Dust recovery device

Abstract

 The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dust recovery device having improved dust discharge performance and maintainability. The present invention is provided with a dust collection device (20) on which a vacuum cleaner (10) can be placed. The dust recovery device (20) comprises a dust recovery blower (24) that generates suction force, and a dust recovery part (220) that recovers dust collected in a dust collection part (112) of the vacuum cleaner (10) via the suction force generated by the dust recovery blower (24). The dust collection part (220) is provided with a movable filter (226) that can protrude from the inflow opening (221a) of the dust collection part (220).

Description

Dust collecting device

[0001] The present invention relates to a dust collecting device.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner sucks in dust together with air by using the suction force generated by an electric blower, and collects the sucked dust in a dust collecting portion. In the dust collecting portion, dust is captured by a filter, and the filtered air is discharged out of the cleaner. In order to maintain the suction force, the dust captured in the dust collecting portion needs to be discarded, and this dust discarding operation has been troublesome for users.

[0003] As a technique for reducing the work of discarding dust, there is, for example, the technique described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that includes a power supply device which collects dust from the dust collecting portion (dust collecting cup) of a vacuum cleaner and supplies power to a battery unit of the vacuum cleaner while connected to the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] The power supply device (dust collecting device) includes a second electric blower and a second dust container. When the second electric blower of the power supply device operates, air is sucked from the inside of the second dust container, and by virtue of the suction force, dust in the dust collecting cup moves through an air path into the second dust container. In this way, the dust collected in the dust collecting cup of the vacuum cleaner is collected, reducing the need for a user to manually discard dust from the vacuum cleaner.

[0005] For the dust stored in the second dust container, a user removes the second dust container from the power supply device and discards the dust into a trash bin or the like. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider maintainability such as the discharge performance of dust from the second dust container and the removal of residual dust in the second dust container.

[0006] For vacuum cleaners, there is, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 2 as a technology for improving dust discharge performance and maintainability. Patent Document 2 discloses a vacuum cleaner that includes a dust collecting case detachable from a cleaner body, and the dust collecting case is provided with a dust accommodating portion that can move in and out of the dust collecting case.

[0007] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-40692, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-320

[0008] However, the technology described in Patent Document 2 is a specialized configuration for vacuum cleaners, and did not take into consideration improvements in dust discharge efficiency and maintainability in a dust collection device that transfers dust from a vacuum cleaner.

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a dust collection device that improves dust discharge and maintainability.

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a dust collection device on which a vacuum cleaner can be placed, wherein the dust collection device comprises a dust collection blower that generates suction force, and a dust collection unit that collects dust collected in the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner by the suction force generated by the dust collection blower, and the dust collection unit is provided with a movable filter that can protrude from the inlet opening of the dust collection unit.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dust collection device that improves dust discharge and maintainability.

[0012] This is an external perspective view of the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of a switch button on the operation switch unit 115. This is a diagram showing another example of a switch button on the operation switch unit 115. This is a control block diagram of the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view from the left showing the usage configuration of the vacuum cleaner 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a schematic configuration diagram from the left showing the operation of transferring dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection device 20 in the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a schematic configuration diagram from the left showing the operation of suppressing clogging of the first filter 211 of the dust collection device 20 in the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a schematic configuration diagram from the left showing the operation of transferring dust from the first filter 211 to the dust collection box of the dust collection device 20 when the vacuum cleaner 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is removed from the dust collection device 20. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the dust removal unit 214 of the first filter 211 in a cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, viewed from the left. This is a schematic diagram of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with the dust removal unit 214 positioned upwards, viewed from the left. This is a schematic diagram of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with the dust removal unit 214 positioned downwards, viewed from the left. This is a schematic perspective view of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with the dust removal unit 214 positioned upwards, viewed from the front right. This is a schematic perspective view of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with the dust removal unit 214 positioned downwards, viewed from the front right. This is a schematic diagram of the operation of transferring dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection device 20, viewed from the left, in a cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is an external perspective view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 closed, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is an external perspective view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 open, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a top view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 closed, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a top view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 open, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX in Figure 17. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX in Figure 18. This is an enlarged side view of the rotating shaft 222a and hinge portion 222b of the dust collection unit 220 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, viewed from the left side.

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In principle, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in all the drawings. Furthermore, descriptions of parts having the same function will be omitted. It should be noted that the configurations described below are merely embodiments, and it is not intended that the embodiments of the present invention are limited to the following specific embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2A is a diagram showing an example of a switch button on the operation switch unit 115. Figure 2B is a diagram showing another example of a switch button on the operation switch unit 115. In Embodiment 1, the front / back, left / right, and up / down directions are defined from the viewpoint of the user performing the cleaning.

[0015] In Figure 1, the cleaning system 1 includes a vacuum cleaner 10 and a dust collection device 20 on which the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed and which collects dust collected in the dust collection section 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10. The dust collection device 20 also serves as a charging stand for the vacuum cleaner 10. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is not in use, it is placed on the dust collection device 20 for charging.

[0016] The electric vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 11, an extension tube 12 with one end connected to the vacuum cleaner body 11, and a suction nozzle 13 connected to the other end of the extension tube. The vacuum cleaner body 11 comprises a motor case 111 housing an electric blower 110 that generates suction force, a dust collection unit 112 that collects dust sucked in by the suction force of the electric blower 110, a handle unit 113 for the user to grip, and a storage battery 114 for supplying power to the electric blower 110. The handle unit 113 is equipped with an operation switch unit 115.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2A, the operation switch unit 115 is equipped with an operation control button 1151a for selecting the operation of the electric blower 110, an automatic cleaning control button 1151b (manual start button) for performing automatic cleaning of the dust collection unit 112, an off button 1152 for stopping the operation of the electric blower 110, and a display unit 1153a that displays the remaining charge of the storage battery 114, the filter maintenance status, and the automatic cleaning status of the dust collection unit 112. In Embodiment 1, the operation control button 1151a has two modes: "Strong" and "Standard". The operation control button 1151a also serves as the automatic cleaning control button 1151b (manual start button), and by pressing and holding the "Standard" button for 3 seconds, automatic cleaning using the dust collection device 20 described later is performed. Alternatively, the automatic cleaning control button 1151b may be omitted, and the dust in the dust collection unit may be collected simultaneously when the vacuum cleaner is placed in the dust collection device 20.

[0018] In Figure 2A, the operation control button 1151a and the automatic cleaning control button 1151b are configured to function together. However, as shown in Figure 2B, for example, the operation control button 1151a and the automatic cleaning control button 1151b may be configured separately. In Figure 2B, the automatic cleaning control button 1151b is configured independently of the operation control button 1151a. Furthermore, in Figure 2B, a display unit 1153b is provided around the automatic cleaning control button 1151b.

[0019] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of a cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The dust collection device 20 is connected to an AC power supply. The dust collection device 20 also includes a dust collection blower 24 that generates suction force to collect dust collected by the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 into a dust collection space 204; an input unit 26 consisting of an operation switch 261 for turning the dust collection blower 24 on and off and an operation mode switching switch 262 for changing the operation mode of the dust collection blower 24; a temperature sensor 29 for measuring the temperature of the air flowing into the dust collection blower 24; an notification unit 31 for notifying the operating status of the dust collection blower 24; a female connector 23 connected to the male connector 116 of the vacuum cleaner 10 and supplying power to the storage battery 114 of the vacuum cleaner 10; and a dust collection control unit 27 that controls the dust collection blower 24, the input unit 26, the temperature sensor 29, and the notification unit 31. The dust collection control unit 27 also controls the power supplied to the vacuum cleaner 10. Furthermore, the female connector 23 also functions as a detection switch that detects when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20 by detecting when it is connected to the male connector 116.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner 10 is equipped with a male connector 116 that connects to the female connector 23 of the dust collection device 20 when placed on the dust collection device 20, and a control unit 118 connected to the male connector 116 via a power line 117. Note that the connection between the dust collection device 20 and the vacuum cleaner 10 may also be made using an electrode type system with a leaf spring, instead of a connector. The control unit 118 is equipped with a storage unit that stores control programs necessary for the operation and charging of the vacuum cleaner 10, and a central processing unit that executes the control programs. Furthermore, a storage battery 114 and an electric blower 110 are connected to the control unit 118, and the storage battery 114 and the electric blower 110 are controlled by the control unit 118. The storage battery 114 is electrically connected to the male connector 116 via the control unit 118.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view from the left showing the vacuum cleaner 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in use.

[0022] The vacuum cleaner body 11 is equipped with an exhaust port 121 for discharging exhaust air from the electric blower 110 to the outside of the machine, an outside air intake section 122 located between the electric blower 110 and the dust collection filter 112a, an outside air intake section opening / closing cover 122a for opening and closing the outside air intake section 122, a dust discharge section 123 for discharging dust collected in the dust collection section 112, and a dust discharge section opening / closing cover 123a for opening and closing the dust discharge section 123. The dust collection section 112 has a dust collection filter 112a for filtering the inhaled dust. The outside air intake section opening / closing cover 122a is rotatably supported at one end by a pivot shaft 122a1 and opens and closes the outside air intake section 122. Similarly, the dust discharge section opening / closing cover 123a is rotatably supported at one end by a pivot shaft 123a1 and opens and closes the dust discharge section 123. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, the outside air intake cover 122a closes the outside air intake 122, and the dust discharge cover 123a closes the dust discharge 123.

[0023] When the operation control button 1151a on the operation switch unit 115 is pressed, the control unit 118 operates the electric blower 110. When the electric blower 110 starts operating, suction force is generated. When the suction nozzle 13 is operated back and forth, the suction force generated by the electric blower 110 draws dust from the floor surface along with air from the suction nozzle 13, passes through the extension pipe 12, and is collected in the dust collection unit 112. The dust and air drawn into the dust collection unit 112 are filtered by the dust collection filter 112a, and the dust accumulates in the dust collection unit 112. The air that has passed through the dust collection filter 112a passes through the inside of the electric blower 110 and is exhausted outside the machine from the exhaust port 121. To stop the operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, press the off button 1152 on the operation switch unit 115. When the off button 1152 on the operation switch unit 115 is pressed, the control unit 118 stops the operation of the electric blower 110.

[0024] Next, the method for discharging the dust collected in the dust collection unit 112 will be explained using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram, viewed from the left, showing the operation of transferring dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection device 20 in the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram, viewed from the left, showing the operation of suppressing clogging of the first filter 211 of the dust collection device 20 in the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram, viewed from the left, showing the operation of transferring dust from the first filter 211 to the dust collection box of the dust collection device 20 when the vacuum cleaner 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention has been removed from the dust collection device 20. In Figures 5 and 6, the arrows in the figures indicate the flow of air.

[0025] The dust collection device 20 includes a dust inlet 201 on which the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed, which sucks dust from the dust collection section 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10, a blower storage section 202 which houses a dust collection blower 24 that generates suction force, a first filter storage section 203 located between the dust inlet 201 and the blower storage section 202 which houses a first filter 211 (dust collection filter), a dust collection space 204 for collecting dust transferred from the dust collection section 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10, and a dust collection section 205 which can be moved in and out of the dust collection space 204 and stores dust transferred from the dust collection section 112.

[0026] The blower housing 202 is equipped with a dust collection control unit 27 and a temperature sensor 29 for measuring the temperature of the air flowing into the dust collection blower 24. The first filter housing 203 is equipped with a notification unit 31. The dust collection control unit 27, temperature sensor 29, and notification unit 31 can be installed at any position on the dust collection device 20.

[0027] The first filter housing 203 is equipped with a first filter 211 that is rotatable by a pivot shaft 211a, and a flow path shielding part 217 that rotates together with the first filter 211 and shields the flow path. The first filter 211 and the flow path shielding part 217 are positioned between the dust collection space 204 and the dust collection section 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10, and operate to open and close the area below the dust inlet 201. Between the first filter housing 203 and the dust collection blower 24, there is a second filter 212 that suppresses dust from flowing into the dust collection blower 24. The second filter 212 is provided in either the first filter housing 203 or the dust collection blower 24. The second filter 212 may be made of, for example, a sponge.

[0028] When cleaning is finished and the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20, the female connector 23 of the dust collection device 20 and the male connector 116 of the vacuum cleaner 10 are connected, supplying power to the storage battery 114 for charging, and the control unit 118 of the vacuum cleaner and the dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20 detect that the vacuum cleaner 10 has been placed on the dust collection device 20. The control unit 118 of the vacuum cleaner controls the charging of the storage battery 114.

[0029] Furthermore, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20, a dust collection operation is started to transfer the dust collected in the dust collection unit 112 to the dust collection device 20. The dust collection operation is controlled by the control unit 118 of the vacuum cleaner and the dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20. To start the operation, the operation switch 261 of the dust collection device 20 or the automatic cleaning control button 1151b (manual start button) on the operation switch unit 115 is pressed, but it may also be set to start automatically when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20.

[0030] When the operation switch 261 or the automatic cleaning control button 1151b is pressed, the dust collection operation starts, the dust collection blower 24 is driven, and the outside air intake opening / closing cover 122a, which opens and closes the outside air intake 122, and the dust discharge opening / closing cover 123a, which opens and closes the dust discharge 123, are operated to open. The outside air intake opening / closing cover 122a may be opened and closed using an actuator controlled by the control unit 118. The dust discharge opening / closing cover 123a may be opened and closed using an actuator controlled by the control unit 118, or it may be opened and closed using a mechanical mechanism that operates when the dust collection unit 112 and the dust collection device 20 come into contact.

[0031] When the dust collection blower 24 is driven, suction force is generated, and air flows in from the outside air inlet 122 of the vacuum cleaner 10, passes through the dust collection filter 112a, and flows into the dust collection section 112. The air that flows into the dust collection section 112, along with the dust collected in the dust collection section 112, is discharged from the dust discharge section 123 and flows into the dust inlet 201. The dust and air that flow into the dust inlet 201 are filtered by the first filter 211, and only the air that has passed through the first filter 211 flows into the first filter housing section 203. The dust transferred from the dust collection section 112 is captured by the first filter 211 and pressed against the first filter 211. Note that the flow path connecting the first filter 211 to the dust collection space 204 is shielded by the flow path shielding section 217, so the air that has passed through the first filter 211 flows into the first filter housing section 203. Air flowing into the first filter housing 203 is filtered by the second filter 212, and only the air that has passed through the second filter 212 flows into the blower housing 202 and is drawn into the dust collection blower 24. Dust that has passed through the first filter 211 is collected by the second filter 212. Air discharged from the dust collection blower 24 is exhausted outside the dust collection device 20 through the exhaust port 213. When the dust collection blower 24 is driven, the above-described airflow is generated in the vacuum cleaner 10 and the dust collection device 20. The dust collection control unit 27 stops the dust collection blower 24 after operating it for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is any time necessary to transfer the dust from the dust collection unit 112 to the dust inlet 201.

[0032] The dust collected by the first filter 211 is rotated to fall into the dust collection unit 205. However, since the dust is pressed against the first filter 211, some of the dust does not fall and remains attached to the first filter 211. If dust that is not removed accumulates on the first filter 211, it will become clogged. Therefore, in this embodiment, a dust removal operation is performed to remove the dust attached to the first filter 211 and prevent clogging of the first filter 211. The dust removal operation is performed as shown in Figure 6.

[0033] When the dust collection blower 24 stops operating, the control unit 118 of the vacuum cleaner 10 operates the outside air intake opening / closing cover 122a to close the outside air intake 122. Next, the control unit 118 of the vacuum cleaner 10 drives the electric blower 110. When the electric blower 110 is driven, suction force is generated and air flows from the exhaust port 213 of the dust collection device 20 into the blower housing 202. The air that flows into the blower housing 202 passes through the second filter 212 and flows into the first filter housing 203. The air that flows into the first filter housing 203 passes through the first filter 211 and flows into the dust intake 201. The air that flows into the dust intake 201 flows into the dust collection unit 112, passes through the dust collection filter 112a and is sucked into the electric blower 110. The air exhausted from the electric blower 110 is then discharged outside the vacuum cleaner 10 through the exhaust port 121. When the electric blower 110 is driven with the vacuum cleaner 10 mounted on the dust collection device 20, the above-described airflow is generated in the dust collection device 20 and the vacuum cleaner 10. In other words, when the electric blower 110 is driven with the vacuum cleaner 10 mounted on the dust collection device 20, an airflow is generated in the cleaning system 1 in the opposite direction to the suction direction of the dust collection blower 24.

[0034] The air flowing from the first filter housing 203 to the first filter 211 acts to detach dust particles that are pressed against the first filter 211 as it passes through the first filter 211. This airflow cleans the first filter 211 and prevents clogging of the first filter 211. When performing the dust removal operation on the first filter 211, the electric blower 110 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is driven. However, if the suction power of the electric blower 110 is too strong, the dust transferred to the dust inlet 201 will return to the dust collection unit 112. Therefore, in this embodiment, when performing the dust removal operation on the first filter 211, the electric blower 110 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is controlled so that the suction power does not cause the dust in the dust inlet 201 to return to the dust collection unit 112. In other words, the suction power for the dust removal operation on the first filter 211 is set to be lower than that used for normal cleaning.

[0035] The control unit 18 of the vacuum cleaner 10 stops the electric blower 110 after operating it for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is any time necessary to remove the dust adhering to the first filter 211. The dust removal operation is performed in this manner.

[0036] Next, the operation of the dust collection device 20 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed will be explained using Figure 7. When the vacuum cleaner 10 placed on the dust collection device 20 is removed, the connection between the female connector 23 and the male connector 116 is released. The dust collection control unit 27 detects that the male connector 116 has been disconnected from the female connector 23 and determines that the vacuum cleaner 10 has been removed from the dust collection device 20. The dust collection control unit 27 operates actuators, etc., to rotate the first filter 211 and the flow path shielding unit 217 toward the first filter housing unit 203. That is, the first filter 211, which is in a horizontal position, is rotated so that it is in a vertical position. As a result, the dust collected on the first filter 211 falls toward the dust collection unit 205 due to gravity. In addition, the blower housing unit 202, which houses the dust collection blower 24, and the dust collection space 204 are isolated by the flow path shielding unit 217. In this embodiment, a dust removal operation is performed on the first filter 211, so that dust can be smoothly removed from the first filter 211. In this embodiment, the rotation of the first filter 211 is operated using an actuator or the like, but it may also be operated using a mechanical mechanism.

[0037] The above operations will be explained using a flowchart. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0038] The dust collection control unit 27 of the dust collection device 20 determines whether or not the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20 (step S801). If it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 10 is not placed on the dust collection device 20 (No. in step S801), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S801.

[0039] If the dust collection device 20 determines that the vacuum cleaner 10 has been placed on it (Yes in step S801), the dust collection control unit 27 determines whether the operating mode is automatic operation mode or not (step S802). The control unit 118 of the vacuum cleaner 10 enters standby mode.

[0040] If the operation mode is not the automatic operation mode (No in step S802), the control unit 118 determines whether or not the automatic cleaning control button 1151b has been pressed (step S803). If the automatic cleaning control button 1151b has not been pressed (No in step S803), the control unit 118 repeats the operation of step S803.

[0041] If the operation mode is the automatic operation mode (Yes in step S802), or if the automatic cleaning control button 1151b has been pressed (Yes in step S803), the dust collection control unit 27 drives the dust collection blower 24 (step S804). Further, the dust collection control unit 27 operates the notification unit 31 to notify that the dust collection blower 24 is being driven (step S805). When the dust collection blower 24 is driven, the dust collected in the dust collection unit 112 moves to the dust inflow unit 201 through the dust discharge unit 123 and is collected by the first filter 211.

[0042] Next, the dust collection control unit 27 measures the driving time of the dust collection blower 24, and determines whether or not the driving time has elapsed a predetermined time (step S806). If the driving time of the dust collection blower 24 has not elapsed the predetermined time (No in step S806), the dust collection control unit 27 repeats the operation of step S806.

[0043] If the driving time of the dust collection blower 24 has elapsed the predetermined time (Yes in step S806), the dust collection control unit 27 stops the dust collection blower 24 (step S807). Further, the dust collection control unit 27 outputs a drive command signal for the electric blower 110 to the control unit 118 of the electric vacuum cleaner 10. The drive command signal is transmitted to the control unit 118 of the electric vacuum cleaner 10 by, for example, using power superimposition technology, superimposing the drive command signal on the power supply line 117. The control unit 118 drives the electric blower 110 (step S808).

[0044] Next, the control unit 118 measures the driving time of the electric blower 110, and determines whether or not the driving time has elapsed a predetermined time (step S809). If the driving time of the electric blower 110 has not elapsed the predetermined time (No in step S809), the control unit 118 repeats the operation of step S809.

[0045] When the driving time of the electric blower 110 has elapsed for a predetermined time (Yes in step S809), the control unit 118 stops the electric blower 110 (step S810). In addition, the control unit 118 transmits information indicating that the electric blower 110 has stopped to the dust collection control unit 27. The dust collection control unit 27 stops the notification by the notification unit 31 (step S811).

[0046] According to the present embodiment, since the dust collection device 20 for collecting dust collected in the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is provided, the disposal work of discarding dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 can be reduced.

[0047] In addition, according to the present embodiment, a peeling operation for dust adhered to the first filter 211 of the dust collection device 20 is executed, so that dust can be smoothly dropped from the first filter 211 to the dust collection unit 205, clogging of the first filter 211 is suppressed, and the transfer efficiency of dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection device 20 can be maintained.

[0048] In addition, in the present embodiment, dust dropped from the first filter 211 is received by the dust collection unit 205, but a detachable disposable dust collection bag may be attached to the dust collection unit 205. In this case, the collected dust can be discarded together with the dust collection bag, so the workability of dust disposal can be improved.

[0049] [Modification] In the first embodiment described above, the first filter 211 is rotated so as to be able to assume a horizontal state and a vertical state, but for example, the first filter 211 may be fixed in a vertical state. In this case, a mechanism for rotating the first filter 211 is unnecessary, so the cost of the dust collection device 20 can be reduced.

[0050] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described using Figures 9 to 13. Components common to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted. Figure 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the operation of the dust removal unit 214 of the first filter 211 in the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, viewed from the left. Figure 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which the dust removal unit 214 is positioned upward, viewed from the left. Figure 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which the dust removal unit 214 is positioned downward, viewed from the left. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which the dust removal unit 214 is positioned upward, viewed from the front right. Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of the dust collection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which the dust removal unit 214 is positioned downward, viewed from the front right.

[0051] In the vacuum cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1, a dust discharge section 123 is formed on the rear side of the dust collection section 112 when placed on the dust collection device 20, and a dust discharge section opening / closing cover 123a that opens and closes the dust discharge section 123 is configured to move in the front-rear direction. However, in the vacuum cleaner 10 of Embodiment 2, a dust discharge section 123 is formed on the lower side of the dust collection section 112, and a dust discharge section opening / closing cover 123a that opens and closes the dust discharge section 123 is configured to move in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 10 of Embodiment 2 is provided with a projection 119, to which a male connector 116 is provided. In addition, the first filter 211 (dust collection filter) of the dust collection device 20 of Embodiment 2 is arranged so that its flat surface faces vertically. The first filter 211 is positioned between the dust collection section 112 and the dust collection blower 24 of the vacuum cleaner 10 in the airflow path. When the dust collection blower 24 is driven, the airflow from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 flows in the following order: first filter 211, second filter 212, dust collection blower 24, and exhaust port 213 of the dust collection device 20. The second filter 212, which is positioned between the first filter 211 and the dust collection blower 24, is made of, for example, a sponge.

[0052] In Example 1, the electric blower 110 of the vacuum cleaner 10 was driven to suppress clogging of the first filter 211, but in Example 2, the dust removal unit 214 is used to clean the first filter 211.

[0053] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20, the dust collection blower 24 operates, transferring dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection unit 205 of the dust collection device 20. Some of the dust discharged from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 adheres to the first filter 211, which is subjected to suction. If dust accumulates on the first filter 211 and causes clogging, the suction force from the dust collection blower 24 decreases, reducing the efficiency of transferring dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection unit 205 of the dust collection device 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the dust removal unit 214 is operated to remove the dust adhering to the first filter 211 and resolve the clogging of the first filter 211.

[0054] The dust collection device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a dust removal unit 214 that moves vertically along the upstream surface of the first filter 211. The dust removal unit 214 is composed of, for example, a brush that contacts the first filter 211 and operates by rubbing the first filter 211 with this brush. The dust removal unit 214 operates when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20 and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the dust collection device 20. For this reason, the dust collection device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a link mechanism 215 that operates the dust removal unit 214 in accordance with the placement and removal of the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0055] The link mechanism 215 includes a first link portion 215a, one end of which is in contact with the vacuum cleaner 10; a second link portion 215b, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link portion 215a; and a third link portion 215c, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the second link portion 215b, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the dust removal portion 214. The first link portion 215a is also provided with a spring 216 that biases the first link portion 215a upward.

[0056] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20 (for convenience, the vacuum cleaner 10 is not shown in Figures 10 and 12), the vacuum cleaner 10 comes into contact with one end of the first link portion 215a and pushes the first link portion 215a downward against the biasing force of the spring 216. When the first link portion 215a is pushed downward, one end of the second link portion 215b moves from top to bottom, and the other end moves from bottom to top. When the other end of the second link portion 215b moves upward, the third link portion 215c moves from bottom to top, and the dust removal portion 214 also moves from below the first filter 211 to above. As the dust removal portion 214 moves from bottom to top, it rubs against the first filter 211, thereby removing dust adhering to the first filter 211. The dust removed by the dust removal unit 214 falls into the dust collection unit 205 located below the first filter 211.

[0057] Next, when the vacuum cleaner 10 that was placed on the dust collection device 20 is removed, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, the biasing force of the spring 216 causes the first link portion 215a to move from bottom to top. As the first link portion 215a moves from bottom to top, one end of the second link portion 215b moves from bottom to top, and the other end moves from top to bottom. As the other end of the second link portion 215b moves from top to bottom, the third link portion 215c moves from top to bottom, and the dust removal portion 214 also moves from above the first filter 211 to below. As the dust removal portion 214 moves from top to bottom, it rubs against the first filter 211, thereby removing dust adhering to the first filter 211. The dust removed by the dust removal portion 214 falls into the dust collection portion 205 located below the first filter 211.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the dust collection device 20 is equipped with a dust removal unit 214 that operates when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20 and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the dust collection device 20, thereby removing dust adhering to the first filter 211. This suppresses clogging of the first filter 211 and reduces the effort required to clean the first filter 211.

[0059] In this embodiment, the dust removal unit 214 was operated by the link mechanism 215, but for example, the dust removal unit 214 could also be operated by an actuator.

[0060] In this embodiment, the dust removal unit 214 is activated when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20 and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the dust collection device 20. However, the dust removal unit 214 may be activated only when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on the dust collection device 20, or when the vacuum cleaner 10 is removed from the dust collection device 20, or at least in the event of either of these occurrences.

[0061] Alternatively, a removable, disposable dust collection bag may be attached to the dust collection unit 205. In this case, the collected dust can be disposed of together with the dust collection bag, thus improving the efficiency of dust disposal.

[0062] Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described using Figures 14 to 21. Components common to Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. Figure 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of the cleaning system 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, showing the operation of transferring dust from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection device 20, viewed from the left.

[0063] In Embodiment 3, the configuration of the dust inlet 201 and the dust collection unit 220 differs from that of Embodiments 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the dust collection space 204 is equipped with a dust collection unit 220 that is detachable from the dust collection space 204. The dust inlet 201 is also equipped with a connecting passage 201a that connects the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 and the dust collection unit 220.

[0064] Next, the configuration of the dust collection unit 220 will be described. Figure 15 is an external perspective view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 closed, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 16 is an external perspective view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 open, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 17 is a top view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 closed, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 18 is a top view of the dust collection unit 220 with the lid 222 open, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX in Figure 17. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX in Figure 18. Figure 21 is an enlarged side view of the pivot axis 222a and hinge portion 222b of the dust collection unit 220 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, viewed from the left side. In Figures 15 to 21, the dust collection unit 220 is attached to the dust collection device 20 as the reference point, and the vacuum cleaner 10 side is defined as the front relative to the dust collection device 20, with the front / back, up / down, and left / right directions defined accordingly.

[0065] The dust collection unit 220 comprises a box body 221 that forms an outer shell and has an inlet opening 221a at the top and an exhaust opening 221b at the bottom, a lid 222 that opens and closes the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221, a gripping portion 223 that extends vertically in front of the box body 221, and a movable filter 224 that can protrude upward (outward) from the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221. Dust-containing air flows into the inlet opening 221a and flows to the movable filter 226, and the air that has passed through the movable filter 226 is exhausted from the exhaust opening 221b.

[0066] The upper rear of the lid 222 is provided with a pivot shaft 222a for rotating the lid 222 relative to the box body 221, and an L-shaped hinge portion 222b connecting the lid 222 and the pivot shaft 222a. The box body 221 is also provided with a bearing portion 221c that supports the pivot shaft 222a. In this embodiment, by providing the pivot shaft 222a at the upper rear of the lid 222, the lid 222 can be rotated backward from a closed state of the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221 to open the inlet opening 221a. The lid 222 operates so as to be rotatable relative to the box body 221.

[0067] Furthermore, the central part of the lid 222 is provided with a suction opening 222c that is connected to the communication passage 201a and allows dust to flow into the movable filter 226 inside the box body 221. The suction opening 222c is positioned opposite the exhaust opening 221b. With this configuration, dust flowing in from the suction opening 222c goes towards the movable filter 226 without the flow path being bent, so the dust that flows into the movable filter 226 is compressed towards the exhaust opening 221b side of the movable filter 226, thereby ensuring the dust collection capacity of the movable filter 226.

[0068] The suction opening 222c is provided with a seal packing 228 to prevent dust collected by the movable filter 226 from spilling out of the suction opening 222c and to ensure airtightness with the communication passage 201a. In this embodiment, the seal packing 228 is positioned to protrude toward the movable filter 226 side. The seal packing 228 in this embodiment consists of a check valve 228a to prevent spillage from the suction opening 222c and a seal lip 228b provided on the edge of the suction opening 222c to ensure airtightness with the communication passage 201a. The check valve 228a has three slits radiating from the center and is formed by dividing it into three valve bodies. The portion of the seal lip 228b on the movable filter 226 side is inclined from the movable filter 226 side toward the non-movable filter side as it extends radially outward from the center. This configuration prevents dust from accumulating on the seal lip 228b. In this embodiment, the sealing packing 228 is positioned to protrude toward the movable filter 226 side, but it may also be positioned to protrude toward the opposite side of the movable filter. In that case, the volume of the dust collection section 220 can be increased. Also, since there is no part of the lid 222 that protrudes toward the movable filter 226 side, dust can be prevented from adhering to the movable filter 226 side of the lid 222.

[0069] Furthermore, the outer circumference of the lid 222 is provided with a lid packing 227 that contacts the edge of the opening of the box body 221 when the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221 is closed with the lid 222 to ensure airtightness. The lid packing 227 does not protrude toward the box body 221 from the flat surface (closing surface) of the lid 222 that closes the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221, but is flush with the flat surface (closing surface) of the lid 222. This configuration prevents dust from getting caught on the lid packing 227 when the lid 222 is opened to dispose of dust.

[0070] The movable filter 226 in this embodiment is divided into two parts: a dust collection section 226a located at the rear and a dust collection section 226b located at the front. A movable filter pivot shaft 226c is provided at the upper rear of the dust collection section 226a, which rotatably supports the movable filter 226. A torsion coil spring is attached to the movable filter pivot shaft 226c, which biases the movable filter 226 to protrude outward (upward) from the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221.

[0071] Furthermore, the dust containment section 226a and the dust containment section 226b are rotatably connected by a movable connecting section 226d on the exhaust opening 221b side, and the inlet openings 221a can move toward and away from each other. The dust containment section 226a and the dust containment section 226b are formed in a grid shape and include support columns 226e that form the columns of the grid, and a breathable mesh filter 226f placed in the space surrounded by the support columns 226e. When the movable filter 226 is housed in the box body 221, it has a tapered shape such that the opening area increases from the opposite inlet opening (exhaust opening 221b) toward the inlet opening 221a. This makes it easier to discharge the dust collected by the movable filter 226.

[0072] The upper front of the box body 221 is provided with an opening / closing operation unit 225 for opening and closing the lid 222. The opening / closing operation unit 225 holds the lid 222 in a closed position over the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221, and also operates to open the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221. The opening / closing operation unit 225 includes a claw portion 225a that engages with a hook portion 222d at the front end of the lid 222 and holds the lid 222 in a closed position over the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221, a pressing portion 225b that is pressed down by the user, a rotating portion 225c located between the claw portion 225a and the pressing portion 225b, and a spring 225d that applies a biasing force to the pressing portion 225b in the opposite direction of pressing. When the user presses down on the pressing portion 225b against the biasing force of the spring 225d, the claw portion 225a moves forward (in the opposite direction of pressing) with the rotating portion 225c as the pivot point, and the locking state between the claw portion 225a and the front end of the cover 222 is released.

[0073] When disposing of dust transferred from the dust collection unit 112 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to the dust collection unit 220 of the dust collection device 20, the user pulls out the dust collection unit 220 from the dust collection device 20 by holding the gripping part 223 of the dust collection unit 220. The user then positions the dust collection unit 220 above a trash can installed in the home, tilts the dust collection unit 220 so that the lid 222 faces downward, and presses down the pressing part 225b of the opening / closing operation unit 225. When the pressing part 225b of the opening / closing operation unit 225 is pressed, the lid 222 opens downward, and the movable filter 226 protrudes from the opening of the box body 221 due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring attached to the movable filter pivot shaft 226c. The movable filter 226, which protrudes from the opening of the box body 221, opens by splitting into dust collection section 226a and dust collection section 226b, with the movable connecting section 226d as the pivot point, and discharges dust.

[0074] In this embodiment, the movable filter 226 protrudes from the inlet opening 221a of the box body, and the movable filter 226 is divided and opened, making it easier for dust to detach from the movable filter 226 and reducing the amount of dust disposal work. In addition, because the movable filter 226 protrudes, dust remaining on the movable filter 226 can be easily removed, improving maintainability.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the opening / closing operation part 225 is positioned at the upper end of the gripping part 223, the user can press (operate) the opening / closing operation part 225 while gripping the gripping part 223, thereby improving ease of use. Moreover, in this embodiment, the lid packing 227 is flush with the plane (closing surface) of the lid 222 that closes the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221, without protruding toward the box body 221, so that when opening the lid 222 to dispose of dust, dust is prevented from getting caught on the lid packing 227.

[0076] When the lid 222 is open, the lid 222 is supported by the box body 221 by the pivot shaft 22a and the hinge portion 222b, causing the lid 222 to wobble in the rotational direction and become unstable, reducing the efficiency of dust discharge. Therefore, in this embodiment, a lid movement suppression part is provided to suppress the movement of the lid 222 when the lid 222 is open. The lid movement suppression part consists of a projection 222b1 provided on the outer circumference of the hinge portion 222b and a rotation restricting part 221d provided on the box body 221. The projection 222d1 is formed to protrude outward from the outer circumference of the hinge portion 222b. The rotation restricting part 221d is formed to protrude outward from the rear surface of the box body 221.

[0077] When the lid 222 is opened beyond a predetermined angle, the projection 222d1 and the rotation restricting portion 221d come into contact. If the lid 222 is then rotated further in the opening direction, the projection 222d1 will move over the rotation restricting portion 221d. If an attempt is made to rotate the lid 222 in the closing direction, the projection 222d1 and the rotation restricting portion 221d come into contact, suppressing the closing motion of the lid 222. As a result, the rotational movement of the lid 222 is suppressed, improving the workability of opening the lid 222 to discharge dust.

[0078] In this embodiment, the lid operation suppression part is composed of a projection 222d1 and a rotation restricting part 221d. However, for example, a torsion coil spring may be used on the rotation shaft 222a to bias the lid 222 in the direction of opening, or the attractive force of a magnet may be utilized.

[0079] In this embodiment, the lid 222 is made to rotate relative to the box body 221, but for example, the lid 222 may be made to slide relative to the box body 221 to open and close the inlet opening 221a of the box body 221.

[0080] Furthermore, if dust adheres to the movable filter 226, the dust collection performance of the dust collection unit 220 will decrease. Therefore, it is advisable to provide a dust removal unit on the movable filter 226 to remove dust adhering to it.

[0081] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0082] 1...Cleaning system, 10...Electric vacuum cleaner, 11...Vacuum cleaner body, 12...Extension tube, 13...Suction nozzle, 18...Control unit, 20...Dust collection device, 22a...Rotating shaft, 23...Female connector, 24...Dust collection blower, 26...Input unit, 27...Dust collection control unit, 28...Placement state detection switch, 29...Temperature sensor, 31...Notification unit, 110...Electric blower, 111...Motor case, 112...Dust collection unit, 112a...Dust collection filter, 113...Handle unit, 114...Battery, 115...Operation switch unit, 116...Male connector, 117...Power line, 118...Control unit, 119...Protrusion, 121...Exhaust port, 122...Outside air intake, 122a...Outside air intake opening / closing cover, 122a1...Rotating shaft, 123...Dust discharge section, 123a...Dust discharge section opening / closing cover, 123a1...Rotating shaft, 201...Dust inlet, 201a...Connecting passage, 202...Blower housing, 203...First filter housing, 204...Dust collection space, 205...Dust collection section, 211...First filter, 211a...Rotating shaft, 212...Second filter, 213...Exhaust port, 214...Dust removal section, 215...Link mechanism section, 215a...First link Link section, 215b...Second link section, 215c...Third link section, 216...Spring, 217...Flow path shielding section, 220...Dust collection section, 221...Box body, 221a...Inlet opening, 221b...Exhaust opening, 221c...Bearing section, 221d...Rotation restricting section, 222...Lid, 222a...Rotating shaft, 222b...Hinge section, 222b1...Protrusion, 222c...Suction opening, 222d...Hooking section, 222d1...Protrusion, 223...Gripping section, 224...Movable filter, 225...Opening / closing operation section, 225a...Claw section, 225b...Pressing section, 225c ...rotating part, 225d...spring, 226...movable filter, 226a...dust collection piece, 226b...dust collection piece, 226c...movable filter rotating shaft, 226d...movable connecting part, 226e...support column, 226f...mesh filter, 227...lid packing, 228...seal packing, 228a...check valve, 228b...seal lip, 261...operating switch, 262...operating mode switching switch, 1151a...operating control button, 1151b...cleaning control button, 1152...off button, 1153a...display unit, 1153b...display unit

Claims

1. A dust collection device on which an electric vacuum cleaner can be placed, wherein the dust collection device comprises a dust collection blower that generates suction force, and a dust collection unit that collects dust collected in the dust collection unit of the electric vacuum cleaner by the suction force generated by the dust collection blower, and the dust collection unit is provided with a movable filter that can protrude from the inlet opening of the dust collection unit.

2. A dust collection device according to claim 1, wherein the dust collection unit is provided with a lid that opens and closes the inlet opening, and is provided with a lid operation suppression unit that suppresses the movement of the lid when the lid is in the open state.

3. A dust collection device according to claim 2, wherein the lid is rotatable, and the lid operation suppression unit suppresses the rotational operation of the lid.

4. A dust collection device according to claim 1, wherein the dust collection section is provided with a lid that opens and closes the inlet opening, and the lid opens and closes the inlet opening by sliding.

5. A dust collection device according to claim 2, wherein the dust collection unit comprises a gripping unit, and the gripping unit comprises an opening / closing operation unit for opening and closing the lid.

6. A dust collection device according to claim 2, wherein the lid is provided with a suction opening for introducing dust into the movable filter, and the suction opening is provided with a sealing packing that protrudes toward the movable filter.

7. A dust collection device according to claim 2, wherein the lid is provided with a suction opening for introducing dust into the movable filter, and the suction opening is provided with a sealing packing that protrudes toward the side opposite to the movable filter.

8. A dust collection device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a lid packing is provided on the outer circumference of the lid, and the lid packing is flush with the plane of the lid on the side that closes the inlet opening.

9. A dust collection device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the dust collection section is provided with an exhaust opening through which air exhausted from the movable filter is exhausted, and the exhaust opening is positioned to face the suction opening of the cover.

10. A dust collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the movable filter has a tapered shape such that the opening area increases from the opposite inlet opening toward the inlet opening.

11. A dust collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the movable filter is provided with a dust removal unit for removing dust adhering to the movable filter.

Images