CN116997280A - Cyclone dust collector - Google Patents

Abstract

The dust collector of the invention comprises: a dust collection container for storing dust; a suction tube part configured to allow air in a separation chamber and a dust storage chamber formed in the dust collection container to flow in, and to form a flow path for allowing the flowing air to flow toward a suction source; a dust removal filter unit provided in the suction tube unit so as to remove dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber; and a separation section provided in the suction tube section and configured to perform a separation process of centrifugally separating dust from air flowing into the suction tube section and dropping the centrifugally separated dust to a lower end portion of the suction tube section.

Description

Cyclone dust collector

Technical Field

The present invention relates to cyclone dust collectors.

Background

The cyclone dust collector comprises: a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust; dust collection containers for allowing dust sucked by suction to flow in together with air (see patent documents 1 and 2). The peripheral wall of the dust collecting container is cylindrical, and an inlet is provided at the upper part of the dust collecting container to allow air and dust flowing into the dust collecting container to flow along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container.

A disk-shaped dividing section for vertically dividing the inner space of the dust collecting container is provided in the dust collecting container. The outer diameter of the dividing portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the dust collecting container, so that an annular gap is formed between the outer periphery of the dividing portion and the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container. The space on the upper side of the dividing portion is used as a separation chamber for centrifugally separating dust from the air flowing in via the inflow portion. The space on the lower side of the dividing portion is used as a dust storage chamber for storing the centrifugally separated dust.

A suction tube portion is provided at the center of the dust collection container, and a dust removal filter portion configured to collect dust is mounted in the suction tube portion. The suction tube portion extends along the central axis of the separation chamber, and the lower end portion of the suction tube portion protrudes from the dust storage chamber. The suction tube portion is configured to allow air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber to flow in, and an upper end portion of the suction tube portion is configured to allow air flowing into the suction tube portion through the dust removal filter portion to flow out toward the suction source. The dust removal filter unit is configured to remove dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber.

After the suction force is generated by the suction source, the air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber flows into the suction tube portion through the dust removing and filtering portion. Accordingly, the outside air flows into the separation chamber through the inflow portion together with the dust. In the separation chamber, a swirling flow is generated in which outside air and dust flow along the inner periphery of the dust collection container. During this time, on the one hand, the outside air flows so as to gradually approach the suction tube portion, and on the other hand, dust heavier than the outside air continues to flow in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container. That is, the dust is centrifugally separated based on the swirling flow in the separation chamber. The centrifugally separated dust flows into the dust storage chamber through an annular space between the outer peripheral edge of the dividing portion and the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container based on the dead weight. Dust flowing into the dust storage chamber is prevented from returning to the separation chamber by the dividing portion. Therefore, dust accumulates in the dust storage chamber.

Air in the dust storage chamber is also sucked into the suction source through the suction tube portion. Based on this air, dust in the dust storage chamber flows toward the suction tube portion and is trapped by the dust removal filter portion. As a result, the dust in the dust storage chamber is attached to the dust removal filter unit, and the volume thereof is reduced.

By sucking air not only in the separation chamber but also in the dust storage chamber, the effect of reducing the volume of dust can be obtained. However, since a relatively large amount of dust is present in the dust storage chamber, the amount of dust flowing into the suction tube portion through the filter and further to the suction source increases.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2013-5921

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2007-282929

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide a cyclone dust collector capable of restraining dust flowing to a suction source even if air is sucked into a dust storage chamber.

The dust collector of the invention is configured to collect dust in a cyclone mode. The dust collector comprises: a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust; a dust collection container configured to cause air flowing in with dust to flow as a swirling flow flowing along an inner peripheral surface, and configured to cause air inside to flow upward when receiving a suction force; a dividing section that divides an inner space of the dust collection container into a separation chamber that centrifugally separates dust based on a swirling flow, and a dust storage chamber that communicates with the separation chamber in such a manner as to allow the centrifugally separated dust to fall down and stores the dust flowing in from the separation chamber; a suction tube section configured to allow air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber to flow in when receiving a suction force, and to form a flow path through which the air flows toward a suction source; a dust removal filter unit provided in the suction tube unit so as to remove dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber; and a separation unit provided in the suction tube unit and configured to perform a separation process of centrifugally separating dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit and dropping the centrifugally separated dust.

The cyclone dust collector can restrain dust flowing to a suction source even if sucking air in the dust storage chamber.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vacuum cleaner.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collecting part of the cleaner.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collecting part.

Fig. 5 is a view showing the air flow in the dust collection unit.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection part having a suction cylinder part with a lower end portion spaced apart from a bottom of a dust collection container.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collection part configured to reduce the volume of dust between the bottom of the dust collection container and the lower end of the suction cylinder part.

Detailed Description

The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid that the following description becomes unnecessarily lengthy to make it easy for a person skilled in the art to understand. Furthermore, the figures and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the scope of the present invention.

(integral Structure of vacuum cleaner)

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dust collector 100 for collecting dust in a cyclone type. Referring to fig. 1, a cleaner 100 is illustrated.

The vacuum cleaner 100 includes: a cleaner main body 110; a connection pipe 120 configured to be attachable to the cleaner body 110; the suction nozzle 130 is configured to be attachable to the connection pipe 120.

The connection pipe 120 forms a dust flow path through which dust flows in a state where an upper end is connected to the cleaner body 110 and a lower end is connected to the suction nozzle 130.

The suction nozzle 130 has a box shape that is long in the width direction and opens toward the floor. A suction space wider than the dust flow path formed by the connection pipe 120 is formed in the suction nozzle 130, and dust can flow into the cleaner 100 through the suction space.

The cleaner body 110 has a substantially cylindrical casing 111. As shown in fig. 2, a suction source 113 that generates a suction force for sucking dust and a battery 114 that is electrically connected to the suction source 113 to supply electric power to the suction source 113 are housed inside the housing 111. The suction source 113 may have, for example, a fan and a motor that receives electric power from the battery 114 to drive the fan.

The cleaner body 110 further includes a substantially C-shaped handle 112 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 111, and a tubular attachment portion 115 protruding downward from the handle 112. The handle 112 has a shape that can be held by a user, and as shown in fig. 1, an operation portion 116 that is operated by the user is provided on the front surface of the handle 112. The suction source 113 is operated or stopped based on the operation portion 116. The mounting portion 115 is opened downward, and the upper end of the connection pipe 120 is fitted into the opening of the mounting portion 115. As shown in fig. 2, a flow passage 117 communicating with the dust flow passage formed by the connection pipe 120 is formed inside the mounting portion 115.

The cleaner body 110 further includes a dust collection portion 200 configured to be connectable to the lower surface of the housing 111 and the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 115. The dust collection unit 200 is configured to store dust contained in air flowing in the flow passage 117 of the suction nozzle 130, the connection pipe 120, and the attachment unit 115 in this order. The dust collection unit 200 is described below with reference to fig. 2 to 4.

(Structure of dust collecting part)

The dust collection part 200 has a dust collection container 210 provided at the lower side of the suction source 113. The dust collection container 210 is configured to allow air and dust to flow in. Specifically, the dust collection container 210 includes a peripheral wall 211, an upper wall 212, a bottom 213, and a connection tube 214.

The peripheral wall 211 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The connection tube 214 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 at the upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 211 and is connected to the flow passage 117 of the mounting portion 115. Specifically, the connection tube 214 protrudes in a tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 211 at a connection portion between the peripheral wall 211 and the connection tube 214. The air flowing into the upper portion of the dust collection container 210 flows along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 211 to form a swirling flow by the connection tube 214 protruding in the tangential direction.

A swing holding portion 215 configured to swingably hold the bottom 213 is provided at a lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 211. The bottom 213 includes a substantially disk-shaped lid 244 closing the opening at the lower end of the inner space of the dust collection container 210, and a disk-shaped seal 216 provided at the substantially center of the inner surface of the lid 244. The outer peripheral portion of the cover 244 is configured to be attachable to the swing holding portion 215. The cover 244 can swing up and down about the swing holding portion 215 in a state of being connected to the swing holding portion 215. When the bottom 213 is in a substantially horizontal posture, the inner space of the dust collection container 210 is closed. After the bottom 213 swings downward from the horizontal posture, the inner space of the dust collection container 210 is opened. The sealing portion 216 is provided to prevent dust stored in the dust collection container 210 from flowing to the suction source 113.

The upper wall 212 is a substantially disk-shaped member fitted into the upper end of the peripheral wall 211 and connected to the lower end of the housing 111. The upper wall 212 includes a disk-shaped opening disk portion 218 provided with 7 openings 217, and an annular projection 219 provided so as to project upward from the outer peripheral edge of the opening disk portion 218. 1 of the 7 openings 217 is provided in the center of the opening circular plate 218. The remaining opening 217 is formed at intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge of the opening circular plate 218. The air in the dust collection container 210 can flow upward toward the suction source 113 through the opening 217 of the opening disk 218. As shown in fig. 2, a filter pad 286 is provided in the space surrounded by the annular projection 219. The filter pad 286 is disposed to remove dust from the air flowing to the suction source 113 through the opening 217.

A protruding tube portion 220 protruding downward is provided on the lower side surface of the opening circular plate portion 218 at a position corresponding to the opening portion 217. The protruding cylinder 220 is provided to promote centrifugal separation of dust in the dust collection container 210.

A seal piece 225 having an opening through which the protruding tube 220 passes is disposed below the upper wall 212.

The dust collection unit 200 includes a partition 221 for vertically partitioning the inner space of the dust collection container 210. The dividing portion 221 is a ring-shaped member provided at a position lower than the connection tube 214. The space above the dividing unit 221 in the internal space of the dust collection container 210 will be referred to as "separation chamber 222" in the following description. The space located on the lower side with respect to the dividing portion 221 is referred to as "dust storage chamber 223" in the following description. The separation chamber 222 is a space for centrifugally separating dust flowing into the dust collection container 210 together with air. The dust storage chamber 223 is a space for storing dust centrifugally separated in the separation chamber 222.

The outer diameter of the dividing portion 221 is smaller than the inner diameter of the dust container 210, and an annular space 224 is formed between the outer peripheral portion of the dividing portion 221 and the inner peripheral portion of the dust container 210. That is, the separation chamber 222 communicates with the dust storage chamber 223 through the annular space 224.

A suction tube 230 forming a flow path for allowing air sucked from the separation chamber 222 and the dust storage chamber 223 by receiving the suction force of the suction source 113 to flow is disposed in the dust collection container 210. The suction tube 230 extends in the up-down direction along the central axis of the dust container 210. The suction tube 230 includes an upper tube 231 disposed in the separation chamber 222, a lower tube 233 disposed in the dust storage chamber 223, and a filter holder 234 disposed coaxially with the lower tube 233 in the lower tube 233. The upper tube 231 forms an upper portion of the suction tube 230, and the lower tube 233 and the filter holder 234 form a lower portion of the suction tube 230.

The upper tube 231 is integrally formed with the dividing portion 221 so as to protrude upward from the dividing portion 221. The upper tube 231 is formed coaxially with the dividing portion 221, and has a tapered tube shape that narrows downward toward the dividing portion 221.

The upper portion 235 of the upper tube 231 is formed so as to circumferentially surround the 7 protruding tube portions 220 of the upper wall portion 212. The upper end of the upper portion 235 is crimped to the underside of the sealing sheet 225. The upper portion 235 has a circumferentially continuous wall structure that does not allow the inflow of air from the separation chamber 222.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 3, a plurality of inflow openings 271 are provided in the peripheral wall portion of the lower portion 236 of the upper tube portion 231, and air in the separation chamber 222 can flow into the upper tube portion 231 through these inflow openings 271. An annular protrusion 237 protruding inward in the radial direction of the upper tube 231 is provided at the lower end of the lower portion 236 of the upper tube 231. The annular protrusion 237 is provided to vertically sandwich the lower tube 233 and the filter holder 234 with the seal 216.

The lower tube 233 and the filter holder 234 are cylindrical members having upper and lower ends open. As shown in fig. 3, a plurality of inflow openings 272 are formed in the peripheral wall portion of the lower tube portion 233. As shown in fig. 3, a plurality of inflow openings 273 are also formed in the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234. The inflow openings 272 and 273 of the lower tube 233 and the filter holder 234 are provided to allow air in the dust storage chamber 223 to pass through the lower tube 233 and the filter holder 234 in order.

The inner diameter of the lower cylinder 233 is larger than the outer diameter of the filter holding portion 234, and as shown in fig. 4, a gap 240 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the lower cylinder 233 and the outer peripheral surface of the filter holding portion 234.

The lower end of the lower tube 233 is pressure-bonded to the sealing portion 216 and hermetically connected to the bottom 213 of the dust container 210. On the other hand, the upper end of the lower tube 233 abuts the lower surface of the annular projection 237 of the upper tube 231. A support ring 241 protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall portion of the lower tubular portion 233 is provided between the upper end of the lower tubular portion 233 and the inflow opening 272 of the peripheral wall portion of the lower tubular portion 233. The support ring 241 is provided for supporting the dividing portion 221 and the upper tube 231. That is, the dividing portion 221 and the upper tube portion 231 are disposed on the support ring 241.

The inner diameter of the lower cylinder 233 on the upper side of the support ring 241 is larger than the inner diameter of the lower cylinder 233 on the lower side of the support ring 241. Accordingly, an upward annular surface 242 is formed inside the lower cylinder 233 at a height position where the support ring 241 is provided.

The lower end of the filter holding portion 234 is pressure-bonded to the sealing portion 216, and is hermetically connected to the bottom 213 of the dust container 210. On the other hand, the upper end of the filter holding portion 234 abuts against the lower side surface of the annular protrusion 237 of the upper tube 231. An annular closing portion 243 protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234 is provided between the upper end of the filter holding portion 234 and the inflow opening 273 of the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234. The closing portion 243 closes the upper end of the gap 240 between the lower cylinder 233 and the filter holding portion 234 in a state of being placed on the annular surface 242 of the lower cylinder 233. On the other hand, the lower end of the space 240 is closed based on the bottom 213 of the dust container 210. When the bottom 213 of the dust container 210 swings downward to open the inner space of the dust container 210, the gap 240 opens to the outer space of the dust container 210.

In order to remove dust from the air flowing into the suction tube 230, as shown in fig. 3, a dust removal filter 260 is provided in the suction tube 230. The dust removal filter unit 260 includes a main filter 261, an outer filter 262, and an inner filter 263. The main filter 261 is attached to a peripheral wall portion of the main filter 261 so as to cover the inflow opening 271 of the upper tube 231. The outer filter 262 is attached to the peripheral wall portion of the lower tube portion 233 so as to cover the inflow opening 272 of the lower tube portion 233 disposed in the dust storage chamber 223. The inner filter 263 is provided for removing dust from the air passing through the outer filter 262. Specifically, the inner filter 263 is attached to the peripheral wall portion of the filter holding portion 234 so as to cover the inflow opening 273 of the filter holding portion 234 disposed in the lower tube portion 233. In addition, the above-described gap 240 is formed between the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263.

The density of the filter holes (number of filter holes per unit area) in the outer filter 262 and the main filter 261 is smaller than the density of the filter holes (number of filter holes per unit area) in the inner filter 263. The inner filter 263 has smaller filtering holes than the outer filter 262.

A separation section 250 is provided inside the suction tube section 230, and the separation section 250 is configured to perform a separation process of centrifugally separating dust contained in air flowing into the suction tube section 230 and dropping the centrifugally separated dust. The re-separating portion 250 has a cylindrical structure as a whole. The re-separation portion 250 is configured such that an outer peripheral portion of the re-separation portion 250 is spaced inward in the radial direction from an inner peripheral portion of the suction tube portion 230 (i.e., an inner peripheral portion of the upper tube portion 231 and an inner peripheral portion of the filter holding portion 234). The space between the outer peripheral portion of the re-separation portion 250 and the inner peripheral portion of the suction tube portion 230 becomes a flow path of air flowing into the suction tube portion 230.

The re-separation section 250 includes: the centrifugal separation unit 281 configured to centrifugally separate dust contained in the air flowing into the suction tube unit 230; the housing 232 houses the dust centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separator 281. The housing portion 232 is configured as a cylindrical body extending downward from the centrifugal separation portion 281.

As shown in fig. 3, the centrifugal separation portion 281 has a structure in which 7 separation cylinders 251 to 257, which are open at the upper end and the lower end, are integrated. The separation cylinders 251 to 257 are arranged in accordance with the layout of the 7 openings 217 of the upper wall 212, and the inner spaces of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 communicate with the openings 217. Specifically, the separation tube 251 is provided at a position corresponding to the central opening 217. The remaining separation cylinders 252 to 257 are arranged in such a manner as to circumferentially surround the separation cylinder 251. Further, the separation cylinders 252, 257 adjacent in the circumferential direction are arranged at intervals, allowing air to flow into the separation cylinder 251 in the center through the space between the separation cylinders 252, 257.

As shown in fig. 3, an inflow port 258 of a substantially rectangular shape is formed in an upper portion of the peripheral wall portion of each of the separation cylinders 251 to 257. The inflow port 258 is opened in a tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of each of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 in the formation position of the inflow port 258. Thereby, the air flowing into the separation cylinders 251 to 257 through the inflow port 258 by the suction force of the suction source 113 flows along the inner peripheral surfaces of the separation cylinders 251 to 257, respectively, to become a swirl flow.

The upper end edges of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 are press-fitted to the lower side surfaces of the seal pieces 225, surrounding the opening portions of the seal pieces 225, respectively. The protruding cylinder portion 220 of the upper wall portion 212 protruding downward through the opening portion of the sealing sheet 225 is inserted in the upper portion of the separation cylinders 251 to 257. Specifically, the insertion amount of the protruding cylindrical portion 220 is set so that the lower end of the protruding cylindrical portion 220 is lower than the lower end of the inflow port 258.

The central separation cylinder 251 is disposed coaxially with the suction cylinder part 230, and a lower portion of the separation cylinder 251 has a shape narrowing downward. A downward opening drop port 282 is formed at the lower end of the separation tube 251 to allow the dust centrifugally separated based on the swirling flow in the separation tube 251 to drop. The lower portions of the separation cylinders 252 to 257 disposed at the periphery of the separation cylinder 251 also have a shape narrowing downward. A drop-down opening 282 is also formed at the lower end of the separation cylinders 252 to 257, the drop-down opening 282 of the separation cylinders 252 to 257 opening toward the central axis of the suction cylinder portion 230.

As shown in fig. 3, a retaining plate 259 integrally formed with the separation cylinders 251 to 257 is provided at the peripheral wall portion of the lower end of the separation cylinders 251 to 257. The holding plate 259 is configured to intensively hold the separation cylinders 251 to 257. The holding plate 259 is fitted into the upper end of the housing 232. Further, the upper end portion of the housing portion 232 and the holding plate 259 have shapes complementary to each other, and the connection portions of these members have an airtight structure to prevent inflow of air passing between the holding plate 259 and the housing portion 232.

The housing portion 232 is provided on the lower side of the centrifugal separation portion 281 in such a manner as to support the centrifugal separation portion 281, and the downward-opening drop-down ports 282 of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 are opened toward the housing portion 232. The upper end of the housing portion 232 is opened so that the dust centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separation portion 281 falls into the housing portion 232, and the internal space of the housing portion 232 communicates with the internal spaces of the separation cylinders 251 to 257.

The housing portion 232 includes: an upper portion 238 disposed in an inner space of the lower portion 236 of the upper tube portion 231; a lower portion 239 extending downward from the upper portion 238 and disposed in the dust storage chamber 223.

The upper portion 238 of the housing portion 232 has a tapered cylindrical shape narrowing downward. An upper portion 238 of the housing portion 232 is inserted into an opening area surrounded by the annular protrusion 237 of the lower portion 236 of the upper tube portion 231. An outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 238 of the housing portion 232 is spaced radially inward from an inner edge of the annular protrusion 237, and an annular space is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 238 of the housing portion 232 and the inner edge of the annular protrusion 237. Air flowing in from the dust storage chamber 223 is allowed to flow upward through the annular space.

The lower portion 239 of the accommodating portion 232 is a cylindrical member extending downward from the lower end of the upper portion 238 of the accommodating portion 232, and the lower end of the lower portion 239 opens downward. The lower end of the lower portion 239 is pressed against the sealing portion 216, and dust falling from the centrifugal separation portion 281 is stored in the storage portion 232 at the sealing portion 216.

The lower end of the receiving portion 232 is in airtight contact with the bottom 213 of the dust container 210 based on the sealing portion 216. The upper end of the housing portion 232 is hermetically connected to the centrifugal separation portion 281. Therefore, even when the centrifugal separation portion 281 receives the suction force from the suction source 113 and centrifugally separates dust, air does not flow into the housing portion 232. That is, even if the air in the centrifugal separation portion 281 on the upper side of the housing portion 232 is sucked by the suction source 113, it is difficult to generate an upward air flow in the housing portion 232.

(description of operation)

The operation of the cleaner 100 will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 3 and 5.

When the user operates the operation unit 116 to activate the suction source 113, dust on the floor surface flows along with air in the flow passage 117 of the suction nozzle 130, the connection pipe 120, and the mounting unit 115 in this order based on the suction force of the suction source 113. Thereafter, as indicated by arrow a in fig. 5, the dust and air flow into the dust collection container 210 through the connection tube 214 of the dust collection unit 200.

The air flowing in through the connection tube 214 flows into the separation chamber 222. The air flows along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container 210 in the separation chamber 222, and forms a swirling flow. As a result, the dust heavier than the air flows along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container 210, while the air flows while revolving around the upper cylinder 231, so as to gradually approach the upper cylinder 231. The air flows into the upper tube 231 through the inflow opening 271 provided in the peripheral wall portion of the upper tube 231. Although this air may contain minute dust which is difficult to receive the centrifugal separation action due to the swirling flow, such minute dust may be trapped by the main filter 261 provided in the peripheral wall portion of the upper tube portion 231. Further, since most of the dust flowing into the separation chamber 222 is subjected to centrifugal separation by the swirling flow and flows along the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container 210 at a position radially separated from the upper tube 231, clogging of the filter holes of the main filter 261 is less likely to occur.

The dust centrifugally separated by the swirling flow in the separation chamber 222 gradually moves downward by the action of gravity. As a result, the dust falls into the dust storage chamber 223 through the annular space 224 formed between the partition 221 and the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection container 210. Figure 5 shows dust flowing into the dust reservoir 223.

Since the partition 221 is provided between the dust storage chamber 223 and the separation chamber 222, it is difficult for dust flowing into the dust storage chamber 223 to return to the separation chamber 222. Accordingly, dust is stored in the dust storage chamber 223.

In the dust storage chamber 223, a lower tube portion 233 and a filter holding portion 234 having inflow openings 272 and 273 formed in the peripheral wall portion are disposed, and therefore, air and dust in the dust storage chamber 223 are guided to the lower tube portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234. As shown by arrow B in fig. 5, air flows through the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263 in this order, and flows into the space between the inner filter 263 and the lower portion 239 of the housing portion 232. The air flowing into the space between the inner filter 263 and the lower portion 239 of the housing 232 flows upward as indicated by arrow C in fig. 5, and passes through the annular space between the upper portion 238 of the housing 232 and the annular protrusion 237. The air passing through the annular space between the upper portion 238 of the housing portion 232 and the annular protrusion 237 merges with the air flowing into the upper tube 231 as indicated by arrow D in fig. 5, and further flows upward.

On the other hand, dust introduced into the lower cylinder 233 and the filter holder 234 in the dust storage chamber 223 is trapped by the outer filter 262. As a result, dust adheres to the outer filter 262, and the dust in the dust storage chamber 223 is reduced in volume.

Since the outer filter 262 has a larger filter hole than the inner filter 263, a part of the dust guided to the lower cylinder 233 and the filter holder 234 can pass through the outer filter 262. The dust passing through the outer filter 262 is trapped by the inner filter 263.

Since the gap 240 is provided between the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263, dust trapped by the inner filter 263 falls without being caught between the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263. Accordingly, dust trapped by the inner filter 263 is accumulated on the sealing portion 216 in the space 240. Further, the upper end of the void 240 is closed based on the closing portion 243. Therefore, an air flow through the upper end of the gap 240 is not generated, so that dust accumulated in the gap 240 is difficult to suck up.

Although the inner filter 263 has relatively small filter holes, minute dust can pass through the inner filter 263. Such fine dust can flow upward by the air flow indicated by arrows B to D.

As indicated by arrow D, an upward air flow is generated in the space between the upper tube 231 and the upper portion of the housing portion 232 and the space between the upper tube 231 and the centrifugal separation portion 281. The air flows into the separation cylinders 251 to 257 through inflow ports 258 provided in the separation cylinders 251 to 257 of the centrifugal separation portion 281, respectively.

Since the inflow port 258 opens in a tangential direction of the inner peripheral surfaces of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 in the formation position of the inflow port 258, the air flowing into the separation cylinders 251 to 257 flows along the inner peripheral surfaces of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 as a swirl flow. Further, since the lower end of the protruding cylinder part 220 is located lower than the lower end of the inflow port 258, it is difficult for the air just after flowing into the separation cylinders 251 to 257 through the inflow port 258 to flow out to the outside of the dust collection container 210 through the protruding cylinder part 220. That is, most of the air flowing into the separation cylinders 251 to 257 flows in the separation cylinders 251 to 257 as swirling flow.

Dust contained in the air flowing into the separation cylinders 251 to 257 is centrifugally separated based on the swirling flow in the separation cylinders 251 to 257. The dust flows along the inner peripheral surfaces of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 and moves downward based on the action of gravity. Finally, the dust falls from the centrifugal separation portion 281 through the falling port 282 at the lower ends of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 as indicated by arrow E in fig. 5. The fallen dust moves downward in the internal space of the housing portion 232 and accumulates at the lower end portion of the housing portion 232. Further, since the lower end of the housing portion 232 is hermetically connected to the sealing portion 216, air inflow through the lower end of the housing portion 232 is not generated, and further, air flow flowing upward in the housing portion 232 is not generated. Therefore, dust falling into the housing portion 232 is not sucked up by the suction force of the suction source 113.

Based on the result of the airtight connection of the lower end of the housing portion 232 and the sealing portion 216, the suction force of the suction source 113 acts in such a manner that air flows in through the inflow ports 258 of the separation cylinders 251 to 257 of the centrifugal separation portion 281. As shown by arrow F in fig. 5, the air flowing into the separation cylinders 251 to 257 flows into the protruding cylinder 220 through the opening portion of the lower end of the protruding cylinder 220, and flows out of the dust collection portion 200 through the opening portion 217 of the upper wall portion 212. Thereafter, the air flows toward the suction source 113.

As described above, dust can accumulate in the dust storage chamber 223, the lower end portion of the housing portion 232, and the gap 240 between the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234. Dust accumulated in this portion can be easily removed by swinging the bottom portion 213 downward around the swing holding portion 215 to open the dust storage chamber 223.

That is, when the dust storage chamber 223 is opened, the lower end portion of the housing portion 232 and the space 240 between the lower tube portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 are opened downward. Therefore, the dust accumulated in the portion falls down.

In addition, most of the dust outside the lower cylinder 233 falls down due to the open dust storage chamber 223. However, a part of the dust outside the lower tube 233 may enter the filter holes of the outer filter 262 due to the suction force of the suction source 113, and may adhere to the outer filter 262. However, the density of the filter holes of the outer filter 262 is smaller than that of the inner filter 263, and thus the adhesion of dust to the outer filter 262 is smaller. Therefore, even if dust adheres to the outer filter 262, it can be easily separated from the outer filter 262.

In the above-described embodiment, the separation section 250 has the separation cylinders 251 to 257, and is configured to perform the separation process of centrifugally separating dust in these separation cylinders 251 to 257 and dropping the centrifugally separated dust to the lower end portion of the suction cylinder section 230. Therefore, even if dust flows into the suction tube portion 230, the dust flowing to the suction source 113 is reduced by the separation process of the re-separation portion 250. Further, the separation section 250 may have various structures as long as the separation process can be performed. For example, the separation section 250 may have 1 separation cylinder.

In the above-described embodiment, the inflow openings 272 and 273 are provided in the peripheral wall portions of the lower tube portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234, and these inflow openings 272 and 273 are covered by the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263, respectively. In this configuration, the inflow openings 272 and 273, the outer filter 262, and the inner filter 263 can be enlarged in the longitudinal direction of the lower tube portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234. Therefore, the period until the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263 are completely clogged can be prolonged.

In the above embodiment, since dust is accumulated in the dust storage chamber 223, more dust than the separation chamber 222 exists in the dust storage chamber 223. Therefore, it is assumed that more dust flows into the lower cylinder portion 233 and the filter holding portion 234 provided in the dust storage chamber 223 than into the upper cylinder portion 231 provided in the separation chamber 222. Therefore, a double filter structure of the outer filter 262 and the inner filter 263 is adopted to suppress the inflow of dust in the dust storage chamber 223 into the suction cylinder portion 230. In order to increase the effect of suppressing the inflow of dust into the suction tube portion 230, a filter may be additionally provided. Alternatively, if the amount of dust flowing to the suction source 113 can be sufficiently reduced based on the re-separation process performed by the re-separation section 250, the inner filter 263 may be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the lower ends of the suction cylinder part 230 and the re-separation part 250 are in contact with the bottom 213 of the dust container 210. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 6, the lower ends of the suction tube portion 230 and the re-separation portion 250 may be spaced apart from the bottom 213 of the dust container 210. In this case, the sealing portion 216 is removed, and a cover 283 for closing the openings of the lower ends of the suction tube 230 and the re-separation portion 250 is attached to the lower end of the suction tube 230. Preferably, the cover 283 is detachable from the lower end of the suction cylinder 230.

In the dust collection part 200 of fig. 6, a space is formed between the cover 283 and the bottom 213, allowing dust to be stored therein. When the bottom 213 is swung downward, dust in the dust storage chamber 223 is removed. After that, if the cover 283 is detached from the suction cylinder 230, dust accumulated in the space 240 between the lower cylinder 233 and the filter holding part 234 and in the housing part 232 can be removed.

As shown in fig. 7, the lid 283 may be configured to close the lower end of the housing 232, and an opening 284 that communicates the space between the lower tube 233 and the housing 232 may be formed in the lid 283. In this case, a filter 285 covering the opening 284 is attached to the cover 283.

In the dust collection unit 200 of fig. 7, dust in the space between the cover 283 and the bottom 213 is attached to the filter 285 by the suction force of the suction source 113. That is, the dust in the space between the cover 283 and the bottom 213 can be reduced in volume.

In the above embodiment, the suction source 113 and the dust collection unit 200 are mounted on the stick cleaner 100. Alternatively, the suction source 113 and the dust collection unit 200 may be mounted on the cylinder cleaner.

(effects etc.)

The vacuum cleaner 100 according to the above embodiment has the following features and effects.

The dust collector according to one aspect of the above embodiment is configured to collect dust in a cyclone shape. The dust collector comprises: a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust; a dust collection container configured to cause air flowing in with dust to flow as a swirling flow flowing along an inner peripheral surface, and configured to cause air inside to flow upward when receiving a suction force; a dividing section that divides an inner space of the dust collection container into a separation chamber that centrifugally separates dust based on a swirling flow, and a dust storage chamber that communicates with the separation chamber in such a manner as to allow the centrifugally separated dust to fall down and stores the dust flowing in from the separation chamber; a suction tube section configured to allow air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber to flow in when receiving a suction force, and to form a flow path through which the air flows toward a suction source; a dust removal filter unit provided in the suction tube unit so as to remove dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber; and a separation unit provided in the suction tube unit and configured to perform a separation process of centrifugally separating dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit and dropping the centrifugally separated dust.

According to the above configuration, when the suction source generates a suction force, air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber flows into the suction tube portion. At this time, a rotational flow is generated in the separation chamber, and dust flowing into the separation chamber together with air is centrifugally separated based on the rotational flow. The dust centrifugally separated in the separation chamber falls down to the dust storage chamber and is stored in the dust storage chamber. The dust flowing into the dust storage chamber flows toward the suction tube portion, and is collected by the dust removal filter portion. As a result, the dust adheres to the dust removal filter unit, and the volume thereof is reduced.

In the dust storage chamber, by sucking dust, on the one hand, a volume reduction effect of the dust can be obtained, and on the other hand, the dust flowing into the suction tube portion through the dust removal filter increases. Therefore, a re-separation portion is provided in the suction tube portion. The re-separating section performs a re-separating process of centrifugally separating dust from the air flowing into the suction cylinder section and dropping the centrifugally separated dust. As a result of the re-separation process, the amount of dust flowing toward the suction source is reduced.

In the above configuration, the lower end portion of the suction tube portion may be opened and in airtight contact with the bottom portion of the dust collection container. The bottom of the dust collection container may be provided in such a manner as to be able to open the dust storage chamber.

According to the above configuration, since the lower end portion of the suction tube portion is opened, when the bottom portion of the dust collection container is in a state of opening the dust storage chamber, the dust accumulated in the lower end portion of the suction tube portion can be discharged from the dust collection container together with the dust outside the suction tube portion. Further, although the lower end portion of the suction tube portion is opened, the bottom portion of the dust collection container is in airtight contact with the bottom portion of the dust collection container when the dust storage chamber is closed, and therefore, dust in the dust storage chamber is less likely to flow into the suction tube portion from the lower end portion of the suction tube portion. Therefore, dust flowing toward the suction source becomes smaller.

In the above-described configuration, the separation section may include: a centrifugal separation unit configured to centrifugally separate dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit; and a storage unit for allowing the dust centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separation unit to fall. The housing portion may be configured not to allow air inflow.

According to the above configuration, since the housing portion does not allow air to flow in, dust falling down the housing portion can be prevented from being blown up toward the centrifugal separation portion. That is, the dust can be prevented from flowing backward from the housing portion to the centrifugal separation portion.

In the above configuration, the centrifugal separation portion may include a separation tube formed with an inflow port that allows air in the suction tube portion to flow in upon receiving the suction force of the suction source, and a drop port that opens to the housing portion. The inflow port may be opened in a direction to generate a swirling flow in the separation chamber.

According to the above configuration, a swirl flow is generated in the separation cylinder by receiving the suction force of the suction source. As a result, dust contained in the air flowing in through the inlet is centrifugally separated. The centrifugally separated dust falls down to the housing portion through the falling port. Since the housing portion does not allow air to flow in, an air flow from the housing portion into the separation cylinder through the drop port is not generated. Therefore, when the dust falls down to the storage portion, the dust remains in the storage portion.

In the above-described configuration, the separation section may include: a centrifugal separation unit configured to centrifugally separate dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit; and a storage unit for allowing the dust centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separation unit to fall. The dust collection container may comprise a bottom arranged in such a way that the dust reservoir can be opened. The centrifugal separation portion may be configured to allow the centrifugally separated dust to fall down to the housing portion. The housing portion may include a cylindrical body extending downward from the centrifugal separation portion. The lower end of the cylinder may be open and in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust collection container.

According to the above configuration, the dust centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation section falls into the cylinder constituting the housing section. The lower end of the cylinder is opened but is in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust collection container, so that dust falling down to the cylinder does not come out of the cylinder. On the other hand, when the dust container is opened at the bottom thereof, the dust accumulated in the lower end portion of the suction tube portion can be discharged from the dust container together with the dust in the dust container.

In the above configuration, the suction tube portion may have a peripheral wall portion, and an inflow opening that allows air in the dust storage chamber to flow in is formed in the peripheral wall portion. The dust removal filter unit may be attached to the peripheral wall portion of the suction tube unit so as to remove dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening.

According to the above configuration, since the inflow opening that allows the air in the dust storage chamber to flow in is formed in the peripheral wall portion of the suction tube portion, the inflow opening can be lengthened in the axial direction of the suction tube portion, and the area of the inflow opening can be enlarged. In this case, the dust removing filter part can be lengthened in the axial direction of the suction tube part to increase the filter area. As a result, the period from the dust removal filter part in the dust storage chamber to the complete hole blockage is prolonged, and the air in the dust storage chamber can be sucked for a long period of time.

In the above configuration, the dust removal filter unit may include: an outer filter provided in the suction tube portion so as to remove dust from air flowing into the suction tube portion in the dust storage chamber; and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube portion with respect to the outer filter so as to remove dust from the air passing through the outer filter. The density of the filter pores in the outer filter may be less than the density of the filter pores in the inner filter. The inner filter may have smaller filter pores than the outer filter.

According to the above configuration, since the outer filter is provided outside the inner filter, dust sucked into the dust storage chamber enters the filter hole of the outer filter and adheres to the outer filter. However, the density of the filter holes in the outer filter is smaller than that in the inner filter, and the adhesion of dust to the outer filter is smaller. Therefore, dust separation from the outer filter becomes easy. Since the inner filter has smaller filter holes than the outer filter, dust can be removed from the air after passing through the outer filter.

In the above configuration, the dust removal filter unit may include: an outer filter for removing dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening; and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube portion with respect to the outer filter so as to remove dust from the air passing through the outer filter. The suction tube portion may have a filter holding portion that holds the inner filter in such a manner that a space is formed between the outer filter and the inner filter.

According to the above configuration, the filter holding portion holds the inner filter so as to form a space between the outer filter and the inner filter, and therefore, dust trapped by the inner filter can fall without being pinched between the outer filter and the inner filter.

In the above configuration, an inflow opening that allows air in the dust storage chamber to flow in may be formed in the peripheral wall portion of the suction tube portion. The dust removing filter part may include: an outer filter for removing dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening; and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube portion with respect to the outer filter so as to remove dust from the air passing through the outer filter. The suction tube portion has a filter holding portion that holds the inner filter so as to form a space between the outer filter and the inner filter. The space between the outer filter and the inner filter is opened at the lower end of the suction tube portion when the dust storage chamber is opened.

According to the above configuration, since the space between the outer filter and the inner filter is opened at the lower end portion of the suction tube portion when the dust storage chamber is opened, dust trapped by the inner filter and accumulated at the lower end portion of the suction tube portion can be discharged from the dust collection container by the dust storage chamber being opened.

In the above configuration, the suction tube portion may have a closing portion that closes a space between the outer filter and the inner filter at an upper side of the outer filter and the inner filter. The space between the outer filter and the inner filter may be closed by the bottom of the dust collection container when the bottom of the dust collection container closes the dust storage chamber.

According to the above configuration, the space between the outer filter and the inner filter is closed by the closing portion and the bottom portion of the dust container. Thus, the air after passing through the outer filter flows toward the suction source after passing through the inner filter. Therefore, most of the dust passing through the outer filter is removed by the inner filter, and the dust flowing toward the suction source is reduced.

Industrial applicability

The vacuum cleaner according to the above embodiment can be suitably applied to a device used for cleaning work.

Claims (10)

1. A dust collector for collecting dust in a cyclone type, comprising:

a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust;

a dust collection container configured to make air flowing in together with dust flow into a rotational flow flowing along an inner peripheral surface, and configured to make air in the dust collection container flow upwards when the suction force is received;

A dividing section that divides an internal space of the dust collection container into a separation chamber that centrifugally separates dust based on the swirling flow, and a dust storage chamber that communicates with the separation chamber in a manner allowing the centrifugally separated dust to fall down and stores the dust flowing in from the separation chamber;

a suction tube portion configured to allow air in the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber to flow in when the suction force is received, and to form a flow path through which the air flows toward the suction source;

a dust removal filter unit provided in the suction tube unit so as to remove dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit from the separation chamber and the dust storage chamber; the method comprises the steps of,

and a re-separating unit provided in the suction tube unit and configured to perform a re-separating process of centrifugally separating dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit and dropping the centrifugally separated dust.

2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein,

the lower end of the suction cylinder part is opened and is in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust collection container,

the bottom of the dust collection container is provided so as to be able to open the dust storage chamber.

3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the re-separation section includes: a centrifugal separation unit configured to centrifugally separate dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit; and a receiving portion for receiving the dust centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separation portion; wherein,,

the housing portion is configured to not allow air to flow in.

4. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein,

the centrifugal separation section includes a separation cylinder formed with an inflow port that allows air in the suction cylinder section to flow in upon receiving a suction force of the suction source, and a falling port that opens toward the housing section,

the inflow port opens in a direction that generates a swirling flow in the separation chamber.

5. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein,

the re-separation section includes: a centrifugal separation unit configured to centrifugally separate dust from air flowing into the suction tube unit; and a receiving portion for receiving the dust centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separation portion,

the dust collection container comprises a bottom arranged in such a way that the dust reservoir can be opened,

The centrifugal separation section is configured to allow the centrifugally separated dust to fall down to the housing section,

the accommodating part comprises a cylinder extending downwards from the centrifugal separation part,

the lower end of the cylinder is open and in airtight contact with the bottom of the dust collection container.

6. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the suction tube portion has a peripheral wall portion in which an inflow opening is formed that allows air in the dust storage chamber to flow in,

the dust removing filter unit is attached to the peripheral wall of the suction tube unit so as to remove dust from air flowing into the inflow opening.

7. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the dust removal filter part includes: an outer filter provided in the suction tube portion so as to remove dust from air flowing into the suction tube portion in the dust storage chamber; and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube portion with respect to the outer filter so as to remove dust from the air passing through the outer filter; wherein,,

the density of the filter holes in the outer filter is less than the density of the filter holes in the inner filter,

The inner filter has smaller filter pores than the outer filter.

8. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein,

the dust removal filter part includes: an outer filter for removing dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening; and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube portion with respect to the outer filter in such a manner as to remove dust from the air after passing through the outer filter,

the suction tube portion has a filter holding portion that holds the inner filter so as to form a space between the outer filter and the inner filter.

9. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein,

an inflow opening for allowing air in the dust storage chamber to flow in is formed in a peripheral wall portion of the suction tube portion,

the dust removal filter part includes: an outer filter for removing dust from the air flowing into the inflow opening; and an inner filter provided inside the suction tube portion with respect to the outer filter in such a manner as to remove dust from the air after passing through the outer filter,

the suction tube portion has a filter holding portion that holds the inner filter in such a manner that a space is formed between the outer filter and the inner filter,

A space between the outer filter and the inner filter is opened at a lower end of the suction cylinder portion when the dust storage chamber is opened.

10. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein,

the suction cylinder portion has a closing portion closing a gap between the outer filter and the inner filter at an upper side of the outer filter and the inner filter,

the gap between the outer filter and the inner filter is closed by the bottom of the dust collection container when the bottom of the dust collection container closes the dust storage chamber.