Dust suction device and electric vacuum cleaner system

Abstract

Provided is a dust suction device (10) which is for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container (252) of an electric vacuum cleaner (200) and which comprises a device body (20) that has an electric blower (26), and a dust collection part (50) that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container (252), wherein the dust collection container (252) comprises a cover body (254) capable of opening and closing a disposal opening (262), and in a state in which the dust collection container (252) with the cover body (254) open communicates with the dust collection part (50), dust that has been sucked out of the dust collection container (252) is collected by the dust collection part (50). In the dust collection part (50), a dust collection box (52) having an inflow section (60) and an outflow section (64) is detachable from the device body (20). Air flows into the dust collection box (52) from the inflow section (60) and air inside the dust collection box (52) flows out from the outflow section (64) by means of suction from the electric blower (26).

Description

Dust suction device and 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 Patent Document 1 below. In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electric vacuum cleaner includes a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force, and a first dust collection unit that collects dust. The dust collection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 also includes a second dust collection unit that communicates with the first dust collection unit provided in the electric vacuum cleaner to collect dust collected from the electric vacuum cleaner. The dust collection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a so-called paper bag type second dust collection unit in which dust can be collected inside a paper bag by attaching a paper bag.

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

[0004] However, if the dust collection device is configured as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in that the user is forced to replace the paper pack, which is a consumable item.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device that can be used without using a paper bag, and a vacuum cleaner system that includes the same.

[0006] The dust suction device of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, is for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container of an electric vacuum cleaner, and comprises an apparatus main body having an electric blower that generates suction force, and a dust collection unit that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container by the electric blower into the dust collection box, the dust collection container has a lid body that can open and close a disposal opening on the bottom side, and when the dust collection container and the dust collection unit are in a state where the lid body is open and the dust collection container is in a state where they are connected, the suction force of the electric blower acts on the dust collection container, so that the dust sucked out of the dust collection container is collected in the dust collection unit, the dust collection unit has the dust collection box having an inlet portion and an outlet portion that is detachable from the apparatus main body, and the suction of the electric blower causes air to flow into the dust collection box from the inlet portion, and the air in the dust collection box flows out from the outlet portion.

[0007] The dust suction device of the present invention can collect dust sucked from the dust container of an electric vacuum cleaner by an electric blower in a dust box that forms the dust collection section. Furthermore, when the dust container with its lid open is in communication with the dust collection section, the dust suction device of the present invention can apply the suction force of the electric blower to the dust container, causing air to flow into the dust box through the inlet and air inside the dust box to flow out through the outlet. This allows the dust suction device of the present invention to collect dust sucked from the dust container in the dust collection section. Furthermore, the dust suction device of the present invention has a dust box that is detachable from the device body. Therefore, the dust suction device of the present invention can be used without using a paper bag.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a dust suction device that can be used without using a paper bag, and a vacuum cleaner system that includes the same.

[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. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the vacuum cleaner provided in the vacuum cleaner system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dust suction device provided in the vacuum cleaner system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the dust suction device of FIG. 5 with the dust collection unit removed, viewed from the rear side. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the dust suction device in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the dust suction device shown in FIG. 1 with the dust collection unit and a rear panel of the first main body component removed. FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the dust suction device shown in FIG. 1 with the dust collection unit and a rear panel of the second main body component removed. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the dust suction device shown in FIG. 1, viewed in cross section along a plane substantially parallel to the rear surface. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a support frame arranged inside the device main body, a support unit assembled thereto, an electric blower, and an exhaust flow path in the dust suction device shown in FIG. 1. 11(a) is a rear view showing the support portion, the electric blower, and the exhaust flow path shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 11(a). It is a perspective view showing the dust collecting portion included in the dust suction device shown in FIG. 1. It is a cross-sectional view showing the dust collecting portion shown in FIG. 13, taken along a line passing through the inlet portion and generally parallel to the third side wall. It is a perspective view showing the state before the connecting pipe is connected to the receiving portion connecting portion, it is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the engaging structure shown in FIG. 5, etc., and it is a perspective view showing an engaging portion provided on the extension pipe for engaging with the engaging structure. It is a perspective view showing the state in which the filter support member is connected to the electric blower, and it is a plan view showing the filter support member as viewed from the filter fitting portion side. It is a rear view showing the dust collecting portion and the panel on the rear side of the first main body component in a dust suction device according to a modified example, with the dust collecting portion and the panel on the rear side of the first main body component removed. It is a rear view showing the dust suction device according to a modified example, with the dust collecting portion and the panel on the rear side of the first main body component removed.

[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 vacuum cleaner 200 to grip vacuum cleaner body 210. Handle portion 220 is provided on the upper end side of vacuum cleaner body 210 (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of vacuum cleaner body 210). Handle portion 220 forms an opening 222 between itself and vacuum cleaner body 210, through which a hand can be inserted. Handle portion 220 includes a first portion extending in the up-down direction and a second portion extending in the front-rear direction, and the first portion and second portion having the operation switch have the same dimensional size in the thickness direction.

[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 when the vacuum cleaner body 210 is viewed from the side). The dust collecting device 250 is provided so as to be continuous with the vacuum cleaner body 210. The dust collecting device 250 is of 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. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the dust collecting device 250 includes a dust collecting container 252, a lid 254, a locking portion 256, and a structure 258. In the dust collection device 250 , when the structure 258 is housed inside the dust collection container 252 , a dust collection space is formed between the dust collection 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 cylindrical shape (cylindrical in this embodiment). The dust collection container 252 can be a cylindrical container with a substantially constant outer diameter from the top to the bottom, but in this embodiment, the dust collection container 252 has a tapered portion 252a whose outer diameter decreases in a direction from the top to the bottom.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4 , the dust collection container 252 has a dust collection container 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 FIG. 3 and other figures, 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 and closing unit 264. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the opening and closing unit 264 includes the lid 254, a rotation 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 located on the bottom side of the dust container 252 and has a spindle 268a on one radial side of the dust container 252 (in this embodiment, a location 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 lid 254 in a direction that closes the disposal opening 262. The biasing member 268b applies a biasing force to the lid 254 that is sufficient to maintain the 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 lid 254 when the locking by the locking unit 256 is released, by the suction force of the electric blower 26 of 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.

[0028] <Dust suction device 10> As shown in Fig. 1, the dust suction device 10 is for recovering dust collected by the dust collecting device 250 in the electric vacuum cleaner 200. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the dust suction device 10 is configured to be able to support the electric vacuum cleaner 200.

[0029] The dust suction device 10 has a device main body 20, a dust collection unit 50, and a receiving unit 80. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dust suction device 10 is capable of collecting dust from the dust collection unit 250 of the vacuum cleaner 200 into the dust collection unit 50 while the receiving unit 80 receives the dust collection unit 250 and supports the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0030] 5 and 6, the device body 20 is configured as a hollow box-like body that is circumferentially surrounded by a peripheral portion 20e having a front portion 20a, a rear portion 20b, a right portion 20c, and a left portion 20d, and is closed at the top and bottom by a top portion 20f and a bottom portion 20g. The device body 20 also has a base portion 20h on the bottom portion 20g.

[0031] Although not an essential component, the device main body 20 has an engagement structure 20i in the front portion 20a that can engage with and support the vacuum cleaner 200 (extension tube 280) in an upright position. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front portion 20a is the portion that is located rearward of the vacuum cleaner 200 when it is supported in the front-to-rear direction. The rear portion 20b is the portion that is located rearward of the front portion 20a in the front-to-rear direction. The right side portion 20c and the left side portion 20d are side portions that face each other in the left-right direction that is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15( b), the engagement structure 20i has grooves 20m extending in the left-right direction on both the left and right sides of a recess that recesses rearward from the front portion 20a. Also, as shown in FIG. 15( c), the extension tube 280 has engagement portions 292b on its rear side that engage with the engagement structure 20i. The engagement portions 292b have protrusions 292c, 292c that can be inserted into the grooves 20m and protrude in the left-right direction. Furthermore, as the lower ends of the protrusions 292c, 292c of the engagement portions 292b slide along the inclined portions 20l on both the left and right sides that descend from the front to the rear, the protrusions 292c, 292c are guided toward the grooves 20m on the rear side of the inclined portions 20l and fit into the grooves 20m. The dust suction device 10 may also have a charging function, in which case a current-carrying part 20n having one or more (two in the illustrated example) terminals is provided in the recess of the engagement structure 20i. The engagement part 292b provided on the extension tube 280 has a through-hole 292d into which the terminal of the current-carrying part 20n is inserted, and a power-receiving part 292e electrically connected to the current-carrying part 20n inserted into the through-hole 292d.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base 20h is provided with a switch unit 20k for turning on the electric blower 26 (on operation), although this is not a required component. The switch unit 20k can be any suitable device capable of turning on the electric blower 26. In this embodiment, the switch unit 20k is a foot switch that can be operated by the user's foot. The switch unit 20k can be configured to only perform the on operation, or to perform the on operation and also the off operation (off operation) of the electric blower 26. The switch unit 20k can be configured with a single switch or with multiple switches depending on the type of operation. Furthermore, the switch unit 20k can be configured to automatically turn off the electric blower 26 after a predetermined time has elapsed when turned on. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 , the switch unit 20k is connected to the control unit (control board) 40 via lead wires (schematically shown by dashed lines in the figures), and the lead wires are arranged within the base 20h. The control unit 40 is disposed in front of the electric blower 26 and above the exhaust flow path 34 .

[0034] As shown in Figure 6 and other figures, the device body 20 has a shape in which the portion above the base portion 20h is bent in a generally "L" shape (an inverted "L" shape when viewed from the front) in a side view. As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, the device body 20 has a first body component 22 that extends in the up-down direction on the front portion 20a side, and a second body component 24 that extends in the front-rear direction on the bottom portion 20g side. In the device body 20, the first body component 22 and the second body component 24 are connected to each other.

[0035] The first main body component 22 is a portion that is connected to the receiving component 80, which will be described in detail later, and the dust collection component 50. As shown in Fig. 7 and other figures, the first main body component 22 has a receiving component connection portion 22a that is connected to the receiving component 80 via a connection pipe 83, a dust collection component connection portion 22b that is connected to the dust collection component 50 (dust collection box 52), which will be described in detail later, and a dust collection path component 22c that connects the receiving component connection portion 22a and the dust collection component connection portion 22b.

[0036] Here, the receiving part 80 is capable of fitting and connecting the dust collecting device 250 (dust collection container 252) of the above-described electric vacuum cleaner 200. The receiving part 80 is connected to the receiving part connector 22a of the first main body component 22 via a connecting pipe 83. Therefore, in the device main body 20, dust discharged from the dust collection container 252 at the receiving part 80 can reach the first main body component 22 via the connecting pipe 83. The receiving part 80 is provided to rise upward from the first main body component 22. Also, as shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the dust collection container 252 of the dust collecting device 250 has a lid 254 that can be opened when fitted into the receiving part 80. Therefore, by fitting the dust collection container 252 into the receiving part 80 and opening the lid 254, dust collected in the dust collection container 252 can be transferred to the first main body component 22 via the connecting pipe 83. The connecting pipe 83 also has a connecting portion 83a that is connected to the receiving connection portion 22a of the first main body component 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15( a), the receiving connection portion 22a is configured as a pipe that extends upward from the top portion 20f of the first main body component 22. The connecting portion 83a is connected to the pipe that constitutes the receiving connection portion 22a. The connecting portion 83a is also configured to be detachable from the receiving connection portion 22a. Specifically, the connecting portion 83a is provided with an attachment / detachment button 83b. The mechanism for attaching and detaching the connecting portion 83a to the receiving connection portion 22a using the attachment / detachment button 83b is the same as the mechanism for attaching and detaching the extension pipe 280 to the vacuum cleaner body 200, and conventionally known technology can be used.

[0037] 6, the first main body component 22 is configured so that the rear portion 20b side (back surface 22d) is closed except for the dust collection unit connection portion 22b. Therefore, the first main body component 22 is open toward the rear portion 20b at the dust collection unit connection portion 22b, but the other portions are substantially closed.

[0038] The dust collection unit connector 22b is for connecting the dust collection unit 50 (dust collection box 52). The dust collection unit connector 22b protrudes from the rear surface 22d toward the rear portion 20b. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the dust collection box 52, which will be described in detail later, has an opening (inlet 60a) that forms an inlet 60 through which dust and air enter. As shown in FIG. 7, the dust collection unit connector 22b is located at a position where the inlet 60 of the dust collection box 52 arrives when the dust collection box 52 is attached to the device main body 20. The dust collection unit connector 22b is connectable to the inlet 60. Therefore, when the dust collection box 52 is attached to the device main body 20, the device main body 20 and the dust collection box 52 can be communicated with each other via the dust collection unit connector 22b.

[0039] 7 and other figures, the dust collection path forming portion 22c is formed so as to extend downward from the receiving portion connecting portion 22a inside the receiving portion connecting portion 22a, and bend rearward at its lower end to reach the dust collection portion connecting portion 22b. By attaching the dust collection portion 50 to the rear portion 20b side of the first main body forming portion 22, a passage communicating with the dust collection portion 50 via the dust collection path forming portion 22c can be formed. Therefore, by attaching the dust collection portion 50 to the first main body forming portion 22, a series of ventilation paths can be formed that introduces dust-laden air supplied from the receiving portion 80 via the connecting pipe 83 into the dust collection portion 50.

[0040] 5 to 7, the second main body component 24 is a portion provided below the first main body component 22. The second main body component 24 is formed so as to smoothly connect to the first main body component 22 (so as to be substantially flush in the illustrated example) at the front part 20a (front face), right part 20c, and left part 20d of the device body 20. Meanwhile, the second main body component 24 has a mounting part 24a at the rear part 20b of the device body 20 that protrudes rearward beyond the back surface 22d of the first main body component 22.

[0041] The mounting portion 24a functions as a portion on which the dust collection box 52 is placed when the dust collection unit 50, which will be described in detail later, is attached to the device body 20. The mounting portion 24a has an opening 24f that opens upward. As shown in FIG. 13 and other figures, the bottom of the dust collection box 52, which will be described in detail later, is formed with an opening that serves as an outlet 64 for allowing air to flow out of the dust collection box 52. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and other figures, the opening 24f is located at a position that allows communication with the outlet 64 when the dust collection box 52 is placed on the mounting portion 24a. Furthermore, as described above, when the dust collection unit 50 is attached to the device body 20, a continuous exhaust path is formed from the upstream side of the dust collection unit 50 (the receiving portion 80 side) to the dust collection unit 50.

[0042] Specifically, when the dust collection unit 50 is attached to the device main body 20, communication is established between the receiving portion 80 and the dust collection unit 50 via the dust collection unit connecting portion 22b provided on the first main body constituent portion 22 and the inlet portion 60 provided on the dust collection box 52. Therefore, when the dust collection unit 50 is attached to the device main body 20, communication is established between the upstream portion (receiving portion 80 side) of the dust collection unit 50 and the downstream portion (electric blower 26 side) of the dust collection unit 50. Note that it is advisable to provide a seal or the like at the connecting portion between the dust collection unit connecting portion 22b and the inlet portion 60 and the connecting portion between the dust collection box 52 and the mounting portion 24a (opening 24f) to prevent leakage of air, dust, etc.

[0043] 7, the second main body component 24 is roughly divided into a first region 24b on the mounting portion 24a side and a second region 24c below the first main body component 22 in the front-rear direction of the device body 20. The first region 24b can be roughly divided into two regions: a filter arrangement portion 24d and a blower arrangement portion 24e.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7, 9, 10, etc., the filter arrangement section 24d is located higher (closer to the opening 24f) than the fan arrangement section 24e in the first region 24b. The filter arrangement section 24d is provided with a support section 28 and a filter member 30. The support section 28 is configured to support the filter member 30 in a predetermined position. In this embodiment, the support section 28 is configured to support the filter member 30 at a position facing the opening 24f in the mounting section 24a. Specifically, a support frame 25 as shown in Figure 11 is disposed inside the device main body 20, and the support section 28 is assembled to this support frame 25. This allows the support section 28 to support the filter member 30 over substantially the entire opening area of ​​the opening 24f. The support section 28 is located between the opening 24f and the electric blower 26 disposed in the fan arrangement section 24e. Furthermore, the support portion 28 is located between an outlet portion 64 provided in the dust collecting portion 50 as will be described in detail later and the electric blower 26 .

[0045] Furthermore, the support portion 28 can support the filter member 30 while ensuring breathability of the filter member 30. In this embodiment, the support portion 28 itself is breathable when supporting the filter member 30 and forms a gap on the downstream side of the filter member 30 in the air flow direction (the air outflow side). More specifically, the support portion 28 is made of a hollow member. When supporting the filter member 30, a hollow space is formed on the lower side. Therefore, the support portion 28 can support the filter member 30 while forming a gap on the lower side of the filter member 30 and allowing air to flow smoothly downward through the opening 24f through the filter member 30. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 , the support portion 28 has an outlet opening 28e on the bottom wall of the filter mounting portion 24d (support portion 28) to communicate between the filter mounting portion 24d and the electric blower 26.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the support portion 28 has a filter fitting portion 28a that fits and supports the filter member 30, a blower connection portion 28b that is connected to the electric blower 26, and an intermediate portion 28c between them. The support portion 28 is hollow from the filter fitting portion 28a through the intermediate portion 28c to the blower connection portion 28b. Therefore, when the filter member 30 is fitted into the filter fitting portion 28a, the portion that forms the intermediate portion 28c forms a gap below the filter member 30. Furthermore, by connecting the blower connection portion 28b to the electric blower 26, the support portion 28 can concentrate the suction force of the electric blower 26 on a path that passes through the filter member 30 and leads to the electric blower 26.

[0047] The filter member 30 is disposed in a state supported by the support portion 28 as described above. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 16, etc., the support portion 28 has support members 28d in the filter disposing portion 24d that protrude from the bottom wall toward the filter member 30. The support members 28d may be a plurality of plate-shaped members or a plurality of rod-shaped members. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 16, the support members 28d are provided as two plate-shaped members 28x, 28x aligned in the front-rear direction and one plate-shaped member 28y intersecting the two plate-shaped members 28x, 28x, which support the filter member 30. The upper ends of the three plate-shaped members 28x, 28x, 28y that abut against the filter member 30 are at the same height. 10 and other figures, the filter member 30 is provided between the electric blower 26 and an outlet 64, which serves as an air outlet in the dust collection box 52 (dust collection unit 50) placed on the mounting unit 24a. This allows the filter member 30 to filter air flowing from the outlet 64 toward the electric blower 26. Furthermore, the filter member 30 is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the outlet 64 when supported by the support unit 28. This prevents the air flowing out from the outlet 64 from passing through a specific portion of the filter member 30 (for example, a portion facing the outlet 64), allowing substantially the entire filter member 30 to be used for filtering the air.

[0048] The filter member 30 can be a single member or a combination of multiple members. The filter member 30 can be composed of, for example, a pleated filter, a sponge filter, a nonwoven fabric filter, or the like. Furthermore, by combining multiple members, the filter member 30 can more effectively prevent dust contained in the airflow from flowing into the electric blower 26 than if it were a single member. Furthermore, because an opening 24f is present above the filter member 30, the filter member 30 can be detached from the support portion 28. This allows for easy maintenance of the filter member 30.

[0049] The fan arrangement section 24e is a section provided below the filter arrangement section 24d in which the support section 28 and the filter member 30 are arranged. The fan arrangement section 24e is a space provided mainly for arranging the electric fan 26.

[0050] The electric blower 26 is arranged in the blower arrangement section 24e with its air intake facing the support section 28 and the filter member 30. In this embodiment, the electric blower 26 is arranged in the filter arrangement section 24d with the air intake connected to the blower connection section 28b of the support section 28, which is formed in a hollow space.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, an exhaust flow path constituent member 32 is connected to the exhaust port of the electric blower 26. The exhaust flow path constituent member 32 is a component constituting a part of the exhaust flow path 34 through which the exhaust air from the electric blower 26 flows. One end of the exhaust flow path 34 is connected to communicate with the exhaust port of the electric blower 26, while the other end is connected to communicate with the external exhaust port 20j. The exhaust flow path 34 extends from the exhaust port of the electric blower 26 to one side in the left-right direction (here, the left side) and then bends (curves), extends to one side in the front-rear direction (here, the front side), then bends (curves), and extends to the other side in the left-right direction (here, the right side). The exhaust flow path constituent member 32 is provided in the second main body constituent member 24, spanning the blower mounting portion 24e of the first region 24b where the electric blower 26 is disposed, and the second region 24c. As a result, the exhaust flow path constituent 32 can guide the flow of exhaust gas from the first region 24b side (in this embodiment, the rear part 20b side of the apparatus body 20) toward the second region 24c side (in this embodiment, the front part 20a side of the apparatus body 20). Moreover, the exhaust flow path constituent 32 is provided in a region of the apparatus body 20 opposite to the region where the external exhaust opening 20j is provided. In this embodiment, the external exhaust opening 20j is provided in the right side part 20c of the apparatus body 20, whereas the exhaust flow path constituent 32 is connected to a position on the left side part 20d side (in the illustrated example, a position adjacent to the inside of the apparatus body 20 with respect to the left side part 20d).

[0052] As described above, one end of the exhaust flow path constituent 32 is connected to communicate with the exhaust port of the electric blower 26, while the other end is connected to communicate with the duct portion 36 (first exhaust flow path member) provided on the second region 24c side. In the exhaust flow path 34, the exhaust flow path constituent 32 (second exhaust flow path member) constitutes a portion that extends so as to bend relative to the duct portion 36.

[0053] The duct portion 36 is provided inside the second region 24c of the device body 20, extending across from the right side 20c to the left side 20d. In the present embodiment, the duct portion 36 is formed by providing a flow path that extends across the support frame 25 provided inside the device body 20, from the right side 20c to the left side 20d. In this manner, the exhaust flow path 34 formed by the exhaust flow path constructor 32 and the duct portion 36 is ensured to have a sufficient length by utilizing the internal space of the second main body-forming portion 24 of the device body 20.

[0054] 7, 9, 10, etc., the second main body component 24 is provided with an electric blower 26. Therefore, by operating the electric blower 26 with the dust collecting unit 50 attached to the first main body component 22, the device main body 20 can generate an airflow that flows from the receiving portion 80 through the first main body component 22 and the dust collecting unit 50 to the second main body component 24.

[0055] Dust collection unit 50 is a part that collects dust contained in the airflow that flows from electric vacuum cleaner 200 toward dust suction device 10 by operating electric blower 26. Dust collection unit 50 has dust collection box 52 and fixed part 90 (see FIG. 13).

[0056] 4, the dust collection box 52 is a container that is detachable from the device main body 20. When the dust collection box 52 is attached to the device main body 20 (the outer surface of the device main body 20), the dust collection box 52 is exposed from the device main body 20. In this embodiment, the dust collection box 52 is attached by being joined to the rear portion 20b of the first main body constituent part 22 of the device main body 20 and being placed on and connected to the placing portion 24a of the second main body constituent part 24.

[0057] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the dust collection box 52 is a box-shaped container surrounded on all four sides by four wall surfaces (peripheral walls) consisting of a first side wall 52a to a fourth side wall 52d, and closed at the top and bottom by a top wall 52e and a bottom wall 52f. The first side wall 52a is a wall that forms the surface facing the device main body 20 (the front portion 20a side) when attached to the device main body 20. The second side wall 52b faces the first side wall 52a and forms the surface facing the rear portion 20b. The third side wall 52c is a wall that forms the surface facing the left side portion 20d, and the fourth side wall 52d faces the third side wall 52c and forms the surface facing the right side portion 20c. The top wall 52e is a wall that forms the surface facing the top portion 20f of the dust collection box 52. The bottom wall 52f faces the top wall 52e and forms the surface on the bottom 20g side. The interior space of the dust collection box 52 is divided by the partition 54 into two regions: a dust collection space 56 and a flow path 58. The dust collection box 52 also includes an inlet 60, a bottom lid 62, an outlet 64, and a window 66.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , the dust collection space 56 is a space provided inside the dust collection box 52 to collect dust. The dust collection space 56 is located approximately in the center of the opposing third side wall 52c and fourth side wall 52d. The flow path 58 is a space partitioned by the partition 54 at positions offset from the dust collection space 56 toward the third side wall 52c and the fourth side wall 52d. The flow path 58 is a space through which air discharged from the dust collection space 56 flows. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the flow path 58 may be a single flow path provided only on either the third side wall 52c or the fourth side wall 52d of the dust collection space 56. In particular, in FIG. 18 , the flow path 58 on the third side wall 52c side is eliminated, eliminating the first outlet portion 64a. The bottom cover 62 is rotatably supported by a pivot 62a at the lower end of the second partition wall 55b. 18 is not provided in the bottom lid 62, and the bottom lid 62 is provided to avoid the second outlet 64b. In this embodiment, the flow paths 58 include a first flow path 58a provided on the third side wall 52c side of the dust collection space 56, and a second flow path 58b provided on the fourth side wall 52d side of the dust collection space 56. The first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b are provided approximately symmetrically to each other across the dust collection space 56.

[0059] The partition 54 separates the dust collection space 56 formed inside the dust collection box 52 from the flow path 58. The partition 54 is formed by a partition wall 55 erected laterally relative to the dust collection space 56. In this embodiment, a first flow path 58a and a second flow path 58b are provided as the flow path 58. Therefore, the partition 54 includes, as the partition wall 55, a first partition wall 55a that separates the dust collection space 56 from the first flow path 58a and a second partition wall 55b that separates the dust collection space 56 from the second flow path 58b. The first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b are arranged to face each other across the dust collection space 56. The first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b are arranged approximately symmetrically. The first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b have at least a portion where the distance between them (the width in the opposing direction), i.e., the width of the dust collection space 56, is narrow.

[0060] In this embodiment, the partition wall 55 has a narrowing portion 56a below the center between the bottom wall 52f and the top wall 52e of the dust collection box 52. The narrowing portion 56a reduces the distance between the first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b (the width of the dust collection space 56). The first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b are generally parallel to each other in the portions closer to the top wall 52e than the narrowing portion 56a and the portions closer to the bottom wall 52f than the narrowing portion 56a. Therefore, the width of the dust collection space 56 is generally constant in the top-wall-side dust collection space 56b, which is closer to the top wall 52e than the narrowing portion 56a, and in the bottom-wall-side dust collection space 56c, which is closer to the gap narrowing portion 56a and the bottom wall 52f. The width of the bottom-wall-side dust collection space 56c is smaller than the width of the top-wall-side dust collection space 56b.

[0061] The dust collected in the dust collection space 56 can be disposed of through a disposal opening 68 provided in the bottom wall 52f. The disposal opening 68 can be opened and closed by a bottom cover 62, which will be described in detail later.

[0062] The partition wall 55 has a partition communication portion 55c that communicates the dust collection space 56 and the flow path 58. In this embodiment, the partition communication portions 55c, 55c (see FIG. 10 ) are provided in both the first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b that are provided as the partition wall 55. The partition communication portion 55c may be provided at any position on the partition wall 55. Furthermore, the partition communication portion 55c provided on the first partition wall 55a and the partition communication portion 55c provided on the second partition wall 55b may have different positions, shapes, opening areas, etc. In this embodiment, the partition communication portion 55c provided on the first partition wall 55a and the partition communication portion 55c provided on the second partition wall 55b are formed at approximately the same position in the up-down direction (the direction from the top wall 52e to the bottom wall 52f) and have approximately the same shape and opening area. Specifically, the partition communication portion 55c is located above the center position between the bottom wall 52f and the top wall 52e of the dust collection box 52 (the area on the top wall side dust collection space 56b side), and is arranged at approximately the same position in the vertical direction, has approximately the same rectangular shape, and has approximately the same opening area.

[0063] The partition communication portion 55c is provided with a filter 57. In the present embodiment, the partition communication portions 55c, 55c provided in the first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b are provided with substantially identical first and second filters 57a, 57b, respectively, as the filters 57. This allows the air flowing from the inlet portion 60 toward the outlet portion 64 to be filtered as it flows from the dust collection space 56 into the first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b.

[0064] The inlet 60 is a portion that serves as an inlet for dust and air into the dust collection box 52. The inlet 60 is located above the outlet 64 when the dust collection box 52 is attached. The inlet 60 may be located, for example, on any of the peripheral walls consisting of the first side wall 52a to the fourth side wall 52d of the dust collection box 52, or on the top wall 52e. In this embodiment, the inlet 60 is located on the first side wall 52a so as to open at a position corresponding to the dust collection unit connector 22b provided on the first main body component 22 of the device main body 20. Therefore, when the dust collection box 52 is attached to the device main body 20, the inlet 60 is in communication with the receiver connector 22a of the device main body 20.

[0065] The inlet portion 60 is provided at a position closer to the top wall 52e than to the bottom wall 52f of the dust collection box 52. Furthermore, the inlet portion 60 is provided at a position close to the center between the bottom wall 52f and the top wall 52e of the dust collection box 52 and in relation to the position of the top wall 52e.

[0066] The inlet section 60 has an inlet 60a and a guide wall 60b. The inlet 60a is an opening through which dust and air flow into the dust collection box 52. The inlet 60a is connectable by inserting the dust collection section connecting section 22b of the device main body 20 (first main body constituent section 22). The guide wall 60b is a peripheral wall provided around the inlet 60a. The guide wall 60b can guide the air that flows in from the inlet 60a toward the second side wall 52b.

[0067] The bottom cover 62 is a cover that can open and close a disposal opening 68 formed in the bottom wall 52f. The bottom cover 62 is rotatably supported on the bottom wall 52f by a rotation shaft 62a. The rotation shaft 62a is located outward from the disposal opening 68 and below the bottom wall 52f.

[0068] The outlet 64 is provided on the bottom cover 62. The outlet 64 allows air that has passed through the flow path 58 to flow out of the dust collection box 52. When the dust collection box 52 (dust collection unit 50) is attached to the device main body 20, the outlet 64 is located opposite the opening 24f and the filter member 30 provided in the second main body component 24 at a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, a first flow path 58a and a second flow path 58b are provided as the flow path 58. Therefore, the bottom cover 62 is provided with a first outlet 64a as the outlet 64 corresponding to the first flow path 58a, and a second outlet 64b as the outlet 64 corresponding to the second flow path 58b. The outlet 64 is aligned with the waste opening 68 in the left-right direction. The first outlet 64a and the second outlet 64b are located opposite the opening 24f and the filter member 30 at a predetermined distance. The bottom cover 62 also has a pressing member 64c that presses the filter member 30 downward to separate the filter member 30 from the bottom cover 62. The pressing member 64c may be a protruding member. The bottom cover 62 can also be considered a ceiling wall of the filter arrangement section 24d.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8 and other figures, the dust box 52 has a bottom cover locking portion 53 that locks the bottom cover 62 when the bottom cover 62 closes the disposal opening 68. The bottom cover locking portion 53 can have various configurations as long as it can secure the bottom cover 62. For example, the bottom cover locking portion 53 can have a bottom cover locking piece 53a provided on either the dust box 52 or the bottom cover 62, and a locking piece engaging portion 53b on the other side with which the bottom cover locking piece 53a engages. In the illustrated example, the dust box locking piece 53a is provided on the dust box 52 side, and the locking piece engaging portion 53b is provided on the bottom cover 62 side. The bottom cover locking portion 53 is normally biased so that the dust box locking piece 53a maintains an engaged state with the locking piece engaging portion 53b. However, by pressing the dust box locking piece 53a against this biasing force, the engagement between the dust box locking piece 53a and the locking piece engaging portion 53b can be released, allowing the bottom cover 62 to be opened.

[0070] The window 66 is intended to allow the dust collection space 56 to be viewed from outside the dust collection box 52. The window 66 is formed of a transparent material. The window 66 can be provided on the top wall 52e or a side wall (the second side wall 52b when provided in the configuration of this embodiment) of the dust collection box 52. In this embodiment, the window 66 is provided on the top wall 52e at a position corresponding to the dust collection space 56 (above the dust collection space 56). This allows the user to check the amount of dust collected in the dust collection space 56 through the window 66.

[0071] The fixing portion 90 is used to lock the dust collection box 52 to the device main body 20. The fixing portion 90 can have various configurations as long as it can lock the dust collection box 52. In this embodiment, however, the fixing portion 90 is provided on the first side wall 52a of the dust collection box 52 and is attracted to the magnet 20x provided on the rear portion 20b of the device main body 20. The fixing portion 90 is provided in a position facing the magnet 20x when the dust collection box 52 is placed on the mounting portion 24a of the device main body 20 and the first side wall 52a is in contact with the rear portion 20b of the device main body 20. This allows the dust collection box 52 to be fixed to the device main body 20 by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the fixing portion 90 and the magnet 20x. In addition, the bottom wall 52f of the dust collection box 52 has a recess 63 (see Figure 13) into which the guide protrusion 24g (see Figure 6) of the mounting portion 24a fits, making it possible to position the dust collection box 52 relative to the mounting portion 24a.

[0072] In the above-described vacuum cleaner system S, when the dust collection container 252 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is connected to the receiving portion 80 of the dust suction device 10 and the lid 254 is open, the dust collection unit 50 of the dust suction device 10 and the dust collection container 252 are in communication (a connected state). In this connected state, when the electric blower 26 provided in the dust suction device 10 is operated, the suction force generated thereby acts on the dust collection container 252. That is, when the electric blower 26 is operated in the connected state in which the dust collection unit 50 and the dust collection container 252 are in communication as described above, air flows into the dust collection box 52 from the inlet portion 60 connected to the receiving portion 80 in the device body 20, and an airflow is generated that flows out from the outlet portion 64 toward the electric blower 26. As a result, dust is sucked out of the dust collection container 252 and collected in the dust collection unit 50. The airflow flowing toward the electric blower 26 passes through the exhaust port of the electric blower 26, the exhaust flow path structure 32, and the duct portion 36, and is exhausted to the outside of the device body 20 through the external exhaust opening 20j.

[0073] Although the mounting portion 24a is open by having the opening 24f, a lid (top wall of the filter mounting portion 24d) that can open and close the opening 24f may be provided, and the lid may have one or more openings so that the filter mounting portion 24d and the dust collection portion 50 communicate with each other via the lid. The lid preferably has a pressing member that presses the upper side of the filter member 30 downward to space the filter member 30 away from the opening in the lid. This pressing member may be a protruding member, similar to the pressing member 64c described above.

[0074] <<Functions and Effects>> The following describes the effects and the like obtained by the configurations of the dust suction device 10 and the vacuum cleaner system S described above.

[0075] [Regarding the dust suction device 10 and vacuum cleaner system S according to the first aspect of the present invention] A dust collection device for collecting dust from a vacuum cleaner has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-3875. In the prior art disclosed in the above document, the vacuum cleaner includes a main body having a first electric blower that generates suction force, and a first dust collection section that collects dust. Furthermore, the dust collection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a second dust collection section that communicates with the first dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner to collect dust collected from the vacuum cleaner. The dust collection device disclosed in the above document has a so-called paper bag-type second dust collection section, in which dust can be collected inside a paper bag by attaching a paper bag.

[0076] However, if the dust collection device in the above document is configured in a similar manner, there is room for improvement in that the user is forced to replace the paper pack, which is a consumable item.

[0077] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device that can be used without using a paper bag, and a vacuum cleaner system that includes the same.

[0078] (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 a device body 20 having an electric blower 26 that generates suction force, and a dust collection unit 50 that collects dust sucked from the dust collection container 252 by the electric blower 26 in a dust collection box 52, the dust collection container 252 having a lid 254 that can open and close a disposal opening 262 on the bottom side, the dust collection container 252 in a state where the lid 254 is open, and When the electric blower 26 is connected to the dust collection unit 50, the suction force of the electric blower 26 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 50. The dust collection unit 50 has the dust collection box 52, which has an inlet section 60 and an outlet section 64, and is detachable from the device main body 20. The suction of the electric blower 26 causes air to flow into the dust collection box 52 from the inlet section 60, and the air in the dust collection box 52 flows out from the outlet section 64.

[0079] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention can collect dust sucked from the dust container 252 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200 by the electric blower 26 in the dust collection box 52 constituting the dust collection unit 50. Furthermore, when the dust container 252 and the dust collection unit 50 are in communication with each other with the lid 254 open, the suction force of the electric blower 26 acts on the dust container 252, causing air to flow into the dust collection box 52 through the inlet 60 and for air inside the dust collection box 52 to flow out through the outlet 64. This allows the dust suction device 10 of the present invention to collect dust sucked from the dust container 252 in the dust collection unit 50. Furthermore, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention has a dust collection box 52 that is detachable from the device body 20. Therefore, the dust suction device 10 of the present invention can be used without using a paper bag.

[0080] (1-2) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-1) above, the dust collection device 250 of the electric vacuum cleaner 200 has the dust collection container 252, the lid body 254, and a locking unit 256 that locks the disposal port 262 in a closed state using the lid body 254, and it is preferable that the locking unit 256 can be released when the electric vacuum cleaner 200 is detached from the dust suction device 10.

[0081] As described above in (1-2), the dust suction device 10 of the present invention can dispose of the dust in the dust collection container 252 by unlocking the locking portion 256 while the device is detached from the dust suction device 10.

[0082] (1-3) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-1) or (1-2) described above, the inlet portion 60 is preferably arranged at a position closer to the top wall 52e of the dust collection box 52 than to the bottom wall 52f.

[0083] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above (1-3), it is possible to prevent the inlet section 60 from being blocked by dust or from adhering to the inlet section 60, while being able to collect a large amount of dust in the dust collection box 52.

[0084] (1-4) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (1-1) to (1-3), the inlet section 60 is preferably arranged at a position close to the central position between the bottom wall 52f and the top wall 52e of the dust collection box 52, and in relation to the position of the top wall 52e.

[0085] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above in (1-4), it is possible to prevent the inlet section 60 from being blocked by dust and the dust from adhering to the inlet section 60, and to make it possible to collect a large amount of dust in the dust collection box 52 while preventing dust from adhering to the ceiling wall 52e.

[0086] (1-5) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (1-1) to (1-4) described above, the inflow section 60 has an inlet 60a through which dust flows in and a guide wall 60b arranged around the inlet 60a, the dust collection box 52 has a first side wall 52a having the inlet 60a and a second side wall 52b opposite the first side wall 52a, and the air flowing in from the inlet 60a is guided by the guide wall 60b toward the second side wall 52b.

[0087] As described above in (1-5), the dust suction device 10 of the present invention is expected to have the effect of separating dust from the air by guiding the air that flows in through the inlet 60a provided in the first side wall 52a toward the second side wall 52b using the guide wall 60b and causing the air to collide with the second side wall 52b. Therefore, by being configured as described above in (1-5), the dust suction device 10 of the present invention can improve the dust collection efficiency in the dust collection box 52.

[0088] (1-6) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (1-1) to (1-5), the dust collection box 52 preferably has a filter 57 that filters the air flowing from the inlet 60 toward the outlet 64.

[0089] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above (1-6), the dust contained in the air introduced into the dust collection box 52 from the inlet 60 can be captured by the filter 57, and the dust can be prevented from leaking from the outlet 64.

[0090] (1-7) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-6) above, the dust collection box 52 preferably has a flow path 58 extending from the filter 57 to the outlet 64, a dust collection space 56 in which dust accumulates, and a partition wall 55 that partitions the flow path 58.

[0091] As described above (1-7), the dust suction device 10 of the present invention is configured to separate the dust collection space 56 where dust accumulates from the flow path 58 through which air from which dust has been removed by passing through the filter 57, thereby preventing dust from getting mixed in with the air that has been purified by passing through the filter 57 and being discharged.

[0092] (1-8) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-6) above, the filter 57 may have a first filter 57a and a second filter 57b, and the dust collection box 52 may have a first flow path 58a extending from the first filter 57a to the outlet 64, a second flow path 58b extending from the second filter 57b to the outlet 64, a first partition wall 55a separating the dust collection space 56 in which dust accumulates from the first flow path 58a, and a second partition wall 55b separating the dust collection space 56 from the second flow path 58b.

[0093] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention is configured to separate the first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b from the dust collection space 56 by the first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b as described above (1-8), thereby preventing dust from being mixed in with the air flowing through the first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b and being discharged after passing through the first filter 57a and the second filter 57b and being cleaned.

[0094] (1-9) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-8) above, the dust collection box 52 preferably has the first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b facing each other as part of the side wall that constitutes the dust collection space 56, and the width of the first partition wall 55a and the second partition wall 55b in the opposing direction decreases toward the bottom wall 52f of the dust collection box 52.

[0095] By being configured as described above in (1-9), the dust suction device 10 of the present invention can prevent dust collected inside the dust collection box 52 from flying up from the bottom wall 52f side. This makes it possible for the dust suction device 10 of the present invention to prevent dust collected in the dust collection box 52 from leaking to the outside together with air.

[0096] (1-10) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (1-8) or (1-9) above, the first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the inlet portion 60.

[0097] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above in (1-10), the air that enters the dust collection box 52 from the inlet 60 can flow approximately evenly toward the first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b. This allows the dust suction device 10 of the present invention to utilize the first filter 57a and the second filter 57b approximately evenly to capture dust.

[0098] (1-11) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any one of (1-8) to (1-10) described above, the first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b may have the same maximum cross-sectional area.

[0099] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above in (1-11), the air that has entered the dust collection box 52 can flow approximately evenly toward the first flow path 58a and the second flow path 58b. This allows the dust suction device 10 of the present invention to utilize the first filter 57a and the second filter 57b approximately evenly to capture dust.

[0100] (1-12) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (1-1) to (1-11), the dust collection box 52 preferably has a bottom cover 62 that can open and close a disposal opening 68 formed in the bottom wall 52f, and the outflow portion 64 is preferably formed in the bottom cover 62.

[0101] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above in (1-12), the bottom cover 62 for opening and closing the disposal opening of the dust collection box 52 can be utilized to provide the outflow section 64 .

[0102] (1-13) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (1-1) to (1-12) described above, the dust collection box 52 has a bottom cover 62 that can open and close a disposal opening 68 formed in the bottom wall 52f, the bottom cover 62 is rotatably supported on the bottom wall 52f by a pivot shaft 62a, and the pivot shaft 62a is located outward from the disposal opening 68 and below the bottom wall 52f.

[0103] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above (1-13), dust discharged from the disposal opening 68 is less likely to adhere to the pivot shaft 62a that rotatably supports the bottom cover 62 relative to the bottom wall 52f of the dust collection box 52.

[0104] (1-14) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (1-1) to (1-13) may have a filter member 30 disposed between the outlet portion 64 and the electric blower 26 to filter the air flowing from the outlet portion 64 toward the electric blower 26, and the filter member 30 may be spaced apart from the outlet portion 64.

[0105] In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention, when the filter member 30 for filtering air flowing from the outlet 64 toward the electric blower 26 is configured to contact the outlet 64 provided in the dust collection box 52, the portion of the filter member 30 that contacts the outlet 64 is used primarily for filtering the air. Therefore, when the filter member 30 is configured to contact the outlet 64, the portion of the filter member 30 that is not in contact with the outlet 64 is less likely to be effectively used for filtering the air. Based on this finding, it is preferable that the dust suction device 10 of the present invention has the filter member 30 spaced apart from the outlet 64, as described above in (1-14). This allows the dust suction device 10 of the present invention to effectively utilize most of the filter member 30 for filtering the air.

[0106] (1-15) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of the above-mentioned (1-1) to (1-14) may preferably be provided with a filter member 30 between the outlet portion 64 and the electric blower 26, the filter member 30 filtering the air flowing from the outlet portion 64 toward the electric blower 26, and a support portion 28 supporting the filter member 30 so that a gap is formed downstream of the filter member 30 in the air flow direction.

[0107] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above (1-15), the air resistance of the filter member 30 is minimized while the dust contained in the air flowing out from the outlet portion 64 can be captured by the filter member 30.

[0108] (1-16) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to any one of (1-1) to (1-15) described above, the dust collection box 52 preferably has a transparent window portion 66 in the top wall 52e or the side wall.

[0109] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above in (1-16), the amount of dust collected in the dust collection box 52 can be confirmed through the window 66.

[0110] (1-17) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to any of (1-1) to (1-16) described above, the device main body 20 preferably has an external exhaust opening 20j that exhausts the exhaust air of the electric blower 26 to the outside, the exhaust air passes through an exhaust flow path member and is discharged from the external exhaust opening 20j, and the exhaust flow path member preferably has a duct portion 36 (first exhaust flow path member) and an exhaust flow path constituent 32 (second exhaust flow path member) that extends so as to bend relative to the duct portion 36 (first exhaust flow path member).

[0111] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above in (1-17), it is possible to ensure a sufficient discharge path for the exhaust air from the electric blower 26, thereby improving quietness.

[0112] (1-18) A vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention includes the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust suction device 10 according to any one of (1-1) to (1-17) above.

[0113] By configuring the vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention as described above (1-18), it is possible to collect dust from the dust collection container 252 of the vacuum cleaner 200 to the dust suction device 10 without using a paper bag.

[0114] [Regarding the Dust Suction Device 10 and Vacuum Cleaner System S According to a Second Aspect of the Present Invention] A dust collection device for collecting dust from a vacuum cleaner has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-3875. This publication describes a vacuum cleaner system including a main body 10 having a first electric blower 14 that generates suction force and a first dust collection unit 50 that collects dust, and a dust collection device 100 that communicates with the first dust collection unit 50 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 1 and includes a second dust collection unit 110 that collects dust and a second electric blower 120 that generates suction force.

[0115] However, in the conventional technology described above, if dust is contained in the air drawn into the second electric blower 120, a malfunction occurs, and there is room for improvement.

[0116] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dust suction device and an electric vacuum cleaner system that can reduce malfunctions of the electric blower.

[0117] (2-1) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention is a dust suction device for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container 252 of an electric vacuum cleaner 200, and is equipped with an electric blower 26 that generates suction force, and a dust collection unit 50 that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 by the electric blower 26, and is characterized in that when the dust collection container 252 is in communication with the dust collection unit 50, the electric blower 26 operates, causing the dust sucked out of the dust collection container 252 to be collected in the dust collection unit 50 and air to flow from the outlet of the dust collection unit 50 into an inlet opening (opening 24f), and a filter member 30 is disposed between the inlet opening and the electric blower 26 to filter the air flowing from the inlet opening toward the electric blower 26.

[0118] By configuring the dust suction device 10 of the present invention as described above in (2-1), dust that could not be captured by the dust collection section 50 can be filtered by the filter member 30, thereby reducing malfunctions of the electric blower.

[0119] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention also includes a case where the dust collection unit 50 is a paper bag type. In the case of a paper bag type, the dust collection unit 50 may be fixed to the device body 20 instead of being detachable.

[0120] (2-2) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to (2-1) above, the filter member 30 is spaced apart from the outlet portion.

[0121] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention, configured as described above in (2-2), can filter air by using a wide area of ​​the filter member 30.

[0122] (2-3) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to (2-1) or (2-2) described above, the filter member 30 is supported between the inlet opening and the electric blower 26.

[0123] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention can stably support the filter member 30 by being configured as described above in (2-3).

[0124] (2-4) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to (2-1) or (2-2) above is characterized by having a support portion 28 for supporting the filter member 30.

[0125] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention can stably support the filter member 30 by being configured as described above in (2-4).

[0126] (2-5) The dust suction device 10 of the present invention according to (2-1) or (2-2) described above is characterized in that it has a filter accommodating section (filter placement section 24d) having the inlet opening through which air flows in from the dust collection section 50 and the outlet opening 28e through which air that has entered from the inlet opening is discharged, and has a support member 28d extending from the bottom wall of the filter accommodating section in a direction toward the filter member 30.

[0127] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention can suppress pressure loss in the flow path by being configured as described above in (2-5).

[0128] (2-6) In the dust suction device 10 of the present invention relating to (2-1) or (2-2) described above, the filter accommodating section (filter placement section 24d) has the inlet opening through which air flows in from the dust collection section 50 and the outlet opening through which air that has entered from the inlet opening is discharged, and has a pressing member extending in a direction from the upstream side of the filter member 30 toward the filter member 30.

[0129] The dust suction device 10 of the present invention, configured as described above in (2-6), can filter air by using a wide area of ​​the filter member 30.

[0130] (2-7) A vacuum cleaner system S of the present invention includes the vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust suction device 10 according to any one of (2-1) to (2-6) above.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The present invention can be suitably used in dust suction devices and vacuum cleaner systems in general.

[0133] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Dust suction device 20 Device body 20j External exhaust opening 26 Electric blower 28 Support portion 30 Filter member 32 Exhaust flow path structure 36 Duct portion 50 Dust collection portion 52 Dust collection box 52a First side wall 52b Second side wall 52e Top wall 52f Bottom wall 55 Partition wall 55a First partition wall 55b Second partition wall 56 Dust collection space 57 Filter 57a First filter 57b Second filter 58 Flow path 58a First flow path 58b Second flow path 60 Inlet portion 60a Inlet port 60b Guide wall 62 Bottom cover 62a Rotating shaft 64 Outlet portion 66 Window portion 68 Disposal opening 200 Electric vacuum cleaner 250 Dust collection device 252 Dust collection container 254 Lid 256 Locking portion 262 Disposal port S Vacuum cleaner system

Claims

1. A dust suction device for recovering dust collected in a dust collection container of an electric vacuum cleaner, comprising: a device main body having an electric blower that generates suction force; and a dust collection unit that collects dust sucked out of the dust collection container by the electric blower into the dust collection box, 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 open and the dust collection container and the dust collection unit are in communication, 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 the dust collection unit has the dust collection box, which has an inlet and an outlet, and is detachable from the device main body, and when suctioned by the electric blower, air flows into the dust collection box from the inlet, and the air in the dust collection box flows out from the outlet.

2. The dust suction device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet is disposed closer to the top wall of the dust collection box than to the bottom wall.

3. The dust suction device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet is disposed at a position close to the center between the bottom wall and the top wall of the dust collection box, and in relation to the position of the top wall.

4. The dust suction device of claim 1, wherein the inlet section has an inlet through which dust flows in and a guide wall arranged around the inlet, the dust collection box has a first side wall having the inlet and a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and the air flowing in from the inlet is guided by the guide wall toward the second side wall.

5. The dust suction device according to claim 1, wherein the dust collection box has a filter for filtering air flowing from the inlet to the outlet.

6. A dust suction device as described in claim 5, characterized in that the dust collection box has a flow path extending from the filter to the outlet, a dust collection space in which dust accumulates, and a partition wall that partitions the flow path.

7. A dust suction device as described in claim 5, characterized in that the filter has a first filter and a second filter, and the dust collection box has: a first flow path extending from the first filter to the outlet portion; a second flow path extending from the second filter to the outlet portion; a first partition wall that partitions the first flow path and a dust collection space in which dust accumulates; and a second partition wall that partitions the dust collection space and the second flow path.

8. A dust suction device as described in claim 7, characterized in that the dust collection box has the first partition wall and the second partition wall facing each other as part of the side wall that forms the dust collection space, and the width of the first partition wall and the second partition wall in the opposing direction becomes smaller as the distance approaches the bottom wall of the dust collection box.

9. The dust suction device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are arranged symmetrically with respect to the inlet portion.

10. A dust suction device as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path have the same maximum cross-sectional area.

11. The dust suction device according to claim 1, wherein the dust collection box has a bottom cover that can open and close a disposal opening formed in the bottom wall, and the outlet is formed in the bottom cover.

12. The dust suction device of claim 1, wherein the dust collection box has a bottom lid that can open and close a disposal opening formed in the bottom wall, the bottom lid is rotatably supported on the bottom wall by a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is located outward from the disposal opening and below the bottom wall.

13. A dust suction device as described in claim 1, characterized in that a filter member is arranged between the outlet portion and the electric blower to filter the air flowing from the outlet portion toward the electric blower, and the filter member is spaced apart from the outlet portion.

14. A dust suction device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided, between the outlet section and the electric blower, with a filter member that filters the air flowing from the outlet section toward the electric blower, and a support section that supports the filter member so that a gap is formed downstream of the filter member in the air flow direction.

15. The dust suction device according to claim 1, wherein the dust collection box has a transparent window on the top wall or side wall.

16. A dust suction device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the device body has an external exhaust port that exhausts the exhaust air from the electric blower to the outside, the exhaust air passes through an exhaust flow path member and is discharged from the external exhaust opening, and the exhaust flow path member has: a first exhaust flow path member; and a second exhaust flow path member that extends so as to bend relative to the first exhaust flow path member.

17. The dust suction device of claim 1, wherein the dust collection device of the vacuum cleaner comprises the dust collection container, the lid, and a locking section that locks the lid in a state where the disposal port is closed, and the locking section can be unlocked when the vacuum cleaner is detached from the dust suction device.

18. A vacuum cleaner system comprising the vacuum cleaner and the dust suction device according to claim 1.

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