CN111466825A

CN111466825A - Dust collecting device and dust collector

Info

Publication number: CN111466825A
Application number: CN202010037582.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘俊贤; 陈智翔; 李柏毅; 陈圣仁
Original assignee: Nidec Corp
Current assignee: Nidec Corp
Priority date: 2019-01-24
Filing date: 2020-01-14
Publication date: 2020-07-31
Also published as: JP2020116188A

Abstract

The invention provides a dust collecting device and a dust collector. The dust collecting device comprises: an intake unit having a first intake port and a first exhaust port; a plurality of centrifugal separation units; and an exhaust section. Each centrifugal separation unit has a second air inlet communicated with the first exhaust port, a first centrifugal separation device, a second centrifugal separation device and a second exhaust port. The first centrifugal separation device has a first shaft and a cylindrical first separation section extending in a first axial direction parallel to the first shaft. The second centrifugal separator has a second shaft and a hollow truncated cone-shaped second separator portion tapered in a second axial direction parallel to the second shaft. The exhaust section has a third intake port and a third exhaust port that communicate with the second exhaust port. The passages through which air flows from the first exhaust port to the third intake port via the interiors of the centrifugal separation units are different from each other, and are arranged in parallel with each other.

Description

Dust collecting device and dust collector

Technical Field

The invention relates to a dust collecting device and a dust collector.

Background

Conventionally, there is known a vacuum cleaner equipped with a centrifugal separation unit for separating dust from an air flow using a centrifugal separation device called a so-called cyclone separator or a scroll separator. For example, Japanese Kokai publication No. 2002-532178 discloses a vacuum cleaner equipped with a cyclone-type separating apparatus. In this cyclone-type separation apparatus, the outer cyclone and the inner cyclone are concentrically arranged, and the common axis of the outer cyclone and the inner cyclone is horizontally arranged. In addition, Japanese Kokai publication No. 2014-504534 discloses an autonomous vacuum cleaner equipped with a cyclone separating apparatus. In the cyclone separation apparatus, the longitudinal axis of the first cyclone is arranged in the horizontal direction, and the plurality of second cyclones are arranged downstream of the first cyclone.

Disclosure of Invention

However, when only one centrifugal separation unit is mounted as in the cyclone-type separation apparatus, if clogging of dust or the like occurs in the centrifugal separation unit, the separation efficiency of dust in the centrifugal separation unit may be significantly reduced. Moreover, dust may not be separated from the air stream.

The invention aims to provide a dust collecting device and a dust collector which can inhibit the separation efficiency of dust from greatly reducing.

The dust collecting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an air suction unit, a plurality of centrifugal separation units, and an air discharge unit. The air intake unit includes: a first air intake port for taking in air from outside the device; and a first exhaust port for exhausting air in the air intake part. Each of the centrifugal separation units includes: a second intake port communicating with the first exhaust port; a first centrifugal separation device; a second centrifugal separation device; and a second air outlet for discharging air in the centrifugal separation unit. The first centrifugal separator includes a first shaft and a cylindrical first separating portion extending in a first axial direction parallel to the first shaft. The second centrifugal separator includes a second shaft and a hollow truncated cone-shaped second separator portion tapered in a second axial direction parallel to the second shaft. The exhaust unit includes: a third intake port communicating with the second exhaust port; and a third exhaust port for exhausting air in the exhaust part. Passages through which air flows from the first exhaust port to the third intake port via the interiors of the centrifugal separation units are different, and are arranged in parallel with each other.

An exemplary vacuum cleaner of the present invention includes the dust collecting device and the air blowing device. The blower is mounted to the dust collector and generates an air flow from the first air inlet toward the third air outlet in the dust collector.

According to the dust collecting device and the dust collector of the present invention, the great reduction of the dust separation efficiency can be suppressed.

The above and other features, elements, steps, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vacuum cleaner of the present embodiment.

Fig. 1B is a sectional configuration diagram of each part of the vacuum cleaner of the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the dust collection unit of the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a sectional perspective view of the dust collection unit of the present embodiment.

Fig. 4 is another sectional perspective view of the dust collection unit of the present embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the centrifugal separation unit of the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a relationship between a direction in which air flows into the second intake port and a direction in which the intake pipe extends.

Fig. 7 shows another configuration example of the second centrifugal separator.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the centrifugal separation unit according to the first modification.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of a centrifugal separation unit according to a second modification.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the present specification, the surface F to be cleaned is parallel to the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The direction from the surface F to be cleaned to the dust collection device 100 in the vertical direction is "vertically upward". The direction from the dust collection device 100 toward the surface F to be cleaned is "vertically downward".

In the centrifugal separation unit 2, the central axis of the first centrifugal separation device 21 is referred to as a first axis X1. A direction parallel to the first axis X1 is referred to as "first axial DX 1". In the first axial direction DX1, the direction from the second inlet 201, which is the inlet, of the first centrifugal separator 21 to the opening 2111 is referred to as "first one axial direction DX1 a", and the direction from the opening 2111 to the second inlet 201 is referred to as "first other axial direction DX1 b". The direction orthogonal to the first axis X1 is referred to as a "first radial direction". In the first radial direction, the direction toward the first axis X1 is referred to as "first radially inward direction", and the direction away from the first axis X1 is referred to as "first radially outward direction". The direction along the circumference centered on the first axis X1 is referred to as a "first circumferential direction".

The central axis of the second centrifugal separator 23 is referred to as a second axis X2. The direction parallel to the second axis X2 is referred to as "second axial DX 2". The direction from the air intake opening 2321 to the second dust container 24 in the second axial direction DX2 is referred to as "one second axial direction DX2 a", and the direction from the second dust container 24 to the air intake opening 2321 is referred to as "the other second axial direction DX2 b". The direction orthogonal to the second axis X2 is referred to as a "second radial direction". In the second radial direction, the direction toward the second axis X2 is referred to as "second radially inward direction", and the direction away from the second axis X2 is referred to as "second radially outward direction". In addition, a direction along the circumference centered on the second axis X2 is referred to as "second circumferential direction DR 2". The direction in which the intake pipe 233 extends from the edge of the intake opening 2321 in the second circumferential direction DR2 is referred to as "second circumferential direction DR2 a", and the direction opposite to the second circumferential direction DR2a is referred to as "second circumferential direction DR2 b".

However, when the first axis X1, which is the central axis of the first centrifugal separator 21, is the same as the second axis X2, which is the central axis of the second centrifugal separator 23, the first axial direction DX1 and the second axial direction DX2 are the same. The first axial side DX1a and the second axial side DX2a are oriented in the same direction, and the first axial side DX1b and the second axial side DX2b are oriented in the same direction.

In addition, when the first axis X1 is the same as the second axis X2, the first radial direction and the second radial direction are the same direction. The first radially inner side and the second radially inner side are in the same orientation, and the first radially outer side and the second radially outer side are in the same orientation.

In addition, in the case where the first axis X1 is the same as the second axis X2, the first circumferential DR1 is the same direction as the second circumferential DR 2. The first one circumferential direction DR1a and the second one circumferential direction DR2a are oriented in the same direction, and the first other circumferential direction DR1b and the second other circumferential direction DR2b are oriented in the same direction.

The above-described direction is not a direction applied to the case of actually incorporating the device.

In the present specification, the term "parallel" in the positional relationship between one of the orientation, line and plane and the other thereof includes not only a state in which both are completely not crossed over the other, but also a state in which both are substantially parallel. The terms "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" include not only a state in which they intersect each other at 90 degrees, but also a substantially perpendicular state and a substantially orthogonal state, respectively. That is, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "orthogonal" include a state in which the positional relationship of the two is angularly deviated to such an extent that does not depart from the gist of the present invention.

Fig. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vacuum cleaner 500 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1B is a sectional configuration diagram of each part of a vacuum cleaner 500 according to the present embodiment. In fig. 1B, the vacuum cleaner 500 is mounted on a surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to a horizontal plane. In the present embodiment, a first axis X1, which is a central axis of a first centrifugal separator 21, which will be described later, is the same as a second axis X2, which is a central axis of a second centrifugal separator 23, which will be described later.

The vacuum cleaner 500 of the present embodiment is a so-called sweeping robot, and is, for example, a self-propelled motor cleaning device that autonomously travels on a surface F to be cleaned to perform cleaning. The vacuum cleaner 500 sucks and collects dust on the surface F to be cleaned together with air, for example.

The vacuum cleaner 500 includes a dust collection unit 501, a sensor unit 502, a power supply unit 503, a drive unit 504, a motor unit 505, a drive pulley 506, a driven pulley 507, a control unit 508, and a housing 509. Further, the dust collection unit 501 is explained below.

The sensor unit 502 is, for example, an infrared sensor, and detects an obstacle, a step, or the like such as a wall or furniture. The power supply unit 503 is, for example, a secondary battery, and supplies electric power to each component of the vacuum cleaner 500. The driving unit 504 controls each component of the cleaner 500, and particularly controls driving of the motor unit 505. The motor unit 505 is a driving device that drives the driving pulley 506. The driving wheels 506 are wheels for driving the cleaner 500 together with the driven wheels 507. The housing 509 houses the dust collection unit 501, the sensor unit 502, the power supply unit 503, the drive unit 504, the motor unit 505, the control unit 508, and the like.

Next, the structure of the dust collection unit 501 will be described with reference to fig. 1B to 4. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the dust collection unit 501 of the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a sectional perspective view of the dust collection unit 501 of the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is another sectional perspective view of the dust collection unit 501 of the present embodiment. In fig. 2 to 4, the dust collection unit 501 is mounted on a surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to a horizontal plane. Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the dust collection unit 501 along the line a-a of fig. 2. The cross section of fig. 3 is a cross section when the dust collection unit 501 is cut by a virtual plane parallel to the vertical direction and the first axis X1. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the dust collection unit 501 along the line B-B of fig. 2. The cross section of fig. 4 is a cross section when the dust collection unit 501 is cut by a virtual plane parallel to the vertical direction and perpendicular to the first axis X1.

The dust collection unit 501 includes a dust collection device 100, an air blower 300, and an exhaust nozzle 400. In other words, the vacuum cleaner 500 includes the dust collection device 100 and the blower device 300. The cleaner 500 also has an exhaust nozzle 400. The dust collecting device 100 sucks air in a first air intake 101 described later and separates dust from the air flow. The separated air is discharged to the outside of the dust collection device 100 through a third air outlet 302 described later. An air blower 300 and an exhaust nozzle 400 are connected to the rear end of the dust collecting device 100. The blower 300 is disposed inside the exhaust nozzle 400. The air blowing device 300 is attached to the dust collection device 100 and generates an air flow from the first air intake 101 toward the third air exhaust 302 in the dust collection device 100. The blower 300 generates a negative pressure in the third air outlet 302 to suck air in the dust collection device 100, and discharges the air to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 500 through the air discharge nozzle 400. In the present embodiment, an axial fan is used as the air blower 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and other types of fans such as a centrifugal fan may be used. The vacuum cleaner 500 includes the dust collecting device 100 and the blower device 300, and thus, a significant drop in dust separation efficiency can be suppressed in the vacuum cleaner 500.

Next, the structure of the dust collection device 100 will be described with reference to fig. 2 to 4. The dust collecting device 100 includes an air intake unit 1, a plurality of centrifugal separation units 2, and an air discharge unit 3. In the present embodiment, the dust collection device 100 further includes the first dust storage 4.

The intake section 1 has a first intake port 101 and a first exhaust port 102. The first air intake 101 takes air from the outside of the dust collecting device 100 into the interior of the air intake part 1. That is, the first air intake port 101 takes in air from the outside of the present apparatus. The first exhaust port 102 exhausts air in the intake unit 1. More specifically, the first exhaust port 102 exhausts the air in the air intake unit 1 to the outside of the air intake unit 1. The opening end face of the first air suction port 101 has a shape in the longitudinal direction in the present embodiment, and faces the surface F to be cleaned. The first air intake port 101 sucks in, for example, dust on the surface F to be cleaned together with air during air intake.

The air intake unit 1 further includes an air intake passage 11 and a flow distribution plate 12. The intake passage portion 11 is a passage through which air flows in the intake portion 1. A first intake port 101 is provided at one end of the intake passage portion 11. The other end of the intake passage 11 is provided with a first exhaust port 102. The intake passage portion 11 communicates the first intake port 101 and the first exhaust port 102.

The flow distribution plate 12 is provided inside the intake passage portion 11. The flow dividing plate 12 divides the end of the intake part 1 on the first intake port 101 side and extends from the first intake port 101 toward the first exhaust port 102 along the inside of the intake passage part 11. In detail, the flow dividing plate 12 extends along the air flow in the intake passage portion 11. In the present embodiment, the flow dividing plate 12 is provided at least at one end portion of the intake passage portion 11 on the first intake port 101 side, and divides the space of the one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the first intake port 101. The end of the intake section 1 on the first intake port 101 side is divided by the flow dividing plate 12, and thus variation in intake efficiency near the opening end face of the first intake port 101 can be suppressed. For example, the air volume in the vicinity of the edge of the opening end face of the first air intake port 101 is different from the air volume in the vicinity of the center of the opening end face. Therefore, if the intake section 1 is not divided, turbulence is generated in the intake section 1, and there is a possibility that the intake efficiency of the entire first intake port 101 is lowered. This tendency is particularly remarkable in the longitudinal direction of the first air intake port 101. On the other hand, when the air intake unit 1 is divided by the flow dividing plate 12 as described above, the decrease in the air intake efficiency of the entire first air intake port 101 can be suppressed by suppressing the variation in the air intake efficiency. Therefore, the suction efficiency of the dust collection device 100 can be improved.

Then, the centrifugal separation unit 2 is provided in plurality between the air intake unit 1 and the air exhaust unit 3, and separates dust from the air flowing in from the air intake unit 1. The number of the centrifugal separation units 2 provided in the dust collection device 100 is two in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and a plurality of the centrifugal separation units may be three or more.

Each centrifugal separation unit 2 has a second suction port 201 and a second discharge port 202. The second intake port 201 communicates with the first exhaust port 102. The second air outlet 202 discharges air inside the centrifugal separation unit 2.

The centrifugal separation units 2 are connected in parallel with each other with respect to an air flow from the air intake section 1 toward the air discharge section 3, connected in parallel with the air intake section 1 at the rear stage of the air intake section 1, and connected in parallel with the air discharge section 3 at the front stage of the air discharge section 3. Therefore, the centrifugal separation units 2 form air passages parallel to each other in the dust collecting device 100. That is, the passages through which the air flows from the first exhaust port 102 to the third intake port 301, which will be described later, through the interiors of the centrifugal separation units 2 are different and are arranged in parallel with each other.

Since a plurality of passages through which air flows are provided in parallel with each other in this manner, even if the air flow in the passage passing through a part of the centrifugal separation units 2 is reduced or stopped due to, for example, clogging of dust in the part of the centrifugal separation units 2, the air can flow through the passage passing through the remaining centrifugal separation units 2. The air flow can maintain the suction of the air in the first air intake port 101 and the discharge of the air from the third air exhaust port 302. Therefore, even if the inspection and repair are not frequently performed, the dust collection device 100 can suppress a significant decrease in the separation efficiency of the dust, and can perform dust collection by suction of air.

Further, since a plurality of passages through which air flows are provided in parallel with each other, air resistance of the entire plurality of passages can be further reduced. Therefore, for example, a load applied to the air blower 300 or the like that generates an air flow in the dust collection device 100 during dust collection can be reduced. Since air blower 300 can be driven with a smaller drive current, the life of air blower 300 can be extended, and the power consumption of air blower 300 can be reduced.

Then, the exhaust part 3 has a third suction port 301 and a third exhaust port 302. In the present embodiment, the exhaust unit 3 further includes an exhaust passage unit 31. The third suction port 301 communicates with the second discharge port 202. The third exhaust port 302 exhausts air in the exhaust part 3. The exhaust passage portion 31 communicates with the third intake port 301 and the third exhaust port 302. The exhaust passage portion 31 is a passage through which air flows in the exhaust portion 3. A third air inlet 301 is provided at one end of the exhaust passage portion 31. The other end of the exhaust passage portion 31 is provided with a third exhaust port 302.

The exhaust passage section 31 has a cylindrical filter 311 having a cover for partitioning the third intake port 301 and the third exhaust port 302. The Filter 311 can be, for example, a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air Filter) Filter. By separating the third air inlet 301 and the third air outlet 302 by the filter 311, fine dust contained in the air discharged from each centrifugal separation unit 2 can be separated and collected by the filter 311. Therefore, cleaner air can be discharged from the third exhaust port 302. Further, since the filter 311 has a cylindrical shape with a cover, the ventilation area of the filter 311 becomes larger. Therefore, the ventilation efficiency and the dust collection effect of the filter 311 can be improved. The filter 311 is preferably detachable from the third intake port 301 and the third exhaust port 302. In this way, the filter 311 can be easily replaced. In the present embodiment, the filter 311 is provided inside the exhaust passage unit 31, but is not limited to this example, and may be provided outside the exhaust passage unit 31.

The first dust container 4 communicates with the interior of a first centrifugal separator 21, which will be described later, of each centrifugal separation unit 2, and contains, for example, relatively large dust separated by each first centrifugal separator 21.

Next, the structure of the centrifugal separation unit 2 will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 5. Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the centrifugal separation unit 2 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 is a part of a cross section of the dust collection unit 501 along the line a-a of fig. 2.

Each centrifugal separation unit 2 also has a second dust containing part 24. Each centrifugal separation unit 2 further includes a first centrifugal separation device 21, a flow straightening member 22, a second centrifugal separation device 23, a second dust storage 24, and a connection passage 25.

< 1-4-1. first centrifugal separation device

Each centrifugal separation unit 2 has a first centrifugal separation device 21. The first centrifugal separator 21 has a first axis X1 and a cylindrical first separation section 211 extending in a first axial direction DX1 parallel to the first axis X1. The first axis X1 is the central axis of the first separating portion 211. In the present embodiment, when the dust collecting device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane, the first axis X1 is parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the example, and the first axial direction DX1 in which the first axis X1 extends may intersect with the horizontal direction in a state where the dust collection device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned.

In the first centrifugal separator 21, the air swirls around the first axis X1, which is the central axis of the first centrifugal separator 21, along the inner wall of the first separation portion 211 inside the first separation portion 211. This separates large dust contained in the air. That is, the first centrifugal separator 21 is a centrifugal separator of a so-called vortex separation type.

The first separating portion 211 is provided with an opening 2111. In the present embodiment, the opening 2111 is provided at the end of the first axial direction DX1a of the first separating portion 211. The first dust storage portion 4 communicates with the inside of the first separating portion 211 via an opening 2111 provided in the outer peripheral portion of the first separating portion 211. The air and dust swirl in the first separating portion 211. The air flows into the rectifying member 22 from a plurality of holes 223 provided in the rectifying member 22 to be described later. The dust is subjected to centrifugal force and flows into the first dust housing portion 4 through the opening 2111. At this time, the dust is accommodated in the first dust accommodating portion 4 by touching the inner wall of the first dust accommodating portion 4 or the like.

The first separation portion 211 includes a partition portion 2112. Partition 2112 partitions first separating portion 211 from first dust accommodating portion 4. This can prevent the dust contained in first dust containing part 4 from first separating part 211 from moving into first separating part 211.

In addition, the first separated portion 211 further includes a guide plate 2113. The guide plate 2113 extends from a part of the edge of the opening 2111 to the inside of the first dust containing section 4. In the present embodiment, the guide plate 2113 extends from the end of the partition 2112. This makes it difficult for the dust in first dust containing part 4 to move into first separating part 211.

The centrifugal separation unit 2 has a rectifying member 22. The rectifying member 22 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the second centrifugal separator 23. In the present embodiment, the rectifying member 22 is provided inside the first separating portion 211. The rectifying member 22 includes a cylindrical portion 221 and a disk-shaped cover 222. The cylinder 221 extends in the first axial direction DX1 about the first axis X1, and partitions an inner space of the first separation portion 211 in the first radial direction. The cover 222 closes an end of the first axial direction DX1a of the tube 221. A first radially outer end of the cover 222 is connected to the barrel 221. The first radially inner end of the cover 222 is connected to the outer surface of the second centrifugal separation device 23, and in the present embodiment, to the outer surface of a second separation section 231 described later. The end of the first other axial side DX1b of the tube portion 221 is closed by the connection passage portion 25.

The rectifying member 22 also has a plurality of hole portions 223 communicating the inside and the outside of the rectifying member 22. The hole 223 penetrates the tube 221 in the thickness direction. The aperture of the hole 223 is preferably smaller than the size of dust that can be separated from the air flow by the first centrifugal separator 21.

By providing the plurality of holes 223 in the flow straightening member 22, dust having a size equal to or larger than the diameter of the holes 223 can be prevented from flowing into the flow straightening member 22 while riding on the air. Therefore, the efficiency of separating dust in the first separating portion 211 of the first centrifugal separator 21 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the hole 223 penetrates the cylindrical portion 221 in the first radial direction. However, the hole 223 is not limited to this example, and may penetrate the cylindrical portion 221 in a direction intersecting the first radial direction at an acute angle. For example, the hole 223 may be inclined in the first circumferential direction DR1b as it goes inward in the first radial direction. In the present embodiment, the air flowing into the first separating portion 211 from the second air inlet 201 flows in the first circumferential direction DR1 b. Therefore, the penetration direction of the hole 223 is inclined as described above, and thus the air flowing outside the rectifying member 22 can flow more smoothly into the rectifying member 22 through the hole 223 in the first separating portion 211.

The second centrifugal separator 23 is provided downstream of the first centrifugal separator 21 and the rectifying member 22. The second centrifugal separation device 23 is preferably disposed inside the first centrifugal separation device 21. In this way, the centrifugal separation unit 2 can be made compact because space can be saved more than in a configuration in which the first centrifugal separation device 21 is disposed outside the second centrifugal separation device 23. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the second centrifugal separation device 23 may be disposed outside the first centrifugal separation device 21.

Each centrifugal separation unit 2 has a second centrifugal separation device 23. The second centrifugal separator 23 has a second axis X2 and a hollow truncated cone-shaped second separating portion 231 tapered toward a second axial direction DX2a parallel to the second axis X2. The second axis X2 is the central axis of the second separating portion 231. In the present embodiment, as described above, the second axis X2 is the same as the first axis X1 which is the central axis of the first centrifugal separator 21. That is, in the present embodiment, the first separating portion 211 and the second separating portion 231 are arranged concentrically as viewed from the second axial direction DX 2. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the example, and the second axis X2 may be an axis that is different from the first axis X1 and is parallel to the first axis X1.

When the dust collecting device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane, the direction in which the second axis X2 extends is parallel to the horizontal direction. In this way, when the dust collecting device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane, the second axis X2 of the second centrifugal separation device 23 is parallel to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the first radial dimension of the space in the first centrifugal separation device 21 required for the second centrifugal separation device 23 to be incorporated is reduced, and therefore the dimension in the radial direction of the first separation portion 211 of the first centrifugal separation device 21 can be further reduced. Therefore, the dust collecting device 100 can be further miniaturized.

The air flowing into the rectifying member 22 flows into the second separating portion 231 through an air intake pipe 233 of the second centrifugal separator 23, which will be described later. In the second centrifugal separator 23, the air swirls along the inner wall of the hollow truncated cone-shaped second separating portion 231 around the second axis X2, which is the central axis of the second centrifugal separator 23, in the second separating portion 231. Thereby, dust contained in the air is separated. That is, the second centrifugal separator 23 is a centrifugal separator of a so-called cyclone type.

The second dust container 24 is provided at an end of the second axial direction DX2a of the second separating portion 231. Hereinafter, this end portion is referred to as a tip end portion. An opening (not shown) is provided at the distal end portion. The inside of the second separating portion 231 communicates with the inside of the second dust containing portion 24 via the opening. The air and the dust are directed toward the distal end portion of the second separating portion 231 on the second axial direction DX2a side while swirling in the second separating portion 231. The air separated in the second separating portion 231 is reversed to flow toward the second axial direction other DX2b and discharged from the second exhaust port 202 on the second axial direction other DX2b side. The dust separated in the second separating portion 231 is accommodated in the second dust accommodating portion 24.

The second centrifugal separator 23 further includes a plurality of suction pipes 233. In the present embodiment, the second centrifugal separator 23 further includes a lid cylinder 232.

The covered cylindrical portion 232 covers an end portion of the second axial other side DX2b of the second separating portion 231. A plurality of intake openings 2321 are provided on the outer surface of the covered cylinder 232 in the second radial direction. In other words, a plurality of suction openings 2321 are provided in the second centrifugal separation device 23. Further, an exhaust opening 2322 is provided in the lid surface of the lid cylinder 232. The connection passage portion 25 is connected to the exhaust opening 2322. The exhaust opening 2322 communicates with the second exhaust port 202 via the connecting passage portion 25.

Each suction pipe 233 communicates the inside and the outside of the second separating part 231. The suction pipe 233 extends in one circumferential direction from an edge of a suction opening 2321 provided in the second centrifugal separator 23. Each suction pipe 233 extends in the second circumferential direction DR2a from an edge of a suction opening 2321 provided in the second centrifugal separator 23. One end of each suction pipe 233 is connected to each suction opening 2321. The other end of the suction pipe 233 communicates with the outside of the second centrifugal separation device 23.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a relationship between a direction in which air flows into the second intake port 201 and a direction in which the intake pipe 233 extends. Fig. 6 shows a cross section of the dust collecting device 100 along the line C-C of fig. 5. The cross section of fig. 6 is a cross section when the dust collecting device 100 is cut by a virtual plane parallel to the vertical direction and perpendicular to the first axis X1. In fig. 6, the dotted line with arrows indicates the air flow. In fig. 6, the direction in which the intake pipe 233 extends from the edge of the intake opening 2321 is the second circumferential direction DR2a, and the direction of the airflow flowing from the second intake port 201 into the first separating portion 211 is the second circumferential direction DR2 b.

The intake pipe 233 extends in one circumferential direction around the second axis X2, and is separated from the second axis X2 as it goes to the one circumferential direction. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 6, the intake pipe 233 extends in the second circumferential direction DR2a centered on the second axis X2, and is spaced away from the second axis X2 as it goes toward the second circumferential direction DR2 a. More specifically, the second radially outer side wall 2331 of the intake pipe 233 extends from the edge of the intake opening 2321 in the second circumferential direction DR2a and is spaced apart from the second axis X2 as it goes toward the second circumferential direction DR2 a. In this way, the air flowing into the second separation section 231 from the second circumferential direction one DR2a side toward the second circumferential direction other DR2b side through the plurality of air suction pipes 233 and the air flow in the second separation section 231 swirling along the second circumferential direction other DR2b centered on the second axis X2 can be joined more uniformly and smoothly. Further, since the air flow in the second separating portion 231 is less likely to be disturbed, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the air flow swirling in the second separating portion 231 and to make the air flow faster. Therefore, the efficiency of separating dust in the second centrifugal separator 23 can be improved. Further, the dust separated from the air flow is easily sent to the second dust containing portion 24 connected to the end of the second axial direction DX2a of the second separating portion 231.

Further, the air flow along the outer peripheral surface of the second centrifugal separation device 23 flows more uniformly into the intake pipe 233 in the second circumferential direction DR2 around the second axis X2 as viewed in the second axial direction DX2, and thus easily flows uniformly in the second circumferential direction DR 2. Therefore, for example, in the case where the cylindrical flow-adjusting member 22 having the plurality of holes 223 is provided around the second separating portion 231 as shown in fig. 5, the air flows more uniformly through the plurality of holes 223. This can prevent the hole 223 from being clogged with dust accompanying the air flow.

In the present embodiment, in the second circumferential direction DR2, the direction in which the suction pipe 233 extends from the edge of the suction opening 2321 is opposite to the direction of the air flow flowing from the second suction port 201 into the first separating portion 211. The second inlet 201 faces at least the other side in the circumferential direction. That is, the second inlet 201 faces at least the second circumferential direction DR2 b. Therefore, the air flowing into the first separating portion 211 from the second air inlet 201 flows toward the second circumferential direction DR2b opposite to the direction in which the air intake duct 233 extends. In this way, the air flowing in the first separating portion 211 can be made to flow more smoothly into the air intake pipe 233 than in the case where the direction in which the air intake pipe 233 extends from the edge of the air intake opening 2321 in the second circumferential direction DR2 is in the same direction as the direction of the air flow flowing in from the second air intake 201. Accordingly, a decrease in the air flow flowing into the second separating portion 231 can be suppressed, and therefore the air flow swirling in the second separating portion 231 can be made faster. Therefore, the efficiency of separating dust by the second centrifugal separator 23 can be further improved.

In the present embodiment, the direction in which the intake pipe 233 extends is inclined toward the second axial side DX2b as it goes toward the first circumferential side. The direction in which the intake pipe 233 extends is inclined to the second axial direction other side DX2b as it goes to the second circumferential direction DR2 a. In this way, the air flowing into the second separation section 231 through the plurality of air suction pipes 233 can be more smoothly merged with the air flowing toward the second axial direction one DX2a while swirling the second circumferential direction other DR2b around the second axis X2 at one edge in the second separation section 231. Therefore, the efficiency of separating dust by the second centrifugal separator 23 can be further improved. Further, the dust separated from the air flow can be more easily sent to the second dust containing portion 24 connected to the end of the second axial direction DX2a of the second separating portion 231. However, not limited to this example, in at least one intake pipe 233, for example, as shown in fig. 7, the direction in which the intake pipe 233 extends may not be inclined toward the second axial direction DX2 as it goes toward the second circumferential direction DR2 a.

Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be explained. Hereinafter, a structure different from the above-described embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the centrifugal separation unit 2 according to the first modification. Fig. 8 corresponds to, for example, a part of a cross section of the dust collection unit 501 along the line a-a of fig. 2.

In the first modification, the first axis X1, which is the central axis of the first centrifugal separator 21, is different from the second axis X2, which is the central axis of the second centrifugal separator 23. More specifically, when the dust collecting device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane, the first axial direction DX1, along which the first axis X1 extends, is parallel to the horizontal plane. On the other hand, the second axis X2 intersects the first axis X1 at an acute angle. In other words, when the dust collecting device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane, the second axis X2 intersects the horizontal direction at an acute angle. That is, the second axis X2 is parallel to the horizontal direction or intersects at an acute angle. Even in this case, since the first radial dimension of the space in the first centrifugal separation device 21 required for the second centrifugal separation device 23 to be incorporated is reduced, the dimension in the radial direction of the first separation portion 211 of the first centrifugal separation device 21 can be reduced. Therefore, the dust collecting device 100 can be downsized.

The second shaft X2 may extend vertically downward as it goes toward the second axial direction DX2 a. More specifically, the second axis X2 may extend vertically downward toward the second axial direction DX2a in a state where the dust collecting device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned that is parallel to the horizontal plane. For example, the opening at the distal end of the second separating portion 231 is provided vertically below the exhaust opening 2322 of the covered cylinder portion 232. In this way, the dust separated from the air by the second centrifugal separation devices 23 can be moved to the second axial direction DX2a of the second centrifugal separation devices 23 by gravity. Further, the separated dust can be moved by gravity to the second dust accommodating portion 24 provided at the end of the second axial direction DX2a of the second centrifugal separator 23. Therefore, the dust separating ability of the second centrifugal separator 23 can be improved.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the centrifugal separation unit 2 according to the second modification. Fig. 9 corresponds to, for example, a part of a cross section of the dust collection unit 501 along the line a-a of fig. 2.

In the second modification, the number of the second centrifugal separation devices 23 arranged inside the first centrifugal separation device 21 is plural. That is, the centrifugal separation unit 2 includes a plurality of second centrifugal separation devices 23. By disposing a plurality of second centrifugal separation devices 23 inside the first centrifugal separation device 21, the centrifugal separation unit 2 can be made more compact, and more air in the first centrifugal separation device 21 can be sucked by the second centrifugal separation device 23 as a whole. Therefore, the air resistance at the time of air suction can be reduced in the entire second centrifugal separator 23, and higher suction efficiency can be achieved. In addition, the number is three in fig. 9, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and two or more than four may be used.

The air flowing into the rectifying member 22 flows into the second separating portion 231 of each second centrifugal separation device 23. In each of the second centrifugal separators 23, the air swirls around the second axis X2 along the inner wall of the second separator 231 inside the second separator 231, and the dust contained in the air is separated.

The interior of the second separating portion 231 of each second centrifugal separator 23 communicates with the interior of the second dust container 24 via an opening provided at the distal end portion of the second separating portion 231. The air heading toward the distal end portion of the second separating portion 231 while swirling inside the second separating portion 231 is reversed from the distal end portion and heading toward the exhaust opening 2322. At this time, the dust separated in the second separating portion 231 is accommodated in the second dust accommodating portion 24.

The exhaust openings 2322 of the second centrifugal separation devices 23 are connected to the connection passage portion 25, and communicate with the second exhaust port 202 via the connection passage portion 25. The air that has reached the exhaust opening 2322 is discharged to the exhaust portion 3 via the connection passage portion 25.

In fig. 9, the second axis X2 of each second centrifugal separation device 23 is parallel to the first axis X1 of the first centrifugal separation device 21, and is parallel to the horizontal direction in a state where the dust collection device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane. That is, the respective second centrifugal separation devices 23 are arranged laterally. However, not limited to the example of fig. 9, the second axis X2 of the at least one second centrifugal separation device 23 may intersect the first axis X1, or may intersect the horizontal direction when the dust collection device 100 is placed on the surface F to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane. That is, at least one second centrifugal separator 23 may be placed obliquely with respect to the surface F to be cleaned parallel to the horizontal plane, or may be placed vertically so that the second axis X2 extends in the vertical direction.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Further, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by adding various modifications to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The matters described in the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined as appropriate within a range not inconsistent with each other.

The present invention can be used for a dust collecting device and a vacuum cleaner, for example. In particular, the present invention is useful for a device equipped with a centrifugal separation unit for separating dust from an air flow.

Claims

1. A dust collecting device comprises an air suction part, a plurality of centrifugal separation units and an air discharge part,

the air intake unit includes:

a first air intake port for taking in air from outside the device; and

a first exhaust port for exhausting air in the air intake part,

each of the centrifugal separation units includes:

a second intake port communicating with the first exhaust port;

a first centrifugal separator having a first shaft and a cylindrical first separation section extending in a first axial direction parallel to the first shaft;

a second centrifugal separator having a second axis and a hollow truncated cone-shaped second separator portion tapered in a second axial direction parallel to the second axis; and

a second air outlet for discharging air in the centrifugal separation unit,

the exhaust unit includes:

a third intake port communicating with the second exhaust port; and

a third exhaust port for exhausting the air in the exhaust part,

the above-mentioned dust collecting device is characterized in that,

passages through which air flows from the first exhaust port to the third intake port via the interiors of the centrifugal separation units are different, and are arranged in parallel with each other.

2. The dust collecting device according to claim 1,

the air intake unit further includes:

an intake passage portion which communicates the first intake port and the first exhaust port; and

a flow distribution plate provided inside the intake passage part,

the flow dividing plate divides an end portion of the intake portion on the first intake port side and extends from the first intake port toward the first exhaust port along the intake passage portion.

3. The dust collecting device according to claim 1 or 2,

further comprising a first dust storage part communicating with the inside of the first separating part via an opening provided in the outer peripheral part of the first separating part,

the first separating portion includes a partition portion that partitions the first separating portion and the first dust accommodating portion.

4. A dust collecting device according to claim 3,

the first separating part further includes a guide plate,

the guide plate extends from a part of an edge of the opening to the inside of the first dust storage unit.

5. The dust collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the second centrifugal separator has a plurality of suction pipes for connecting the inside and outside of the second separator,

the suction pipe extends in one circumferential direction around the second shaft and is separated from the second shaft as the suction pipe extends in the one circumferential direction.

6. The dust collecting device according to claim 5,

the suction pipe extends in one circumferential direction from an edge of a suction opening provided in the second centrifugal separator,

the second air inlet faces at least the other side in the circumferential direction.

7. The dust collecting device according to claim 5 or 6,

the direction in which the intake pipe extends is inclined to the second axial direction as it goes to the circumferential direction.

8. The dust collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the second axis is parallel to the horizontal direction or intersects at an acute angle.

9. The dust collecting device according to claim 8,

the second shaft extends vertically downward toward the second axial direction.

10. The dust collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

each of the centrifugal separation units further includes a second dust housing portion provided at one end portion of the second separation portion in the second axial direction.

11. The dust collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the second centrifugal separation device is disposed inside the first centrifugal separation device.

12. The dust collecting device according to claim 11,

the number of the second centrifugal separation devices disposed inside the first centrifugal separation device is plural.

13. The dust collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

the centrifugal separation unit further includes a cylindrical rectifying member surrounding the second centrifugal separation device,

the rectifying member has a plurality of holes communicating the inside and the outside of the rectifying member.

14. The dust collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,

the exhaust unit further includes an exhaust passage unit communicating the third intake port and the third exhaust port,

the exhaust passage section has a filter in the shape of a cylinder with a cover that partitions the third intake port and the third exhaust port.

15. A vacuum cleaner is characterized by comprising:

a dust collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and

and a blower device that is attached to the dust collecting device and generates an air flow from the first air intake port toward the third air exhaust port in the dust collecting device.