side of the dust collection container.

[0007] The dust suction device of the present invention includes an airtight member that provides an airtight seal between the receiving portion and the dust collection container. The dust suction device of the present invention is also configured so that the receiving portion can receive the bottom side of the dust collection container when the airtight member is disposed between the receiving portion and the dust collection container. Furthermore, the dust suction device of the present invention can apply the suction force of the electric blower to the dust collection container when the dust collection container is in communication with the dust collection portion via the receiving portion and the waste port of the dust collection container is open. Therefore, the dust suction device of the present invention can fully apply the suction force generated by the electric blower to the dust collection container.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a dust suction device that can easily apply suction force to a dust container of a vacuum cleaner.

[0009] 1 is a perspective view showing a dust suction device and a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the dust suction device and the vacuum cleaner system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the vacuum cleaner provided in the vacuum cleaner system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collecting device provided in the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the dust collecting device attached to the receiving part. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the main parts when the dust collecting device is attached to the receiving part. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the receiving part provided in the dust suction device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the receiving part shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing part A shown in FIG. 1 with the front panel of the dust suction device removed. FIG. 7 is a side view showing an enlarged view of the main parts of the dust suction device and the vacuum cleaner system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mounting part and the suction tool according to a modified example separated in the vertical direction. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the suction tool arranged on the mounting part according to a modified example.

[0010] A dust suction device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a vacuum cleaner system S including the same, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, before describing the configuration of the dust suction device 10 in detail, an overview will be given of the configuration of a vacuum cleaner 200 used together with the dust suction device 10 in the vacuum cleaner system S. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships in the up-down direction, front-rear direction, left-right direction (width direction), etc. will be described based on the vacuum cleaner 200 being in an upright position as shown in FIG.

[0011] <General Configuration of Vacuum Cleaner 200> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, vacuum cleaner 200 is a vacuum cleaner that is in a stick state when vacuum cleaner main body 210, extension tube 280, and suction tool 290 are connected. Vacuum cleaner 200 can be, for example, a rechargeable type or a type that obtains power from an external power source via a power cord. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in addition to vacuum cleaner main body 210, extension tube 280, and suction tool 290 described above, vacuum cleaner 200 also includes a handle unit 220, a dust collection device 250, etc.

[0012] Cleaner body 210 forms the main body of vacuum cleaner 200 and is the part that exerts suction power and performs the function of collecting dust. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, cleaner body 210 includes, inside cleaner body case 212 that forms the housing, electric vacuum cleaner blower 214 for sucking air and generating airflow, battery 215, other electronic components, drive circuits, etc.

[0013] A suction port 238y for connecting an extension tube 280 or a suction tool 290 is provided at the lower end side of the vacuum cleaner body 210 (one end side in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner body 210). The vacuum cleaner body 210 has a pipe section 238x that forms the suction port 238y at one end and also forms an outlet that communicates with an inlet of the dust collecting device 250. The pipe section 238x extends in the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner body 210). The suction port 238y is provided at the lower side of the vacuum cleaner body 210 in the vertical direction.

[0014] Handle portion 220 is a portion provided to allow a user of electric vacuum cleaner 200 to grip cleaner body 210. Handle portion 220 is provided on the upper end side of cleaner body 210 (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of cleaner body 210). Handle portion 220 forms an opening 222 between itself and cleaner body 210, through which a hand can be inserted.

[0015] The dust collecting device 250 is a part that collects dust sucked by the electric vacuum cleaner 200. As shown in FIG. 2 , the dust collecting device 250 is disposed below the electric vacuum cleaner blower 214. In other words, the dust collecting device 250 is aligned with the pipe portion 238x in the front-to-rear direction (the short-side direction of the vacuum cleaner body 210). The dust collecting device 250 is provided so as to be continuous with the vacuum cleaner body 210. The dust collecting device 250 is a cyclone type that can centrifuge at least a portion of dust from the air sucked into the dust collecting container 252 by the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner blower 214. The dust collecting device 250 includes a dust collecting container 252, a lid 254, a locking portion 256, and a structure 258. When the structure 258 is housed inside the dust collecting container 252, a dust collecting space is formed between the dust collecting container 252 and the structure 258.

[0016] The dust collection container 252 is a container for collecting dust. The dust collection container 252 is formed in a tubular shape (cylindrical in this embodiment). The dust collection container 252 can be a tubular container having a substantially constant outer diameter from the top to the bottom. However, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , in this embodiment, the dust collection container 252 has a tapered portion 252a whose outer diameter decreases from the top to the bottom. The tapered portion 252a is provided in a region between a portion that is completely inserted into the receiving portion 80 and a portion that is completely exposed to the outside of the receiving portion 80 when the bottom portion of the dust collection container 252 is inserted into the receiving portion 80, which will be described in detail later.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 6 , the dust collection container 252 has an inlet 253 in a peripheral wall 255 (side wall) through which dust flows in. The dust collection container 252 is open at its top end (the side opposite the bottom end) and is connectable to the vacuum cleaner body 210. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , the dust collection container 252 also has a disposal port 262 for disposing of dust. The disposal port 262 can be provided at any suitable location in the dust collection container 252, but in this embodiment, it is provided at the bottom end (bottom side). Specifically, the disposal port 262 is an opening provided at the end of the bottom end (bottom side) of the cylindrical body that forms the dust collection container 252.

[0018] The dust collection container 252 is configured so that the disposal port 262 can be opened and closed by a lid 254 that forms an opening / closing unit 264. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the opening / closing unit 264 includes the lid 254, a pivot mechanism 268, and a locking unit 256.

[0019] The lid 254 is a plate-shaped member that can close the disposal opening 262 of the dust container 252. The pivoting mechanism 268 pivotally connects the lid 254 to the dust container 252. The pivoting mechanism 268 is provided with a spindle 268a at a position on the bottom side of the dust container 252, on one radial side of the dust container 252 (in this embodiment, a position adjacent to the vacuum cleaner body 210). The pivoting mechanism 268 inserts the spindle 268a through the dust container 252 and the lid 254, thereby pivotally connecting the lid 254 to the dust container 252 on one radial side of the dust container 252.

[0020] The rotation mechanism 268 also includes a biasing member 268b. The biasing member 268b biases the cover 254 in a direction that closes the disposal opening 262. The biasing member 268b applies a biasing force to the cover 254 that is sufficient to maintain the cover 254 in a position that closes the disposal opening 262 even when the locking by the locking unit 256 is released. The biasing member 268b also applies a biasing force sufficient to open the cover 254 when the locking by the locking unit 256 is released, due to the suction force of the electric blower 30 included in the dust suction device 10.

[0021] 4, 5, etc., the locking portion 256 locks the lid 254 when the disposal opening 262 is closed by the lid 254. The locking portion 256 fixes the free end of the lid 254 to the dust container 252 on the radially opposite side of the dust container 252 with respect to the support shaft 268a of the rotation mechanism 268. The locking portion 256 is provided in a position on the dust container 252 facing the inner wall portion 86 of the receiving portion 80 when the dust container 252 is fitted into the receiving portion 80 of the dust suction device 10, which will be described in detail later.

[0022] The locking unit 256 can have various configurations as long as it can lock the lid 254. In this embodiment, the locking unit 256 can be released regardless of whether the vacuum cleaner 200 is attached to the dust suction device 10. In other words, the locking structure formed by the locking unit 256 can be released by a user operation (for example, a button operation or an unlocking operation) regardless of whether the vacuum cleaner 200 is detached from the dust suction device 10. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , in this embodiment, the locking unit 256 can place the lid 254 in a locked state or an unlocked state by engaging or disengaging a locking piece 270 provided on the dust collection container 252 with the lid 254.

[0023] The lock piece 270 is a plate-like member disposed at the lower end side of the dust collection container 252, extending from the dust collection container 252 side toward the opening / closing part 264 side. The lock piece 270 is attached to the dust collection container 252 by a lock support shaft 272 at a middle portion in the extending direction so as to be rotatable (swingable) relative to the dust collection container 252.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5 and other figures, the lock piece 270 is biased in a direction away from the circumferential surface of the dust container 252 at a portion (base end 270a) of the lock piece 270 that is closer to the base end than the lock spindle 272 (above the dust container 252) by a lock piece biasing member 270d provided between the dust container 252 and the base end 270a. As a result, the portion (tip end 270b) of the lock piece 270 that is closer to the tip end than the lock spindle 272 (toward the opening / closing unit 264) is biased in a direction toward the circumferential surface of the lid 254. The base end 270a also functions as a contact portion 270e against which the unlocking portion 88 provided on the receiving portion 80 can come into contact, as will be described in detail later. In particular, the outer surface of the contact portion 270e functions as a contact surface 270f against which the unlocking portion 88 comes into contact. The contact surface 270 f is inclined so as to approach the inner wall portion 86 of the receiving portion 80 as it moves away from the rotation center of the lock piece 270 .

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the locking piece 270 has a locking portion 270c at a tip end 270b. The shape of the locking portion 270c can be any suitable shape as long as it is capable of engaging, but in this embodiment, it is hook-shaped. Furthermore, an engagement recess 264a (catch) is provided on the periphery of the opening / closing portion 264 (lid body 254) at a position where the locking portion 270c reaches when the opening / closing portion 264 (lid body 254) closes the disposal opening 262. Therefore, when the disposal opening 262 is closed by the opening / closing portion 264 (lid body 254), the dust collecting device 250 can maintain the closed state by the biasing force of the biasing member by engaging the locking portion 270c of the locking piece 270 with the engagement recess 264a of the opening / closing portion 264 (lid body 254). In addition, by applying a pressing force to the base end of the locking piece 270 against the biasing force of the biasing member, and swinging the locking piece 270 around the locking support shaft 272 to release the engagement of the locking piece 270 with the engagement recess 264a, the opening / closing section 264 can be set to the open state.

[0026] Extension tube 280 is a cylindrical member that detachably connects vacuum cleaner body 210 and suction tool 290. One end of extension tube 280 is shaped so that it can be inserted into suction port 238y provided in tube section 238x of vacuum cleaner body 210, and the other end is shaped so that it can be connected to suction tool 290. By connecting vacuum cleaner body 210 and suction tool 290 via extension tube 280, a continuous, communicated path (air passage) from suction tool 290 to vacuum cleaner body 210 can be formed.

[0027] Suction tool 290 is connected directly to suction port 238y of vacuum cleaner body 210, or indirectly via extension tube 280. Suction tool 290 has a suction tool body 292 and a joint 294. Suction tool body 292 has a suction port 292a for sucking in dust (see FIG. 10 ). Suction port 292a opens toward the bottom. In addition, joint 294 is connectable to suction port 238y or extension tube 280. Joint 294 is rotatable relative to suction tool body 292. Characteristic features of suction tool 290 will also be described in detail later.

[0028] <Dust suction device 10> As shown in Fig. 1, the dust suction device 10 is used to recover dust collected in the dust collector 250 of the vacuum cleaner 200. As shown in Fig. 2, the dust suction device 10 is capable of supporting the vacuum cleaner 200. The dust suction device 10 can also be used to suck up dust adhering to a dust collector 300 separate from the vacuum cleaner 200, and may perform this function alone. The dust collector 300 may or may not be attached to the dust suction device 10 or the vacuum cleaner system S.

[0029] The dust suction device 10 has a device main body 20 and a receiving section 80. The device main body 20 also includes an electric blower 30, a dust collection section 40, a base section 50, an engagement structure 60, and a communication air passage 70 (see FIG. 10 ). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the dust suction device 10 is capable of collecting dust from the dust collection device 250 of the vacuum cleaner 200 to the dust collection section 40 while the receiving section 80 receives the dust collection device 250 and supports the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0030] The electric blower 30 generates a suction force directed from the electric vacuum cleaner 200 side toward the dust collection unit 40 side. The electric blower 30 is housed inside the box-shaped device main body 20. In this embodiment, the electric blower 30 is provided inside the device main body 20 at a position below the dust collection unit 40.

[0031] Dust collection unit 40 collects dust discharged from dust collection device 250 of vacuum cleaner 200. Dust collection unit 40 can be provided inside device body 20, can be part of device body 20, or can be formed by attaching an appropriate replaceable member such as a paper bag. Electric blower 30 is provided inside device body 20.

[0032] The base 50 is placed on the floor or the like, which serves as a support surface for the dust suction device 10 (vacuum cleaner system S), and serves as a base for the dust suction device 10. The base 50 is provided across an area extending from below the device body 20 to below the vacuum cleaner 200 when the vacuum cleaner 200 is supported by the dust suction device 10 (supported state).

[0033] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 11, etc., the base 50 is provided with a switch unit 52 for operating the electric blower 30 to turn it on (ON operation). The switch unit 52 may be any suitable device capable of turning it on; in this embodiment, it is configured as a foot switch that can be operated by the user's foot. The switch unit 52 may be configured to only perform the ON operation, or to perform the ON operation and also to turn the electric blower 30 off (OFF operation). The switch unit 52 may be configured as a single switch, or may be configured with multiple switches depending on the type of operation. Furthermore, when the switch unit 52 is turned on, it may automatically turn off after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0034] In a supported state in which the vacuum cleaner 200 is supported by the dust suction device 10, the switch unit 52 is located in front of the suction tool 290 placed on the base unit 50 (closer to the user). Although the switch unit 52 can be located outside the projection range of the suction tool 290 when viewed from above in the supported state, it is preferable to locate the switch unit 52 in a position that overlaps at least partially with the projection range of the suction tool 290 from the perspective of improving space efficiency. Furthermore, the switch unit 52 is located in a position that is separated from the suction tool 290 in the supported state.

[0035] The engagement structure 60 is for engaging the vacuum cleaner 200 with the outside of the box-shaped device main body 20. The engagement structure 60 is capable of engaging with a hook 292b provided on either or both of the suction tool main body 292 and the joint 294 of the vacuum cleaner 200 (the joint 294 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the hook 292b is hook-shaped, and the engagement structure 60 is hook-holder-shaped to receive the hook-shaped hook 292b. Therefore, when the dust suction device 10 is in an upright position, the suction tool 290 side, which is the lower end of the vacuum cleaner 200, can be supported by the engagement structure 60. In addition, a power receiving unit is provided on the back side of the extension tube 280 near the hook 292b to receive power from the power supply unit of the dust suction device 10, allowing charging of the battery 215. The structure of the power receiving unit and the wiring within the extension tube can be based on known techniques.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 10 , the communication air passage 70 is a flow path for sucking dust adhering to the dust collector 300 and allowing the dust to reach the dust collecting unit 40. One end of the communication air passage 70 is directly or indirectly connected to the dust collecting unit 40. Specifically, the one end of the communication air passage 70 may be a flow path that is connected to the dust collecting unit 40 via a separate route from the dust collection flow path 85 that connects the receiving unit 80 and the dust collecting unit 40, or may be a flow path that merges with the dust collection flow path 85 midway. In this embodiment, the communication air passage 70 is a flow path that merges with the dust collection flow path 85 midway. The other end of the communication air passage 70 is directly or indirectly connected to the housing 110 in which the dust collector 300 is housed.

[0037] The communicating air passage 70 may be provided with a flow path opening / closing unit 72 at one end or the other end, or along the way, that can manually or automatically open or close the flow path. In this embodiment, the communicating air passage 70 is provided with a shutter mechanism that can be opened or closed by manually sliding it at the end on the accommodation section 110 side as the flow path opening / closing unit 72. The sliding direction of the shutter mechanism is the up and down direction.

[0038] 1, 2, etc., the receiving part 80 is connected to the device body 20 via a connecting pipe 83. As a result, the receiving part 80 forms a dust collection flow path 85 that communicates with the dust collection part 40 provided in the device body 20. The receiving part 80 is also provided so as to rise upward from the device body 20.

[0039] The receiving portion 80 is formed so as to be able to receive at least a portion of the dust collecting device 250 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200 (in this embodiment, a bottom portion of the dust collecting device 250). In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 , the receiving portion 80 is formed so as to be able to receive a portion (bottom portion) of the dust collecting device 250, including an opening / closing portion 264 provided on the dust collecting device 250. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9 , etc., the receiving portion 80 has an opening 82, an upper wall portion 84, an inner wall portion 86, and an unlocking portion 88.

[0040] 6, 7, etc., the opening 82 is an opening that allows the bottom portion of the dust collection container 252 to be inserted into and removed from the receiving part 80. The opening 82 opens upward in the receiving part 80. Therefore, the dust collection container 252 can be inserted into and removed from the receiving part 80 in the vertical direction via the opening 82.

[0041] The upper wall portion 84 is a wall portion provided so as to surround a part or all of the opening 82. In the present embodiment, the opening 82 is provided on the upper end side of the receiving portion 80. Therefore, the upper wall portion 84 is provided so as to surround the opening 82 on the upper end side of the receiving portion 80. The upper wall portion 84 extends in a direction intersecting (in the present embodiment, a direction substantially perpendicular to) the insertion / removal direction of the dust collection container 252 inserted and removed through the opening 82. In the present embodiment, the upper wall portion 84 has an annular shape (more specifically, a C-shaped annular shape) in a top view and is flat and extends radially outward from the edge of the opening 82.

[0042] The upper wall portion 84 has a recess that forms an airtight member arranging portion 84b in which an upper wall abutting portion 102 of the airtight member 100, which will be described in detail later, is arranged. The airtight member arranging portion 84b is formed in an annular shape (a C-ring shape in this embodiment) when the receiving portion 80 is viewed from above. The airtight member arranging portion 84b is formed to a depth such that, when the upper wall abutting portion 102 of the airtight member 100 is arranged, the surfaces of the upper wall portion 84 and the upper wall abutting portion 102 are approximately flush with each other. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 , the upper wall portion 84 has an engaged portion 84a that engages with an engaging portion 104 provided on the airtight member 100. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 104 is provided on the rear side of the upper wall abutting portion 102, and therefore the engaged portion 84a is provided in the airtight member arranging portion 84b at a position corresponding to the engaging portion 104.

[0043] 8, 9, etc., inner wall portion 86 defines space 87 that houses the bottom portion of dust collection container 252 received through opening 82. As shown in Figures 7, 9, etc., inner wall portion 86 has, at the boundary with upper wall portion 84, an inclined portion 86a that slopes downward from the inner peripheral edge of upper wall portion 84 toward the radially inward side (toward space 87).

[0044] Space 87 is an area that opens upward via opening 82 when dust suction device 10 is installed. By inserting the bottom of dust collecting device 250 into space 87 via opening 82, receiving portion 80 can support vacuum cleaner 200. Furthermore, receiving portion 80 is provided at a position where the bottom of dust collecting device 250 reaches when hook portion 292b of vacuum cleaner 200 is engaged with engagement structure 60 of dust suction device 10. Therefore, dust suction device 10 can support vacuum cleaner 200 by engagement structure 60 on one axial side of vacuum cleaner 200 (upward in the vertical direction), and can also support vacuum cleaner 200 by dust collecting device 250 located on the other axial side of vacuum cleaner 200 (upward in the vertical direction). In this way, the dust suction device 10 can stably support the vacuum cleaner 200 by supporting the vacuum cleaner 200 at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0045] In the dust suction device 10, when the dust collecting device 250 is supported (received) on the receiving part 80, the open / close part 264 of the dust collecting device 250 can be opened and closed. Therefore, in the electric vacuum cleaner system S, by fitting a portion of the dust collecting device 250, including the open / close part 264, into the space 87 of the receiving part 80 and opening the open / close part 264, the dust collected in the dust collecting device 250 can be discharged to the dust collecting part 40 via the receiving part 80 and the connecting pipe 83. In addition, the dust suction device 10 has an electric blower 30 provided in the device body 20. Therefore, when discharging dust from the dust collecting device 250 to the dust collecting part 40, the electric blower 30 can be operated to utilize the suction force of the airflow flowing from the dust collecting device 250 into the dust collecting part 40 via the connecting pipe 83, thereby collecting dust from the dust collecting device 250 to the dust collecting part 40.

[0046] The unlocking unit 88 unlocks the locking unit 256 of the dust collection container 252 inserted into the space 87 through the opening 82. This allows the opening / closing unit 264 to be opened. There are several possible configurations for the unlocking unit 88, including a configuration in which the locking unit 256 is unlocked by operating a switch on the vacuum cleaner 200 to open the opening / closing unit 264, and a configuration in which a member provided on the receiving unit 80 unlocks the opening / closing unit 264 and the opening / closing unit 264 is opened by suction from the dust suction device 10.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , in this embodiment, the receiving portion 80 is configured with a rib 88a that functions as the unlocking portion 88. The rib 88a is provided to protrude from the inner wall portion 86 toward the inside of the space 87. The rib 88a is provided to extend in the direction in which the dust collection container 252 inserted into the space 87 enters (the up-down direction in the illustrated example). The rib 88a is also inclined downward from the outside to the inside of the receiving portion 80 (space 87) at its upper end (the opening 82 side), i.e., the end portion that serves as the entrance of the dust collection container 252 into the space 87. Furthermore, the rib 88a is provided at a position that abuts against the abutment portion 270e (abutment surface 270f) of the locking portion 256 when the dust collection container 252 is inserted into the space 87. Although only one rib 88a may be provided in the circumferential direction, in this embodiment, multiple ribs 88a (two in the illustrated example) are provided in the circumferential direction. In addition, in the locked state, it is preferable that the abutted portion 270e (abutted surface 270f) is located further outward than the locking portion 270c, and that the abutted portion 270e (abutted surface 270f) has a surface that slopes outward and upward as it moves away from the locking support shaft 272. This is because the lock of the locking portion 256 can be released smoothly.

[0048] The rib 88a constituting the unlocking portion 88 is provided on the receiving portion 80 with the shape and arrangement described above. Therefore, when the dust container 252 is inserted into the space 87, the dust container 252 smoothly enters the space 87 along the slope provided on the upper end side of the rib 88a without getting caught or getting stuck. Furthermore, in conjunction with the insertion operation of inserting the dust container 252 into the space 87, the rib 88a pushes the abutment portion 270e (abutment surface 270f) of the locking portion 256 against the biasing force of the lock piece biasing member 270d. This causes the engaging portion 270c to disengage from the engaging recess 264a provided in the lid 254. In this way, the unlocking portion 88 of this embodiment is capable of unlocking the opening / closing portion 264 by utilizing the rib 88a provided on the receiving portion 80.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the lid 254 constituting the opening / closing portion 264 is biased in the closing direction by the biasing member 268b, and is capable of maintaining a position that closes the disposal opening 262 even when the locking portion 256 is unlocked by the locking portion 88. Meanwhile, the biasing force of the biasing member 268b is such that the suction force of the electric blower 30 of the dust suction device 10 acts on the lid 254 when the locking portion 256 is unlocked, thereby allowing the lid 254 to be opened. Therefore, the receiving portion 80 can open the disposal opening 262 by operating the electric blower 30 when the locking portion 88 is unlocked in conjunction with the insertion of the dust collection container 252 into the space 87 through the opening 82. When the suction of the electric blower 30 is stopped, the force of the biasing member 268b moves the cover 254 in the closing direction, thereby closing the disposal port 262 and maintaining the position that closes the disposal port 262. When the electric vacuum cleaner 200 is removed from the dust suction device 10, the pressure of the unlocking portion 88 on the locking portion 256 (locking piece 270) is released, and the locking portion 256 enters the locked state.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3, 6, 7, etc., the airtight member 100 is disposed between the receiving portion 80 and the dust collection container 252 to provide an airtight seal therebetween. The airtight member 100 may be made of a material suitable for preventing air leakage, such as rubber (elastomer) such as NBR (nitrile rubber), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), silicone rubber, or fluoroelastomer (Viton), or resin such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). As shown in Figures 7 and 9, etc., the airtight member 100 has an upper wall abutment portion 102, an engagement portion 104, and an extension portion 106.

[0051] The upper wall abutment portion 102 is an annular portion of the engagement portion 104 constituting the receiving portion 80 that is disposed on the airtight member placement portion 84b. The thickness of the upper wall abutment portion 102 is preferably approximately the same as the depth of the recess that forms the airtight member placement portion 84b. The engagement portion 104 is used to attach the airtight member 100 to the receiving portion 80 by engaging it. The engagement portion 104 is provided at a position corresponding to the engaged portion 84a provided on the receiving portion 80. The engagement portion 104 may have various shapes, such as a hook-like or L-shaped bend, as long as it can engage with the hole or recess that forms the engaged portion 84a. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 104 is bent in a hook-like or L-shaped shape (in the illustrated example) toward the radially outward direction of the opening 82 when engaged with the engaged portion 84a. This makes it possible to make it difficult for the engaging portion 104 to come off the engaged portion 84a even if the airtight member 100 is pulled radially inward of the opening 82 when the dust collection container 252 is inserted through the opening 82.

[0052] The extension portion 106 is a portion that extends toward the inside of the opening 82 when the airtight member 100 is attached to the receiving portion 80. The extension portion 106 extends toward the inside of the opening 82 from the upper wall portion 84 of the receiving portion 80. The tip end (the end portion on the radially inner side of the opening 82) of the extension portion 106 is a free end and is flexible and deformable. Therefore, when the dust collection container 252 is inserted through the opening 82, the extension portion 106 bends along the peripheral wall 255 of the dust collection container 252 and comes into contact with the tapered portion 252a with almost no gap. Note that, although the case where the airtight member 100 has the engaging portion 104 and the airtight member arranging portion 84b has the engaged portion 84a has been described as an example, the airtight member 100 may have the engaged portion and the airtight member arranging portion 84b may have the engaging portion. Also, instead of or in addition to the engaging portion 104, the airtight member may be fixed to the airtight member placement portion 84b by adhesive.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1, 10, etc., a storage compartment 110 for storing a dust collector 300 is provided on the right or left side (the right side in this embodiment) of the device main body 20. The dust collector 300 is a mop having a cleaning part 302 for cleaning dust and a handle part 304. A mop made of microfiber, cotton, or other material that easily becomes static is attached to the cleaning part 302. The storage compartment 110 is cylindrical and can store at least the cleaning part 302 of the dust collector 300.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 10 and other figures, the housing 110 is provided with a dust collector dust suction unit 112. The dust collector dust suction unit 112 is used to suck dust adhering to the cleaning unit 302 of the dust collector 300 housed in the housing 110. The dust collector dust suction unit 112 has a dust suction port 114 that opens toward the inside of the housing 110. The dust collector dust suction unit 112 is directly or indirectly connected to the dust collecting unit 40 via the above-mentioned ventilation passage 70. Therefore, by operating the electric blower 30 provided in the device main body 20, suction force can be generated at the dust suction port 114 via the ventilation passage 70. Therefore, by operating the electric blower 30 with the cleaning unit 302 of the dust collector 300 housed in the housing 110, dust adhering to the cleaning unit 302 can be sucked through the dust suction port 114.

[0055] In the vacuum cleaner system S of this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 200 in the stick state can be in a state (support state) supported by the dust suction device 10. In the supported state, the vacuum cleaner system S can support the vacuum cleaner 200 by the dust suction device 10, with the hook-shaped hanging portion 292b of the suction tool 290 engaged with the engaging structure 60 provided on the dust suction device 10, and with the dust collection container 252 inserted into the receiving portion 80 and engaged.

[0056] In the supported state, the airtight member 100 is disposed between the receiving portion 80 and the dust container 252, and the airtight member 100 abuts against the tapered portion 252a of the dust container 252. In addition, when the receiving portion 80 receives the dust container 252, the locking portion 256 is surrounded by the inner wall portion 86 of the receiving portion 80, and the locking portion 256 is located below the airtight member 100. In the supported state, the vacuum cleaner 200 is supported with the switch portion 52 spaced apart from the suction tool 290 of the vacuum cleaner 200. In the supported state, the switch portion 52 and the suction tool 290 are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the suction port 292a of the suction tool 290 faces in the front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. When the electric vacuum cleaner system S is in the supported state described above, with the dust collection container 252 with the lid 254 open and connected to the dust collection unit 40 via the receiving part 80, the electric blower 30 can be operated to apply suction force to the dust collection container 252, thereby sucking out dust from the dust collection container 252 and collecting it in the dust collection unit 40.

[0057] <<Modifications>> As shown in FIG. 1 , the dust suction device 10 described above can be installed in an upright position by engaging the hook portion 292b with the engagement structure 60 with the suction tool 290 of the vacuum cleaner 200 positioned along the front of the device body 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a mounting portion 150 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can be provided, and the vacuum cleaner 200 can be installed with the suction tool 290 placed on the mounting portion 150. Furthermore, when the mounting portion 150 described above is provided, a suction portion 160 may be provided facing the bottom side of the suction tool 290 placed on the mounting portion 150. The dust suction device 10 may be configured to include the suction portion 160 in addition to a configuration for recovering dust collected in the dust collecting device 250 in the vacuum cleaner 200, or may be configured to include the suction portion 160 alone. The tip of the mounting portion 150 is configured as a stopper portion that protrudes upward to support the front end of the suction tool 290, but the stopper portion may be eliminated so as not to hinder the forward and backward movement of the suction tool 290.

[0058] Specifically, suction unit 160 preferably includes slits 164 extending in the width direction (left-right direction) of suction tool 290 in suction tool arrangement section 162 where suction tool 290 is arranged in mounting section 150, and communication air passages 166 communicating with slits 164. Similar to communication air passages 70 described above, communication air passages 166 are air passages communicating with device main body 20 or dust collection unit 40. Therefore, by operating electric blower 30, suction force can be generated in slits 164.

[0059] The mounting portion 150 may be provided with a cleaning member 170 in addition to the above-described slits 164 and communicating air passage 70. The cleaning member 170 cleans at least one of the rotating brush 290a of the suction tool 290 and the brush member 290b provided on the bottom side of the suction tool 290. The cleaning member 170 may be formed of a comb-like member, brush-like member, blade, or cutting edge capable of scraping off hair or dust wrapped around the rotating brush 290a. The cleaning member 170 may also be formed of a frictionally charged member that is charged by friction with at least one of the rotating brush 290a of the suction tool 290 and the brush member 290b provided on the bottom side of the suction tool 290. The user may rub the bottom side of the suction tool 290 against the cleaning member 170 in a front-to-back direction, or friction may be generated by bringing a rotating brush 290a, driven by a motor provided in the suction tool 290, into contact with the cleaning member 170. If the cleaning member 170 is configured as a frictionally charged member 170a, static electricity generated by friction can attract dust, hair, and the like adhering to the bottom side of the suction tool 290. The frictionally charged member 170a is a material that is easily negatively charged, such as polypropylene. The cleaning member 170 is preferably arranged in a front-to-back alignment with the slits 164 that form the suction unit 160, so that dust on the bottom side of the suction tool 290 can be easily removed by moving the suction tool 290 back and forth. Furthermore, if multiple slits 164 are provided in a front-to-back direction, the cleaning member 170 may be arranged between the slits 164, 164, which are arranged in a front-to-back alignment.

[0060] <<Functions and Effects>> The following describes the effects and the like obtained by the configuration of the dust suction device 10 and the electric vacuum cleaner system S described above, for each aspect of the present invention.

[0061] [Regarding the dust suction device 10 and vacuum cleaner system S according to the first aspect of the present invention] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-3875, a dust collection device for collecting dust from a vacuum cleaner has been provided. This prior art dust collection device includes a second dust collection section that communicates with a first dust collection section in which dust is collected in the vacuum cleaner. This dust collection device is capable of collecting dust from the first dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner to the second dust collection section by applying suction force to the first dust collection section while the first dust collection section is fitted into a receiving section.

[0062] Here, if the dust collection device is configured like the dust collection device of the conventional technology described above, it is thought that the ability to collect dust from the first dust collection part to the second dust collection part can be further improved if the suction force acting on the first dust collection part can be made even easier when the first dust collection part is fitted into the receiving part.

[0063] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device and a vacuum cleaner system that can easily apply suction force to a dust container of a vacuum cleaner.

[0064] (1-1) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention is for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container 252 of an electric vacuum cleaner 200, and comprises an electric blower 30 that generates suction force, a dust collection unit 40 that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 by the electric blower 30, a receiving unit 80 that receives the dust collection container 252, and an airtight member 100 that airtightly seals the space between the receiving unit 80 and the dust collection container 252, and the dust collection container 252 has a lid that can open and close a disposal opening 262 on the bottom side. 254, and when the dust collection container 252 with the lid 254 in an open state is in communication with the dust collection section 40 via the receiving section 80, the suction force of the electric blower 30 acts on the dust collection container 252, causing the dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 to be collected in the dust collection section 40, and when the airtight member 100 is disposed between the receiving section 80 and the dust collection container 252, the receiving section 80 receives the bottom side of the dust collection container 252.

[0065] The dust suction device 10 includes an airtight member 100 that provides an airtight seal between the receiving portion 80 and the dust collection container 252. Furthermore, with the airtight member 100 disposed between the receiving portion 80 and the dust collection container 252, the dust suction device 10 can support the bottom side of the dust collection container 252 with the receiving portion 80. Furthermore, with the dust collection container 252 communicating with the dust collection unit 40 via the receiving portion 80 and the waste outlet 262 of the dust collection container 252 in an open state, the dust suction device 10 can apply the suction force of the electric blower 30 to the dust collection container 252. Therefore, the dust suction device 10 can fully apply the suction force generated by the electric blower 30 to the dust collection container 252.

[0066] (1-2) As described above, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-1) above is preferably characterized in that the airtight member 100 is arranged between the receiving portion 80 and the dust collection container 252 by engagement between the engaging portion 104 on one side of the airtight member 100 and the receiving portion 80 and the engaged portion 84a on the other side.

[0067] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (1-2), the airtight member 100 can be firmly attached to the receiving part 80. This makes it possible for the dust suction device 10 to prevent the airtight member 100 from falling off even when the dust collection container 252 is repeatedly attached to and detached from the receiving part 80.

[0068] (1-3) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-1) or (1-2) above, the receiving portion 80 preferably has an opening 82 and an inner wall portion 86 that forms a space 87 into which the bottom side of the dust collection container 252 received through the opening 82 is placed, and the airtight member 100 preferably extends inward of the opening 82.

[0069] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (1-3), the airtight member 100 can be reliably brought into contact with the dust collection container 252 inserted into the space 87 through the opening 82. This allows the dust suction device 10 to further improve the airtightness between the receiving part 80 and the dust collection container 252.

[0070] (1-4) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (1-1) to (1-3) above, the receiving portion 80 preferably has an upper wall portion 84 that forms the opening 82 and an inner wall portion 86 that forms a space 87 into which the bottom side of the dust collection container 252 received through the opening 82 is placed, and the airtight member 100 and the upper wall portion 84 have an engaging portion 104 on one side thereof and an engaged portion 84a on the other side thereof engage with each other, and the airtight member 100 extends from the upper wall portion 84 toward the inside of the opening 82.

[0071] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (1-4), the airtight member 100 can be attached to the upper wall portion 84 that forms the opening 82 while ensuring a sufficient contact area. This makes it possible for the dust suction device 10 to be configured such that the airtight member 100 is less likely to fall off even when the dust collection container 252 is repeatedly attached to and detached from the receiving portion 80.

[0072] (1-5) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (1-1) to (1-4) above, the peripheral wall 255 of the dust collection container 252 preferably has a tapered portion 252a whose outer shape becomes smaller in the direction from the top end side toward the bottom end side, and when the receiving portion 80 receives the dust collection container 252, the airtight member 100 abuts against the tapered portion 252a.

[0073] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (1-5), the dust collection container 252 can be fully inserted into the receiving part 80, and the airtight member 100 can improve the airtightness between the receiving part 80 and the dust collection container 252. This allows the suction force of the electric blower 30 to be applied to the dust collection container 252 more reliably and sufficiently.

[0074] (1-6) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (1-1) to (1-5) above, the receiving part 80 has an inner wall part 86 that forms a space 87 into which the bottom side of the dust collection container 252 fits, and the dust collection container 252 has a locking part 256 that locks the lid body 254 when the lid body 254 closes the disposal port 262, and when the receiving part 80 receives the dust collection container 252, the locking part 256 is surrounded by the inner wall part 86 and is located below the airtight member 100.

[0075] The dust suction device 10 is configured such that the locking portion 256 is provided below the airtight member 100 (inside the space 87) as described above (1-6), thereby preventing a decrease in airtightness between the receiving portion 80 and the dust collection container 252 due to the presence of the locking portion 256.

[0076] (1-7) As described above, the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is preferably characterized by comprising the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust suction device 10 according to any one of (1-1) to (1-6) above.

[0077] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S as described above in (1-7), the suction force generated by the electric blower 30 can be fully applied to the dust container 252. As a result, by setting the vacuum cleaner 200 on the dust suction device 10, the vacuum cleaner system S can fully and efficiently collect the dust collected in the dust container 252 into the dust collection unit 40.

[0078] [Regarding the dust suction device 10 and electric vacuum cleaner system S according to the second aspect of the present invention] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-3875 discloses a conventional technique that includes an electric vacuum cleaner having a main body with a first electric blower that generates suction force and a first dust collection section in which dust is collected, and a dust collection device that communicates with the first dust collection section to collect dust from the electric vacuum cleaner and has a second dust collection section in which dust is collected, and the dust collection device is configured to perform suction operation by operating a switch.

[0079] In the case of a configuration such as that of the above-described conventional technology, depending on the position of the switch in the dust collection device, convenience for the user may be reduced.

[0080] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device that can prevent a decrease in the convenience of switch operation.

[0081] (2-1) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention supports the electric vacuum cleaner 200 and recovers dust collected in the dust collection container 252 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200, and comprises an electric blower 30 that generates suction force, a dust collection unit 40 that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 by the electric blower 30, a switch unit 52 for turning on the operation of the electric blower 30, and a base unit 50 that is placed on a placing surface and on which the switch unit 52 is disposed, and the dust collection container 252 has a lid 254 that can open and close a disposal opening 262 on the bottom side, and the dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 is collected in the dust collection unit 40, provided that the suction force of the electric blower 30 acts on the dust collection container 252 when the dust collection container 252 is in communication with the dust collection unit 40.

[0082] The dust suction device 10 is provided with a switch unit 52 on a base unit 50 that is placed on a placement surface, and this switch unit 52 can be used to turn on the operation of the electric blower 30. Therefore, in the dust suction device 10, a user can access and operate the switch unit 52 with their foot or the like to turn on the electric blower 30 and collect dust accumulated in the dust collection container 252 in the dust collection unit 40. Therefore, by configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (2-1), the dust suction device 10 can be made highly convenient to operate the switch and has excellent usability.

[0083] (2-2) As described above, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (2-1) above is preferably characterized in that it supports the electric vacuum cleaner 200 in a state in which the switch section 52 is spaced apart from the suction tool 290 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200.

[0084] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (2-2), even when the vacuum cleaner 200 is supported, the possibility that the suction tool 290 will interfere with the operation of the switch unit 52 can be reduced. This allows the dust suction device 10 to have even higher usability.

[0085] (2-3) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (2-1) or (2-2) above, it is preferable that the switch unit 52 is located forward of the suction tool 290 placed on the base unit 50.

[0086] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (2-3), the switch unit 52 can be positioned closer to the user than the suction tool 290. This reduces the possibility that the suction tool 290 will interfere with the operation of the switch unit 52. This allows the dust suction device 10 to have even higher usability.

[0087] (2-4) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (2-1) to (2-3) above, the switch section 52 may be characterized in that at least a portion of it overlaps with the projection range of the suction tool 290 when viewed from above.

[0088] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (2-4), the switch unit 52 and the suction tool 290 (vacuum cleaner 200) can be arranged to achieve a compact layout.

[0089] (2-5) As described above, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to any one of (2-1) to (2-4) above is preferably characterized in that it comprises an engagement structure part 60 that engages with the extension tube 280 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200 in a stick state to which the vacuum cleaner body 210, the extension tube 280, and the suction tool 290 are connected to form an engagement structure, and that when the engagement structure part 60 and the extension tube 280 are engaged, the switch part 52 is spaced apart from the suction tool 290.

[0090] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (2-5), the vacuum cleaner 200 can be reliably supported in a stick state by the engaging structure 60, while the suction tool 290 can support the vacuum cleaner 200 in a position where it does not interfere with the operation of the switch unit 52.

[0091] (2-6) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (2-1) to (2-5) above, the suction tool 290 preferably has a suction tool main body 292 having a suction port 292a on the bottom side, and a coupling part 294 that is rotatable relative to the suction tool main body 292 and can be connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 210 or extension tube 280 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200, and is characterized in that when the electric vacuum cleaner 200 is supported, the switch part 52 is spaced apart from the suction tool 290 in the vertical direction, and the suction tool 290 is in a state in which the suction port 292a faces in the front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0092] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (2-6), the suction tool 290 can be supported in a hanging, compact state, while preventing the suction tool 290 from interfering with the operation of the switch section 52.

[0093] (2-7) As described above, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to any of (2-1) to (2-6) above preferably has a communicating air passage 70 for sucking in dust adhering to a dust collector 300 having a cleaning part 302 for cleaning dust and a handle part 304, and is characterized in that, by the suction of the electric blower 30, dust adhering to the cleaning part 302 passes through the communicating air passage 70 and is collected in the dust collecting part 40.

[0094] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above (2-7), in addition to the dust collected in the dust collection container 252 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200, dust adhering to the cleaning part 302 of the dust collector 300 can also be collected into the dust collection part 40 via the communicating air duct 70.

[0095] (2-8) As described above, the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is characterized by comprising the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust suction device 10 according to any one of (2-1) to (2-7) above.

[0096] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S as described above in (2-8), the switch section 52 provided on the dust suction device 10 can be easily operated, resulting in excellent usability.

[0097] [Regarding dust suction device 10 and vacuum cleaner system S according to a third aspect of the present invention] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-149162 discloses a vacuum cleaner stand comprising: a support pole for supporting a vacuum cleaner in an upright position; a base supporting the support pole; a mounting portion provided at one end of the base portion and for placing a suction tool of the vacuum cleaner on the upper side; an inclined portion provided on the side of the mounting portion opposite the base portion and gradually decreasing in size with increasing distance from the mounting portion; and a rotating brush provided on a mounting surface of the inclined portion facing an opening formed in the bottom surface of the suction tool or cleaning means for cleaning the brush formed on the bottom surface of the suction tool from the bottom side of the suction tool.

[0098] The above-described conventional vacuum cleaner stands have room for improvement in that dust removed from the rotating brush or brush by the cleaning means remains on the mounting portion, requiring the user to remove and dispose of the dust remaining on the mounting portion.

[0099] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device that makes it easy to dispose of dust that has adhered to the suction tool of an electric vacuum cleaner.

[0100] (3-1) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention is capable of supporting an electric vacuum cleaner 200 and is used to suck up dust adhering to the suction tool 290 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200, and is provided with an electric blower 30 that generates suction force, a dust collection unit 40 that collects the dust sucked by the electric blower 30, a suction unit 160 that sucks up dust adhering to the suction tool 290, and a communication air duct 70 that connects the dust collection unit 40 and the suction unit 160, and is characterized in that the suction force of the electric blower 30 acts on the suction unit 160, causing dust to flow from the suction unit 160 through the communication air duct 70 and into the dust collection unit 40.

[0101] By adopting the configuration described above in (3-1), the dust suction device 10 can suck up dust adhering to the suction tool 290 in the suction unit 160 and collect it in the dust collection unit 40. Therefore, by adopting the configuration described above in (3-1), the dust suction device 10 can easily dispose of dust adhering to the suction tool 290 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0102] (3-2) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (3-1) above, the suction section 160 has a mounting section 150 for mounting the suction tool 290, and the mounting section 150 preferably has a suction port 292a provided opposite the bottom side of the mounted suction tool 290.

[0103] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (3-2), the suction tool 290 can be placed on the mounting portion 150 to suck up dust adhering to the bottom side of the suction tool 290. Therefore, by configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (3-2), the suction of dust adhering to the suction tool 290 can be performed even more easily.

[0104] (3-3) As described above, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (3-1) or (3-2) above may be characterized by including a cleaning member 170 that cleans at least one of the rotating brush 290a provided on the suction tool 290 and the brush member 290b provided on the bottom side of the suction tool 290.

[0105] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (3-3), the cleaning member 170 can clean either or both of the rotating brush 290a and the brush member 290b, while suctioning the dust removed by the cleaning.

[0106] (3-4) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (3-1) to (3-3) above, the suction section 160 preferably has a mounting section 150 for mounting the suction tool 290, and the mounting section 150 preferably has a friction charging section 170a that is charged by friction with at least one of the rotating brush 290a provided on the suction tool 290 and the brush member 290b provided on the bottom side of the suction tool 290.

[0107] By configuring the dust suction device as described above in (3-4), the dust removed from either or both of the rotating brush 290a and the brush member 290b can be attracted and collected by the frictional charging section 170a using static electricity. This allows the dust suction device 10 to more easily clean either or both of the rotating brush 290a and the brush member 290b.

[0108] (3-5) As described above, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (3-1) to (3-4) above may be characterized in that the dust collected in the electric vacuum cleaner 200 is sucked out by the electric blower 30 and collected in the dust collection section 40.

[0109] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (3-5), it is possible to collect both the dust collected by the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust collected by the suction tool 290 in the dust collection section 40. This allows the dust suction device 10 to dispose of the dust more efficiently than when the dust collected by the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust collected by the suction tool 290 are separately collected and disposed of.

[0110] (3-6) As described above, the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is preferably characterized by comprising the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust suction device 10 described in any one of (3-1) to (3-5) above.

[0111] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S as described above in (3-6), it is possible to easily dispose of dust adhering to the suction tool 290 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0112] [Regarding the dust suction device 10 and electric vacuum cleaner system S according to the fourth aspect of the present invention] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-3875 describes a technology that includes an electric vacuum cleaner that includes a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force and a first dust collection section in which dust is collected, and a dust recovery device that communicates with the first dust collection section to collect dust from the electric vacuum cleaner and includes a second dust collection section in which dust is collected, and in which a locking section of an opening / closing section of the first dust collection section is released by an opening means that protrudes upward from a receiving section.

[0113] In the case of a configuration such as that of the conventional technology described above, the locking portion is likely to be located on the rotation trajectory of the opening / closing portion, and there is a risk that the locking portion will hinder the opening and closing of the opening / closing portion.

[0114] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device that makes it difficult to obstruct the opening and closing of the lid of the dust collection container.

[0115] (4-1) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention is for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container 252 of an electric vacuum cleaner 200, and comprises an electric blower 30 that generates suction force, a dust collection unit 40 that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 by the electric blower 30, and a receiving unit 80 that receives the dust collection container 252, and the dust collection container 252 has a lid 254 that can open and close a disposal opening 262 on the bottom side, and a locking unit 256 that locks the lid 254 when the lid 254 closes the disposal opening 262, and the dust collection container 252 when the lid 254 is open When the dust container 252 is connected to the dust collection unit 40 via the receiving part 80, the suction force of the electric blower 30 acts on the dust collection container 252, causing the dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 to be collected in the dust collection unit 40. The receiving part 80 has an unlocking part 88 that unlocks the locking part 256 in an inner wall part 86 that forms a space 87 into which the bottom side of the dust collection container 252 fits, and when the receiving part 80 receives the dust collection container 252, the locking part 256 is located in a position opposite the inner wall part 86 in the dust collection container 252.

[0116] As described above in (4-1), the dust suction device 10 is provided with an unlocking portion 88 for unlocking the locking portion 256 on the inner wall portion 86 that defines the space 87, and the locking portion 256 is provided on the dust collection container 252 at a position facing the inner wall portion 86 when the dust collection container 252 is received in the receiving portion 80. Because of this configuration, the dust suction device 10 can unlock the locking portion 256 using the unlocking portion 88, and the operation of opening and closing the lid 254 of the dust collection container 252 can be performed smoothly without being hindered by the locking portion 256.

[0117] (4-2) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (4-1) above, the dust collection device 250 provided in the vacuum cleaner 200 preferably has the dust collection container 252, the lid body 254, and the locking portion 256 rotatably supported relative to the dust collection container 252, and the locking portion 256 has, on one side thereof, a locking portion 270c that locks onto the lid body 254, based on the center of rotation, and has an abutment portion 270e on the other side thereof against which the unlocking portion 88 can abut, and the abutment portion 270e is biased in the direction in which the locking portion 270c locks onto the lid body 254.

[0118] As described above in (4-2), in the dust suction device 10, the abutment portion 270e of the locking portion 256 is biased in the direction in which the engaging portion 270c engages with the lid body 254. This makes it possible for the dust suction device 10 to prevent the lid body 254 from opening unexpectedly.

[0119] (4-3) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (4-1) or (4-2) above, it is preferable that the cover 254 is characterized in that it opens when the suction force of the electric blower 30 is applied while the cover 254 is unlocked by the unlocking portion 88.

[0120] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above in (4-3), even if the lock on the lid body 254 is released, the lid body 254 can be prevented from immediately opening unless the suction force of the electric blower 30 acts on the lid body 254.

[0121] (4-4) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (4-1) to (4-3) above, the unlocking portion 88 may be characterized in that it has a rib 88a protruding from the inner wall portion 86, and the upper end of the rib 88a is inclined downward in a direction from the outside to the inside of the receiving portion 80.

[0122] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above (4-4), it is possible to prevent the dust collection container 252 from getting caught on the rib 88a when inserting it into the space 87 of the receiving portion 80, allowing the dust collection container 252 to be inserted smoothly while releasing the lock provided by the locking portion 256.

[0123] (4-5) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (4-2) above, the abutment portion 270e preferably has an abutment surface 270f against which the unlocking portion 88 abuts, and when the locking portion 256 is in the locked state, the abutment surface 270f is preferably located outward from the engaging portion 270c.

[0124] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above (4-5), when the dust collection container 252 is inserted into the space 87 of the receiving portion 80, the unlocking portion 88 abuts against the abutting surface 270f, activating the locking portion 256, and the device can be smoothly unlocked.

[0125] (4-6) As described above, in the dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to any one of (4-1) to (4-5) above, the dust collection device 250 of the vacuum cleaner 200 preferably has the dust collection container 252, the lid 254, and the locking unit 256 that locks the lid 254 in a state where the disposal port 262 is closed, and is characterized in that the locking unit 256 can be released when the vacuum cleaner 200 is detached from the dust suction device 10.

[0126] By configuring the dust suction device 10 as described above (4-6), it is possible to unlock the locking portion 256 and perform maintenance on the dust collection container 252 even when the electric vacuum cleaner 200 is detached from the dust suction device 10.

[0127] (4-7) The vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention is characterized by including the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust suction device 10 according to any one of (4-1) to (4-6) above.

[0128] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S as described above in (4-7), the opening and closing of the lid 254 of the dust collection container 252 can be performed smoothly without being hindered.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and other embodiments may be possible within the scope of the claims, based on the teachings and spirit of the invention. The components of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiment may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention intends to obtain rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc.

[0130] The present invention can be suitably used in dust suction devices and vacuum cleaner systems in general.

[0131] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Dust suction device 30: Electric blower 40: Dust collection section 50: Base section 52: Switch section 60: Engagement structure section 70: Communication air passage 80: Receiving section 82: Opening 84: Upper wall section 84a: Engaged section 86: Inner wall section 87: Space 88: Unlocking section 88a: Rib 100: Airtight member 104: Engagement section 150: Placement section 160: Suction section 170: Cleaning member 170a: Triboelectric charging section 200: Electric vacuum cleaner 210: Cleaner body 250: Dust collection device 252: Dust collection container 252a: Tapered section 254: Lid 255: Peripheral wall 256: Locking section 262 : Disposal port 270c : Engaging portion 270e : Contact portion 270f : Contact surface 280 : Extension tube 290 : Suction tool 290a : Rotating brush 290b : Brush member 292 : Suction tool body 292a : Suction port 294 : Joint portion 300 : Dust collector 302 : Cleaning portion 304 : Handle portion S : Electric vacuum cleaner system

Claims

1. A dust suction device for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container of an electric vacuum cleaner, comprising: an electric blower that generates suction force; a dust collection unit that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container by the electric blower; a receiving unit that receives the dust collection container; and an airtight member that airtightly seals the space between the receiving unit and the dust collection container, wherein the dust collection container has a lid that can open and close a disposal opening on the bottom side, and when the lid is in an open state and the dust collection container is in communication with the dust collection unit via the receiving unit, the suction force of the electric blower acts on the dust collection container, causing the dust sucked out of the dust collection container to be collected in the dust collection unit, and when the airtight member is disposed between the receiving unit and the dust collection container, the receiving unit receives the bottom side of the dust collection container.

2. A dust suction device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the airtight member is arranged between the receiving part and the dust collection container by engagement between an engaging portion on one side of the airtight member and the receiving part and an engaged portion on the other side.

3. A dust suction device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving portion has an opening and an inner wall portion that forms a space into which the bottom side of the dust collection container received through the opening fits, and the airtight member extends toward the inside of the opening.

4. A dust suction device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving portion has an upper wall portion that forms an opening and an inner wall portion that forms a space into which the bottom side of the dust collection container received through the opening fits, the airtight member and the upper wall portion have an engaging portion on one side that engages with an engaged portion on the other side, and the airtight member extends from the upper wall portion toward the inside of the opening.

5. A dust suction device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the peripheral wall of the dust collection container has a tapered portion whose outer shape becomes smaller in the direction from the top end to the bottom end, and when the receiving part receives the dust collection container, the airtight member abuts against the tapered portion.

6. A dust suction device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving part has an inner wall part that forms a space into which the bottom side of the dust collection container fits, and the dust collection container has a locking part that locks the lid body when the lid body is in a state where the disposal opening is closed, and when the receiving part receives the dust collection container, the locking part is surrounded by the inner wall part and exists below the airtight member.

7. A vacuum cleaner system comprising: the vacuum cleaner; and the dust suction device according to claim 1 or 2.

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