WO2025169665A1 - Dust collection container and vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

This dust collection container comprises a first separation member (110), a first storage part (161) for storing dust separated by the first separation member (110), and a second separation member (120) for further separating dust from the air having passed through the first separation member (110). An opening (310) is formed in the first separation member (110). The first separation member (110) and the second separation member (120) communicate with each other via the opening (310). A check valve (320) for preventing air from flowing back from the first separation member (110) to the second separation member (120) is disposed in the opening (310).

Description

Dust collection container and vacuum cleaner

This disclosure relates to a dust collection container that separates air and dust using centrifugal force, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with such a dust collection container.

Conventionally, there are vacuum cleaners that can generate a swirling flow inside the dust collection container, preventing the dust collection container from clogging and maintaining suction power. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a vacuum cleaner that generates a swirling flow containing dust inside a cylindrical dust collection container, separating the air and dust using centrifugal force.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-061307

However, with the structure described in Patent Document 1, the air that has separated the dust using the swirling airflow passes through a filter before flowing to the electric blower, which requires the filter to be cleaned to remove the dust that has adhered to it, which is a hassle.

The dust collection container of the present disclosure has a first separating member that separates dust by generating a swirling air current inside, a dust collection section that collects the dust separated by the first separating member, and a second separating member that further separates dust from the air that has passed through the first separating member. The first separating member is formed with an opening that allows the first and second separating members to communicate with each other via the opening, and a check valve is disposed in the opening to prevent air from flowing back from the first separating member to the second separating member. Dust separated by the second separating member can be collected in the dust collection section via the opening and the first separating member. The present disclosure also relates to an electric vacuum cleaner equipped with the above dust collection container.

The present disclosure provides a dust collection container that allows for easy disposal of dust separated by the second separating member and prevents the swirling airflow generated by the first separating member from flowing into the second separating member as much as possible, as well as a vacuum cleaner equipped with the dust collection container.

1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the dust collection container. FIG. 1 is a side view of the dust collection container viewed from the outside to the inside in the axial direction of the suction pipe. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first separating member cut along line II in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a protruding member. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the dust collection container. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection container according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection container according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection container according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection container according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection container according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection container according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection container according to a fifth embodiment. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 20.

Below, embodiments of the dust collection container and vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are presented as examples to explain the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, the shapes, structures, materials, components, relative positional relationships, connection states, numerical values, mathematical formulas, the content of each step in the method, and the order of each step shown in the following embodiments are examples only and may include content not described below. Furthermore, while geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal may be used, these expressions do not indicate mathematical precision and include substantially acceptable errors, deviations, etc. Furthermore, expressions such as simultaneous and identical also include substantially acceptable ranges.

Furthermore, the drawings are schematic diagrams in which emphasis, omission, or adjustment of proportions has been made as appropriate for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and differ from the actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions. Furthermore, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that may be shown in the drawings represent Cartesian coordinates arbitrarily set for the purpose of explaining the drawings. In other words, the Z-axis is not necessarily an axis along the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis are not necessarily located within a horizontal plane.

Furthermore, multiple inventions may be collectively described below as a single embodiment. Some of the content described below is also described as optional components of this disclosure.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner 200. The vacuum cleaner 200 is a device that sucks in air together with dust and separates and retains the dust from the sucked air, and includes a dust collection container 100 and a suction device 210. Here, the term "dust" is used to include dirt, dust, dirt, mites, and other living organisms that are large enough for the vacuum cleaner 200 to suck up. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 200 is a so-called stick-type device and includes a head 220, a pipe 230, and a handle 240. Note that, although a stick-type vacuum cleaner 200 is illustrated in this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 200 may also be a canister-type vacuum cleaner or an autonomously traveling robot-type vacuum cleaner.

The suction device 210 is equipped with a motor (not shown) and a fan (not shown), and generates suction force by rotating the fan using the motor. In this embodiment, the suction device 210 generates suction force by creating a negative pressure inside the dust collection container 100, and sucks air containing dust into the dust collection container 100.

The head 220 is a component that comes into contact with the cleaning surface, such as a floor, and sucks in dust and air over a wide area by transmitting the suction force generated by the suction device 210 via the pipe 230. The head 220 is connected in a communicating state to the pipe 230 and is rotatably connected to the pipe 230.

The pipe 230 is a rigid, cylindrical member that is interposed between the head 220 and the gripping portion 240 and connects the head 220 and the gripping portion 240. The pipe 230 forms a transport path that transports the air sucked in together with dust from the head 220 to the dust collection container 100.

The grip portion 240 is the part that the user holds. In this embodiment, the grip portion 240 houses a battery for driving the suction device 210, a control device for controlling the suction device 210, and the like.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of dust collection container 100. Arrows indicate air flow. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of dust collection container 100. Dust collection container 100 is a component that separates dust from air sucked in by suction device 210, retains the dust, and discharges the air. Dust collection container 100 comprises a first separating member 110, a suction pipe 130, a protruding member 140, a filter member 150, and a first storage section (dust collection section) 161. In this embodiment, dust collection container 100 comprises a second separating member 120, a second storage section 162, a cover member 170, and an outer cylinder 180.

The first separating member 110 is a cylindrical member that is closed on one side and open on the other, and separates the dust from the air by centrifugal force by swirling the dust-containing air. The shape of the first separating member 110 is not limited, but in this embodiment, the first separating member 110 is cylindrical, with one end (the end on the Z+ side (upper) in the figure) covered by a closed portion 112 and the other end (the end on the Z- side (lower) in the figure) forming an opening 113. The peripheral wall of the first separating member 110 is provided with suction holes 111 through which the dust-containing air flows in. The cross-sectional shape of the first separating member 110 perpendicular to the tube axis may be D-shaped, for example. If the inner surface of the first separating member 110 has corners, such as those of a first separating member 110 with a D-shaped cross section, it is desirable that the corners be smoothly rounded.

In this embodiment, the length L1 (see FIG. 3) of the first separating member 110 in the tube axis direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) is longer than the length L2 of the filter member 150 (details will be described later). This allows the dust-containing air to swirl sufficiently within the first separating member 110, effectively separating the dust from the air.

The suction pipe 130 is a tubular member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first separating member 110 and communicating with a suction hole 111 provided through the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110. In this embodiment, the suction pipe 130 is connected in a communicating state to a pipe 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200. Dust-containing air sucked by the suction device 210 flows into the suction pipe 130 via the head 220 and the pipe 230.

4 is a side view of the dust collection container 100 viewed from the outside to the inside in the axial direction of the suction pipe 130 (X-axis direction in the figure). Note that in Figure 4, the first separation member 110 is hatched to clearly show the suction hole 111. In Figure 4, the hatching does not indicate a cross section. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first separation member 110 cut along line I-I in Figure 4. The opening area of the suction hole 111 is smaller than the opening area of the suction pipe 130 facing the suction hole 111. The suction hole 111 is biased toward the downstream side of the swirling air flow relative to the suction pipe 130. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction of the suction pipe 130, the suction hole 111 is biased away from the axial direction of the suction pipe 130. In this embodiment, the suction hole 111 is rectangular and is arranged so that the tangent surface of the inner surface of the first separation member 110 coincides with or nearly coincides with one side of the suction hole 111. The inner surface of the suction pipe 130 is also rectangular, and the suction pipe 130 is positioned so that the contact surface of the inner circumferential surface of the first separation member 110 coincides with or nearly coincides with one surface of the inner surface of the suction pipe 130.

When looking at the inside of the suction pipe 130 from the axial direction of the suction pipe 130, the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110 protrudes away from the pipe axis 101, and part of the opening of the suction pipe 130 is covered by the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110. As a result, dust-laden air flowing from the suction pipe 130 into the inside of the first separating member 110 is forced against the inner peripheral surface of the first separating member 110, making it easier for a swirling flow to occur within the first separating member 110.

The suction hole 111 is positioned with a predetermined gap from the blocking portion 112. In other words, the edge of the suction hole 111 does not come into contact with the blocking portion 112. This makes it easier for an appropriate swirling flow of dust-containing air to occur inside the first separating member 110. The suction hole 111 is large enough to allow, for example, spherical debris with a diameter of approximately 1 cm or rectangular debris with sides of approximately 1 cm to pass through. This makes it possible to prevent the suction hole 111 from clogging, even when relatively large debris is sucked in.

The protruding member 140 is a member that protrudes from the center of the blocking portion 112 of the first separation member 110 toward the opening 113. The shape of the protruding member 140 is not limited, but a columnar shape or a shape that tapers from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113 is preferable. If the protruding member 140 widens from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113, it is more likely that hair, lint, and other particles sucked in as dust will become tangled and not fall out. In this embodiment, the protruding member 140 has the shape of an inverted truncated cone. The protruding member 140 may also be cylindrical, conical, dome-shaped, semicircular, or other shapes. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding member 140 perpendicular to the tube axis (the axis extending from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113) is not limited to a circle, and may be a D-shape, polygonal, or other shape. It may also be a shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the inner circumferential surface of the first separation member 110. If there are corners on the periphery of the protruding member 140, such as a protruding member 140 with a D-shaped cross section, it is desirable that the corners be rounded with smooth curves.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the direction of the tube axis of the first separating member 110 (Z-axis direction in the figure), the tip of the protruding member 140 is positioned closer to the blocking portion 112 than the suction hole 111. In other words, in the direction of the tube axis of the first separating member 110 (Z-axis direction in the figure), the part of the protruding member 140 farthest from the blocking portion 112 is closer to the blocking portion 112 than the part of the edge of the suction hole 111 farthest from the blocking portion 112. In the case of this embodiment, in the direction of the tube axis of the first separating member 110 (Z-axis direction in the figure), the position of the tip face, which is the part of the protruding member 140 farthest from the blocking portion 112, is positioned at or near the center position between the part closest to the blocking portion 112 and the part farthest from the edge of the suction hole 111.

The filter member 150 is a cylindrical member that allows air to pass through extending outward from the open end of the first separating member 110 in the direction of the tube axis from the closing portion 112 of the first separating member 110 toward the opening 113, and is provided with holes for separating air from dust. The filter member 150 separates dust that was not completely separated by the first separating member 110 through filtration.

The filter member 150 is, for example, a mesh filter, and the first separation member 110 and the filter member 150 are formed over 360 degrees around the tube axis direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) in Figure 3.

The shape of the filter member 150 is not limited. In this embodiment, the filter member 150 has an opening that widens from the first separation member 110 toward the first storage section 161. Specifically, the filter member 150 has a peripheral shape equivalent to that of a truncated cone. This prevents dust separated by the filter member 150 from remaining on the inner surface of the filter member 150, and makes it easier for the dust to fall into the first storage section 161.

The first storage section 161 is positioned on the opposite side of the filter member 150 from the first separating member 110, and is a container-shaped section that stores dust that is centrifuged from the air by the swirling air flow generated inside the first separating member 110. It also stores dust that is separated by the filter member 150 and falls. In this embodiment, the first storage section 161 is cylindrical and is open on both the filter member 150 side and the side opposite the filter member 150. The end opposite the filter member 150 is sealed by a lid member 170 so that it can be opened and closed. By opening the lid member 170, the dust stored in the first storage section 161 can be discharged to the outside of the dust collection container 100.

The second separating member 120 separates dust from the dust-containing air that has passed through the filter member 150. There are no limitations on the type of second separating member 120. For example, it may be a filter. In this embodiment, the second separating member 120 generates a swirling air flow and separates the dust by centrifugal separation.

The second storage section 162 is a container-shaped section that stores the dust separated by the second separating member 120. In this embodiment, the second storage section 162 is sealed openably and closably by a lid member 170 that also seals the first storage section 161. Therefore, the dust that has accumulated in the first storage section 161 and the dust that has accumulated in the second storage section 162 can be disposed of simultaneously by opening the lid member 170 downward.

As shown in Figure 3, the dust collection container 100 has a suction pipe 130 formed on one side (X- side) of the outer cylinder 180, and a roughly cylindrical second storage section 162 formed on the other side (X+ side). The space on the upper surface of the closing section 112 is a space that receives dust separated by the second separating member 120, and is formed over 360 degrees around the tube axis in Figure 3 (axis in the Z-axis direction in Figure 3). The space on the upper surface of this closing section 112 and the second storage section 162 are connected.

The roughly cylindrical second storage section 162 may also be formed 360 degrees around the tube axis in Figure 3 (the axis in the Z-axis direction in Figure 3) so as to surround the outer tube 180, or it may be formed in an area smaller than that. However, the wider the area in which the second storage section 162 is formed, the more difficult it may be to see the contents of the dust collection container 100, so it is preferable that the second storage section 162 be formed from a material such as transparent resin.

When the dust container 100 is attached to the main body of the vacuum cleaner as shown in Figure 1, the suction tube 130 is attached to the main body of the vacuum cleaner. When a user uses the vacuum cleaner, the outer tube 180 shown in Figure 3 is inclined relative to the floor so that the second storage section 162 side is closer to the floor. As a result, dust separated by the second separating member 120 slides down the top surface of the blocking section 112 toward the second storage section 162 and falls to the bottom of the second storage section 162. In this way, dust separated by the second separating member 120 accumulates in the second storage section 162.

In order to efficiently guide the dust separated by the second separating member 120 to the second storage section 162, the surface below the second separating member 120 (the upper surface of the blocking section 112) may be formed with an inclined surface that slopes toward the second storage section 162. When the dust collection container 100 is configured to be attached to a canister-type vacuum cleaner body so that it is perpendicular to the floor, forming an inclined surface in this manner is preferable, as it allows the dust to be efficiently guided to the second storage section 162. In addition, an inclined surface may be formed on the surface below the second separating member 120 (the upper surface of the blocking section 112) so that it slopes downward as it moves outward from the center (the central axis in the Z-axis direction in Figure 3) of the surface below the second separating member 120 (the upper surface of the blocking section 112). For example, as mentioned above, if the substantially cylindrical second storage section 162 is formed 360 degrees around the tube axis in Figure 3 (the axis in the Z-axis direction in Figure 3) so as to surround the outer cylinder 180, dust can be efficiently stored in the second storage section 162.

In this embodiment, the outer cylinder 180 provided in the dust collection container 100 is a cylindrical member that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first separating member 110 with a predetermined gap between it and the first separating member 110, and forms a transport path that transports dust-containing air that has passed through the filter member 150 to the second separating member 120. In addition, the outer cylinder 180 is formed integrally with the first storage section 161.

Next, the operation of the vacuum cleaner 200 equipped with the dust container 100 will be described. First, when the vacuum cleaner 200 equipped with the dust container 100 starts operating, a suction airflow is generated by the suction device 210 built into the vacuum cleaner 200, and air containing dust is sucked in through the head 220. The sucked in air containing dust is then sucked into the dust container 100 via the pipe 230 and the suction tube 130.

As shown in Figure 5, dust-laden air that passes through the suction pipe 130 is narrowed by the suction holes 111 and flows into the first separating member 110 along a tangent to the inner surface, forcing it against the inner surface. By arranging the suction pipe 130 and suction holes 111 in this manner, the dust-laden air turns into a swirling flow within the first separating member 110. Due to the presence of the protruding member 140, the generated swirling flow does not immediately reach the filter member 150, but instead swirls multiple times inside the first separating member 110 and gradually reaches the filter member 150. As the dust swirls within the first separating member 110, it is separated from the air and falls into the first storage section 161. Furthermore, even if long, thin pieces of dust such as hair and lint become entangled in the protruding member 140, the shape of the protruding member 140 means that they easily fall into the first storage section 161, and they rarely remain in the protruding member 140.

The swirling flow then passes through the filter member 150. When the dust-containing air passes through this filter member 150, the dust remains inside the filter member 150 and the air passes through the filter member 150. The air containing fine dust that has passed through the filter member 150 passes through the gap (part of the conveying path) between the first separating member 110 and the outer cylinder 180 and reaches the second separating member 120. In this way, the first separating member 110 and the filter member 150 separate the air containing coarse dust from the air containing fine dust.

Next, the second separating member 120 separates the fine dust from the air. In this embodiment, the second separating member 120 has multiple conical cyclone members 121 arranged around its circumference. Air that passes through the gap (part of the conveying path) between the first separating member 110 and the outer cylinder 180 passes through an opening (not shown) in the second separating member 120 from a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the second separating member 120 (the Z-axis in Figure 3) and enters the second separating member 120. A swirling flow of air containing the fine dust is again generated within each cyclone member 121, separating the fine dust from the air. The fine dust separated from the air within the cyclone member 121 falls into the second storage section 162, as described above. Meanwhile, the air passes through an exhaust hole 122 located at the top of the cyclone member 121 and is returned to the atmosphere.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. The main difference from embodiment 1 is that in embodiment 2, an opening 310 is formed in the bottom of protruding member 140, and a check valve 320 is disposed in this opening 310. Furthermore, parts that are common to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals.

Embodiment 2 will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of dust collection container 100 of embodiment 2. In dust collection container 100 of embodiment 2, an opening 310 is formed in the bottom of protruding member 140, which is positioned approximately in the center of the top of first separating member 110 and protrudes downward, and a check valve 320 is disposed in this opening 310.

The check valve 320 is formed from an elastic material such as rubber. The check valve 320 may also be formed from other materials. For example, it may be formed from resin, metal, etc.

A space 330 is formed between the second separating member 120 and the opening 310, and the fine dust separated by the second separating member 120 falls into the space 330. Some of the falling fine dust falls directly to the opening 310, while others fall onto the inclined portion 340 formed on the inner side surface of the protruding member 140. The fine dust that falls onto the inclined portion 340 slides down the inclined portion 340 and falls to the opening 310.

The lower central portion of space 330 is convex downward. Normally, fine dust (dirt) separated by second separating member 120 begins to accumulate directly below second separating member 120 in space 330, but because the central bottom portion is convex downward, once a certain amount of fine dust has accumulated, the fine dust naturally flows down the downward convex shape. Normally, if too much fine dust accumulates directly below second separating member 120, the fine dust will continue to pile up and get too close to the bottom end surface of second separating member 120. If cleaning is performed in this state, the fine dust will be lifted up by second separating member 120, reducing the fine dust separation performance of second separating member 120. However, by having a convex shape below space 330, separation performance can be maintained for longer even when a large amount of fine dust is sucked in.

As shown in Figure 8, the check valve 320 is normally closed, so fine dust that falls to the opening 310 (falls onto the check valve 320) cannot fall below the opening 310. Furthermore, the presence of the check valve 320 prevents the swirling air current generated within the first separating member 110 from entering the opening 310 and flowing back into the space 330.

There are various possible methods for causing fine dust accumulated on the check valve 320 or in the space 330 to fall into the first storage section 161. For example, as shown in Figure 9, a rod-shaped member (rod member 360) is arranged to link the cover member 170 and the check valve 320, and when the cover member 170 rotates downward, the check valve 320 connected to the rod-shaped member (rod member 360) opens downward, allowing fine dust accumulated on the check valve 320 or in the space 330 to fall into the first storage section 161. In this way, the first separating member 110 and the second separating member 120 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the opening 310. The cover member 170 can be opened and closed vertically around a shaft 350 provided below the dust collection container 100.

Alternatively, the check valve 320 can be configured so that as fine dust accumulates on it, its weight causes the check valve 320 to open downward.

Alternatively, it is also possible to link the check valve 320 with the operation button. For example, a rod-shaped member connected to the operation button can also be connected to the check valve 320, so that when the operation button is pressed, the rod-shaped member is pushed downward, causing the check valve 320 to open downward. The operation button is preferably located on the top surface or upper side of the dust collection container 100 so that it is easy for the user to operate.

The check valve 320 is preferably opened when no swirling air current is being generated within the dust collection container 100. In other words, it is preferable to open the check valve 320 when no suction air is being generated by the motor. For this reason, it is preferable to open the check valve 320 when the user opens or closes the lid member 170, or to open the check valve 320 automatically or by user operation after cleaning is completed. To automatically open the check valve 320, for example, a rod-shaped member may be moved by a motor or the like, and the rod-shaped member may push the check valve 320, or the check valve 320 may be moved together with the rod-shaped member in the direction of opening.

The check valve 320 is preferably provided at the bottom of the protruding member 140. This configuration can prevent the swirling air current generated within the first separating member 110 from hitting the check valve 320 as much as possible. On the other hand, another possible configuration is to provide one or more check valves 320 on the side of the protruding member 140.

In embodiment 2, even without providing the second storage section 162 as in embodiment 1, it is possible for the fine dust separated by the second separating member 120 to fall toward the cover member 170 (first storage section 161). In other words, the dust separated by the second separating member 120 can be collected in the first storage section 161 via the opening 310 and the first separating member 110.

In addition, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the swirling airflow generated within the first separating member 110 from flowing back into the space 330.

In this embodiment, the dust container is detachable from the stick-type vacuum cleaner body. However, this embodiment can also be applied to vacuum cleaners that, for example, have a structure in which, when the stick-type vacuum cleaner is attached to the charging base, dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner's dust container is moved to a container such as a paper bag on the charging base. In this case, the suction air generated by the electric blower mounted on the charging base can move the dust in the dust container to the charging base, and check valve 320 can be opened.

Specifically, for example, by connecting the flow path through which suction air is generated from the charging base to the suction pipe 130 of the dust collection container, dust accumulated in the first storage section 161 can be sent to the charging base via the suction pipe 130, and the suction air can also open the check valve 320. At this time, dust accumulated in the space 330 can also be sent to the charging base through the opening 310 and the suction pipe 130. For example, suction air can be generated into the dust collection container via the charging base, the suction port of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and the suction pipe 130.

Alternatively, the cover member 170 can be configured to open while the dust collection container and charging base are connected, and the opening where the cover member 170 is positioned can be connected to the flow path where suction air is generated from the charging base, thereby sending dust accumulated in the first storage section 161 to the charging base and opening the check valve 320. In this case, the check valve 320 may be configured to open using a rod member 360 as shown in Figure 9, or if the rod member 360 is not present, the check valve 320 may be opened by suction air.

The area of opening 310 is smaller than the opening area of filter member 150. When transferring dust from the dust collection container to the charging base, two routes of wind pass through the dust collection container. These routes are explained using Figure 10. One route is the first route, which runs from the second separation member 120 through the second storage section 162, opening 310, and the first separation member 110. The first route is for transferring dust from the second storage section 162 to the charging base. The other route is the second route, which runs from the second separation member 120 through the gap (part of the transport path) between the first separation member 110 and the outer tube 180, and passes through the first separation member 110 via the filter member 150. The second route is for transferring dust and other particles adhering to the filter member 150 to the charging base. The first route has lower pressure loss than the second route. Therefore, by making the area of the opening 310 smaller than the opening area of the filter member 150, it is possible to ensure a certain amount of airflow passing through the second path, and dust adhering to the filter member 150 and the second path can also be transferred to the charging base. This makes it possible to transfer all of the dust in the dust collection container to the charging base in a balanced manner.

(Embodiment 3)
10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 10 shows a state in which check valve 320 is open, and Fig. 11 shows a state in which check valve 320 is closed.

In this embodiment, a return portion 370 is provided above the protruding member 140.

Fine dust separated by the second separating member 120 accumulates in the second storage section 162. At this time, the fine dust tends to accumulate in a location within the second storage section 162 away from the connection with the second separating member 120. This is because the wind flows quickly at the connection with the second separating member 120 within the second storage section 162, and the force of this wind blows the fine dust away.

As a result, the fine dust tends to move toward the opening 310, which is the inner bottom of the protruding member 140 and is the part farthest from the second separating member 120. Therefore, the fine dust will preferentially accumulate on the inside of the protruding member 140.

In this embodiment, by providing the return portion 370, it is possible to prevent dust that has accumulated at the bottom of the protruding member 140 from being blown up as much as possible.

The return portion 370 is provided around the opening above the protruding member 140, surrounding the upper part of the protruding member 140. Note that there may be only one protruding member 140, or multiple protruding members 140.

Figures 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of the dust collection container 100 of embodiment 3, showing other examples of the return portion 370. Figure 12 shows the check valve 320 in an open state, and Figure 13 shows the check valve 320 in a closed state.

As shown in FIG. 12, the return portion 370 may have a shape that slopes downward from the middle to the tip of the return portion 370.

(Fourth embodiment)
14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to embodiment 4. Fig. 14 shows a state in which check valve 320 is open, and Fig. 15 shows a state in which check valve 320 is closed.

In embodiment 4, a bent portion 380 is provided at one of the left and right ends of the check valve 320 in Figure 14, the end closest to the rotation axis of the check valve 320. When the check valve 320 is opened, this bent portion 380 abuts against the protruding member 140, preventing the check valve 320 from opening beyond a predetermined angle.

By using this configuration, even when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after the check valve 320 has opened, the check valve 320 can be quickly moved in the closing direction.

Alternatively, the following configuration may be used. Figures 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to embodiment 4, showing other examples of the opening and closing structure of check valve 320. Figure 16 shows the check valve 320 in an open state, and Figure 17 shows the check valve 320 in a closed state.

As shown in Figure 16, a valve receiving portion 390 may be provided below the check valve 320. When the check valve 320 opens downward, the check valve 320 abuts against the valve receiving portion 390, thereby restricting the opening angle of the check valve 320. With this configuration, even when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after the check valve 320 has opened, the check valve 320 can be quickly moved in the closing direction.

Alternatively, the following configuration may also be used. Figures 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views of dust collection container 100 according to embodiment 4, showing yet another example of the opening and closing structure of check valve 320. Figure 18 shows the check valve 320 in an open state, and Figure 19 shows the check valve 320 in a closed state.

As shown in Figure 19, a gap may be provided between the check valve 320 and the valve receiving portion 390. As shown in Figure 18, when the check valve 320 opens downward, the check valve 320 abuts against the valve receiving portion 390, thereby restricting the opening angle of the check valve 320. In the example of the valve receiving portion 390 shown in Figure 18, the tip of the check valve 320 abuts against the valve receiving portion 390 when the check valve 320 opens downward. With this configuration, even when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after the check valve 320 has opened, the check valve 320 can be quickly moved in the closing direction.

Fifth Embodiment
Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collection container 100 of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' in Fig. 20.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, a labyrinth structure 400 is provided inside the protruding member 140.

The labyrinth structure 400 has three bridge sections 410 formed at the top. The bridge sections 410 extend from the upper end of the protruding member 140 toward the central axis of the dust collection container 100.

In addition, a roughly rod-shaped member extends downward from the intersection of the three bridge portions 410, with a circular portion 420 formed at the tip of the rod-shaped member. A gap 430 is also formed between the circular portion 420 and the protruding member 140. Therefore, dust present in the space 330 falls through the gap 430 into the check valve 320.

Dust that has accumulated inside the protruding member 140 can be dropped into the first storage section 161 by opening the check valve 320.

Furthermore, even if the check valve 320 does not close quickly when the electric blower inside the main body is driven after the check valve 320 has opened, the labyrinth structure 400 will prevent the dust accumulated in the first storage section 161 from flowing back. This makes it possible to prevent as much as possible the dust accumulated in the first storage section 161 from flowing back into the space 330.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, other embodiments may be realized by arbitrarily combining the components described in this specification, or by excluding some of the components. Furthermore, the present disclosure also includes variations obtained by applying various modifications to the above-described embodiments that would occur to a person skilled in the art, provided that the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, i.e., the meaning of the wording set forth in the claims.

For example, the outer peripheral shape of the protruding member 140 is not limited to a specific shape, and it may be a D-shape with a portion of the circle cut out, as shown in Figure 6.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, a guide member 190 may be provided that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first separation member 110 and extends spirally around the tube axis. The guide member 190 guides the dust-containing air sucked into the first separation member 110 through the suction holes 111 so that it becomes a swirling flow toward the filter member 150. In this embodiment, one end of the guide member 190 is located between the suction holes 111 in the direction of the tube axis and on the periphery of the suction holes 111, and the other end is located on the filter member 150 side. In other words, the guide member 190 winds counterclockwise from the blocking portion 112 toward the opening 113 when viewed from above (Z+ side in the figure).

The cross-sectional shape of the guide member 190 taken along a plane including the tube axis is not limited. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the guide member 190 is a rectangle that is thinner in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. The number of turns of the spiral guide member 190 is not limited. In this embodiment, the guide member 190 is wound three times from the top to the bottom of the first separation member 110. The portion of the guide member 190 corresponding to the suction hole 111 is cut out. In other words, the guide member 190 does not cross the suction hole 111, and the portion corresponding to the suction hole 111 is discontinued. Note that the guide member 190 may also be formed by forming a spiral groove in a first separation member 110 that is configured to have a thick wall. In other words, forming the guide member 190 by erecting ribs on the inner surface of the first separation member 110 is the same as forming the guide member 190 by providing a spiral groove on the inner surface of the first separation member 110.

The dust collection container 100 of the first aspect described in the above embodiment comprises a cylindrical first separating member 110 that is closed at one end and open at the other; a suction pipe 130 provided on the outer surface of the first separating member 110 and communicating with a suction hole 111 provided in the peripheral wall of the first separating member 110; a protruding member 140 that protrudes from the center of the closing portion 112 of the first separating member 110 toward the opening 113; a cylindrical filter member 150 that extends outward from the open end of the first separating member 110 in the direction of the pipe axis from the closing portion 112 toward the opening 113; and a first storage section 161 that is positioned on the opposite side of the filter member 150 from the first separating member 110 and stores dust that is centrifuged from the air by a swirling air flow generated inside the first separating member 110.

In the dust collection container 100 of the first embodiment, a protruding member 140 is provided inside the first separating member 110. Therefore, even if the first separating member 110 is small enough to be provided in a stick-type vacuum cleaner 200, the dust-laden air sucked through the suction hole 111 can be made into a swirling flow, making it possible to effectively separate the dust from the air. The presence of the protruding member 140 allows the size of the suction hole 111 that sucks in the dust-laden air to be relatively large, making it possible to prevent the suction hole 111 from becoming clogged with dust as much as possible.

The dust collection container 100 of the second embodiment includes the dust collection container of the first embodiment, but the opening area of the suction hole 111 is smaller than the opening area of the suction pipe 130 facing the suction hole 111, and the suction hole 111 is biased toward the downstream side of the swirling air flow relative to the suction pipe 130.

In the second embodiment of the dust collection container 100, the dust-laden airflow passing through the suction hole 111 flows in so as to be pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the first separating member 110. Therefore, even with a small first separating member 110, a more effective swirling flow can be generated. Furthermore, the presence of the protruding member 140 makes it possible to generate an effective swirling flow even when the opening area of the suction hole 111 is 70% or more of the opening area of the suction tube 130. This prevents the suction hole 111 from becoming clogged with dust, even when large dust particles are sucked in.

The dust collection container 100 of the third embodiment includes either the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and in the direction of the tube axis, the tip of the protruding member 140 is positioned closer to the blocking portion 112 than the suction hole 111.

In the dust collection container 100 of the third embodiment, the protruding member 140 does not overlap with any part of the suction hole 111 in the axial direction of the tube, which reduces pressure loss of the air flowing in from the suction hole 111 due to the protruding member 140 and prevents a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 200.

The fourth aspect of the dust collection container 100 includes any of the first to third aspects, and the suction hole 111 is positioned with a predetermined gap between it and the blocking portion 112.

The fourth aspect of the dust collection container 100 can suppress the downward force that the swirling flow receives from the blocking portion 112, making it possible to effectively retain the swirling flow within the first separating member 110.

The fifth embodiment of the dust collection container 100 includes any of the first to fourth embodiments, and the filter member 150 expands toward the first storage section 161.

The fifth aspect of the dust collection container 100 makes it possible to easily allow dust adhering to the inner surface of the filter member 150 to fall into the first storage section 161.

The dust collection container 100 of the sixth aspect includes any of the first to fifth aspects, and in the direction of the tube axis, the length L1 of the first separating member 110 is longer than the length L2 of the filter member 150.

The dust collection container 100 of the sixth aspect is small but can effectively separate relatively large dust particles from the air, and can prevent clogging of the filter member 150.

The seventh aspect of the dust collection container 100 includes any of the first to sixth aspects, and is equipped with a guide member 190 that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first separating member 110 and extends spirally around the tube axis.

The dust collection container 100 of the eighth embodiment includes the dust collection container 100 of the seventh embodiment, with one end of the guide member being positioned between the suction holes 111 in the direction of the tube axis and on the periphery of the suction holes 111, and the other end being positioned on the filter member 150 side.

The dust collection container 100 of the seventh and eighth aspects can stabilize the swirling flow within the first separating member 110, allowing dust to be separated from the air more effectively even in a small dust collection container 100.

The vacuum cleaner 200 of the ninth aspect described in the above embodiment includes any of the dust collection containers 100 of the first to eighth aspects, and is equipped with a suction device 210 that creates a negative pressure inside the first separating member 110 of the dust collection container 100 via the filter member 150.

The vacuum cleaner 200 of the ninth aspect can achieve the effects corresponding to each of the above aspects.

The vacuum cleaner 200 of the tenth aspect includes the vacuum cleaner of the ninth aspect, and is provided with a second separating member interposed between the filter member 150 and the suction device 210 in the suction path.

This makes it possible to separate fine dust particles that cannot be separated by the first separating member 110.

The dust collection container disclosed herein can be used in devices that process sucked air, such as vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and air conditioners.

100 Dust collection container 101 Pipe shaft 110 First separation member 111 Suction hole 112 Closure portion 113 Opening 120 Second separation member 121 Cyclone member 122 Exhaust hole 130 Suction pipe 140 Protruding member 150 Filter member 161 First storage portion (dust collection portion)
162 Second storage section 170 Lid member 180 Outer cylinder 200 Cleaner 210 Suction device 220 Head 230 Pipe 240 Grip portion 310 Opening 320 Check valve 330 Space 340 Inclined portion 350 Shaft 360 Rod member 370 Return portion 380 Bent portion 390 Valve receiving portion 400 Labyrinth structure 410 Bridge portion 420 Circle portion 430 Gap

Claims (6)

a first separating member that separates dust by generating a swirling air current therein;
a dust collecting section that collects the dust separated by the first separating member;
a second separating member that further separates dust from the air that has passed through the first separating member,
The first separating member has an opening formed therein;
the first separating member and the second separating member are configured to be able to communicate with each other through the opening,
a check valve is disposed in the opening to prevent air from flowing back from the first separating member to the second separating member;
A dust collection container in which dust separated by the second separating member can be collected in the dust collecting section through the opening and the first separating member. A dust collection container as described in claim 1, wherein a protruding member protruding downward is provided at approximately the center of the upper surface of the first separating member, and the opening and the check valve are located at the bottom of the protruding member. The dust collection container according to claim 2, wherein a space is defined between the protruding member and the second separating member, into which dust separated by the second separating member enters. A dust collection container as described in claim 3, wherein the side of the protruding member is configured with an inclined surface, and a portion of the dust separated by the second separating member can slide down the inclined surface and fall into the opening. A dust collection container as described in claim 4, further comprising an openable and closable lid member disposed at the bottom of the dust collection container, the lid member and the check valve being connected to a rod-shaped member, and when the lid member is opened, the rod-shaped member moves downward and the check valve opens. A vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 5.