JP2006280494A - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve problems of a conventional vacuum cleaner equipped with a deodorizing filter, wherein the time of contact between the deodorizing filter and exhaust air is short because the sucking volume of the vacuum cleaner is large relative to the size of the filter, so that the efficiency in deodorization is low and the reduction of odor is small. <P>SOLUTION: When an electric blower 4 is operated, a powder deodorant 7 is automatically loaded into a dust collection part 3 with the suction air-current effect from a deodorant storage part 6 which air-permeability disposed near a mouth 2 of the dust collection part 3. Accordingly, the odor generated from inside the dust collection part is efficiently removed, and the vacuum cleaner with extremely little odor of exhaust can be provided without requiring much labor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that removes the odor of dust sucked using a deodorizing material and reduces the odor of exhaust.

Conventionally, regarding exhaust gas deodorization of vacuum cleaners, a configuration in which a deodorization filter such as activated carbon is disposed in the exhaust path has been proposed, and in recent years, there is also a concept of deodorization by the oxidation action of a photocatalyst (for example, patents) Reference 1).
JP-A-9-1222049

  However, in the method of disposing the deodorizing filter in the exhaust path, the suction amount of the vacuum cleaner is large with respect to the size of the filter, and the contact time between the filter and the exhaust is shortened, so the deodorizing efficiency is small. Therefore, it has the subject that the reduction of odor is also small.

  This invention solves the said conventional subject, and it aims at providing the vacuum cleaner which reduces the odor of exhaust_gas | exhaustion significantly.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides a vacuum cleaner provided with a dust collection unit and an electric blower, wherein a deodorant storage unit having air permeability is disposed in the vicinity of the dust collection unit entrance, and the deodorant storage unit is provided. Is a vacuum cleaner in which a powdery deodorant is stored, the deodorant storage part is vented by the operation of the electric blower, and the powdery deodorant is put into the dust collecting part.

  With this configuration, when the electric blower of the vacuum cleaner is operated during cleaning, an intake flow from the dust collection unit entrance to the dust collection unit is generated, and the powdered deodorant has air permeability due to the wind pressure of the intake flow. It passes through the deodorant storage part and automatically enters the dust collecting part according to the flow of the intake air flow. Then, it mixes with the dust in a dust collection part, and a deodorizer covers so that the dust surface may be wrapped. Therefore, the odor generated from the inside of the dust is efficiently removed, and the electric vacuum cleaner with very little exhaust odor can be obtained without taking time and effort.

  In addition, since deodorization occurs not only when using the vacuum cleaner but also when the vacuum cleaner is stationary, odor retention in the dust collector is reduced, so the next time the vacuum cleaner is used, especially at the beginning of use when the odor level is high. In addition, the exhaust odor can be reduced.

  In the electric vacuum cleaner of the present invention, when the electric blower is operated, the powdery deodorant is automatically charged into the dust collector from the breathable deodorant storage unit disposed in the vicinity of the dust collector entrance. Thus, the odor generated from the inside of the dust can be efficiently removed, and the electric vacuum cleaner with very little exhaust odor can be obtained without taking time and effort.

  A first aspect of the present invention is an electric vacuum cleaner including an electric blower that sucks dust by generating suction air and a dust collector that stores the sucked dust, and has a breathability in the vicinity of the dust collector entrance. An agent storage unit is disposed, a powdery deodorant is stored in the deodorant storage unit, the deodorant storage unit is ventilated by suction air of the electric blower, and the powdered deodorant is placed in the dust collecting unit. It is a vacuum cleaner to be thrown.

  With this configuration, when the electric blower of the vacuum cleaner is operated during cleaning, an intake flow from the dust collection unit entrance to the dust collection unit is generated, and the powdered deodorant has air permeability due to the wind pressure of the intake flow. It passes through the vent of the deodorant storage unit and automatically enters the dust collection unit following the flow of the intake air flow. Then, it mixes with the dust in a dust collection part, and a deodorizer covers so that the dust surface may be wrapped. Therefore, the odor generated from the inside of the dust is efficiently removed, and the electric vacuum cleaner with very little exhaust odor can be obtained without taking time and effort.

  In addition, since deodorization occurs not only when using the vacuum cleaner but also when the vacuum cleaner is stationary, odor retention in the dust collector is reduced, so the next time the vacuum cleaner is used, especially at the beginning of use when the odor level is high. In addition, the exhaust odor can be reduced.

  In the second invention, in particular, the particle size of the deodorizer in the electric vacuum cleaner of the first invention is in the range of 0.1 micrometer or more and 1 millimeter or less.

  If the particle diameter is 1 mm or more, the deodorizer cannot sufficiently cover the dust surface because the particles are too large when thrown into the dust collector, and adsorbs odor components when compared with the same weight. Since the surface area of the deodorizing agent to be reduced is reduced, the deodorizing effect is reduced.

  On the other hand, if the particle diameter is 0.1 micrometer or less, the particles do not slide well and the fluidity is deteriorated, so that the particles cannot be introduced smoothly from the deodorant container.

  Thus, by setting the particle diameter to 0.1 micrometer or more and 1 millimeter or less, the vacuum cleaner can be smoothly put into the dust collecting portion and has an excellent deodorizing effect.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in particular, the deodorizer in the electric vacuum cleaner of the first or second aspect is a deodorizer containing at least one of hydrophobic zeolite, activated carbon, and transition metal oxide. Complex odors such as dust can be efficiently removed.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, in particular, the functional material is added to the deodorizer in the electric vacuum cleaners of the first to third aspects of the invention, so that it can have an additional function in addition to the basic function.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, by adding a moisture absorbing material as the functional material of the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to dry the dust of the vacuum cleaner and suppress the growth of bacteria. Further, by absorbing moisture of the deodorizer, the fluidity of the powdered deodorizer is improved, and the deodorizer can be more reliably charged into the dust collecting section.

  In the sixth invention, in particular, the hygroscopic material of the fifth invention can be specifically added by making the hygroscopic material containing at least one of silica gel, alumina, and zeolite.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in particular, by adding a heat generating material as the functional material of the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the dust collecting part by heating and drying the dust of the vacuum cleaner. Further, since the deodorizer is also dried by generating heat, the fluidity of the powdered deodorizer is improved, and the deodorizer can be more reliably charged into the dust collecting section.

  In the eighth invention, in particular, the heat generating material of the seventh invention can be specifically added by using a heat generating material containing iron powder.

  In the ninth invention, the fluidity of the deodorizer is improved by adding a material that improves the fluidity of the deodorizer as the functional material of the fourth invention, and the deodorizer is more reliably put into the dust collecting section. can do.

  In the tenth invention, in particular, the material for improving the fluidity of the ninth invention is a material containing anhydrous silica, so that a material for specifically improving the fluidity can be added.

  In the eleventh invention, in particular, by adding an antibacterial material as the functional material of the fourth invention, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the dust collecting portion.

  In the twelfth invention, in particular, the antibacterial material of the eleventh invention can be specifically added by using an antibacterial material containing at least one of silver and zinc.

  In the thirteenth invention, in particular, by adding an insect repellent material as the functional material of the fourth invention, the propagation and invasion of insects such as mites and fleas in the dust collecting portion can be suppressed.

  In the fourteenth invention, in particular, the insect repellent material according to the thirteenth invention can be specifically added by using an insect repellent material containing at least one of paradichlorobenzene, camphor, and naphthalene.

  In the fifteenth aspect of the invention, in particular, by adding a fragrance material as the functional material of the fourth aspect of the invention, a fragrance can be added to the exhaust of the cleaner from which the bad odor has been removed, and a comfortable space can be obtained.

  In the sixteenth aspect of the invention, in particular, the fragrance material of the fifteenth aspect of the invention can be specifically added by using a fragrance material containing vegetable oil.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a dust-collecting portion 3 having air permeability and an electric blower 4 are arranged inside a housing 1 constituting the vacuum cleaner body, and the cleaner body is movable by wheels 5.

  The dust collecting unit 3 may be a dust collecting bag formed by stacking a plurality of breathable nonwoven fabrics into a bag shape, or a dust collecting container having a filter unit (not shown) having a breathability. FIG. 1 showing the present embodiment is the case of the dust collection container.

  In the vicinity of the entrance 2 of the dust collecting unit 3, a deodorant storage unit 6 is disposed, and a powdered deodorant 7 is stored therein. Here, the deodorant storage unit 6 is a bag-like container made of a nonwoven fabric and has air permeability through the eyes of the nonwoven fabric. The deodorizer 7 uses hydrophobic zeolite, which is a powdery zeolite having an average particle diameter of 5 micrometers, and passes through the eyes of the non-woven fabric in the deodorizer storage section 6 by a relatively small stress.

  The operation of the above vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, when the cleaner is operated, the electric blower 4 is activated and an intake air flow is generated in the direction of the arrow. Since the deodorant storage part 6 arranged in the vicinity of the entrance 2 of the dust collecting part 3 is made of a nonwoven fabric, if an air flow is generated, the wind pressure causes the deodorant 7 to pass through the eyes of the nonwoven fabric and the dust collecting part 3. It is thrown in.

  Here, the introduced deodorant 7 is guided into the dust collecting unit 3 by riding on the air current and mixed with the sucked dust at the same time.

  The deodorizing agent 7 mixed with dust also acts on the static electricity and covers the surface of the dust. As a result, the odor component generated from the dust is encased in the deodorizing agent powder and does not go outside, so that the electric vacuum cleaner having a very high deodorizing effect can be obtained.

  As described above, the vacuum cleaner of the present embodiment exhibits an extremely high deodorizing action.

(Experimental example 1)
An experiment for examining the effect of the present invention was performed using the vacuum cleaner having the above-described configuration.

  The room was cleaned for 15 minutes using the above vacuum cleaner. As a control experiment, another room of the same size was cleaned for 15 minutes without deodorant. This cleaning experiment was continued for 10 days while paying attention to the exhaust odor. As a result, the odor of exhaust gas was felt strongly from about the fifth day in the control experiment, but almost no odor was felt in the present embodiment until the end of the tenth day.

  When the amount of dust sucked into the vacuum cleaner was compared, approximately 10 grams of both the present embodiment and the control experiment were sucked after 10 days of cleaning. The deodorizer 7 was reduced by about 0.4 g. Therefore, an average of 4 g of dust is sucked per cleaning, and 0.04 g of deodorant is introduced.

  At this time, when the dust collected by suction was observed, it was confirmed that the deodorizing agent 7 adhered to the dust and the dust was covered with the powdery deodorizing agent.

Next, after standing for one day in this state where 40 g of dust was sucked, a vacuum cleaner was set in a 1 m ³ sealed chamber and operated for 60 seconds. The air in the chamber was subjected to scent sniffing sensory evaluation by 6 men and women mixed sensory evaluation panelists, and 6-level odor intensity was evaluated from 0 to 5.

  As a result, the average odor intensity of the present embodiment was 0.8, while the control experiment was 3.4, confirming a significant odor reduction effect.

  From the above, by introducing a powder deodorant into the sucked dust as in the present embodiment, the deodorizer covers the dust and removes the odor of the dust strongly. Since deodorization is performed even during installation, odor retention in the dust collecting portion is reduced, and exhaust odor can be reduced even at the initial stage of use of a cleaner having a high odor level.

  In this embodiment, hydrophobic zeolite is used as a deodorizing agent. However, in addition to hydrophobic zeolite, activated carbon, transition metal oxide, and the like can reduce composite odor such as vacuum cleaner dust, and the same effect can be obtained. There is something.

(Experimental example 2)
Next, a second experiment showing the effect of the present invention was conducted.

  In this embodiment, the deodorization was evaluated using a hydrophobic zeolite having an average particle diameter of 5 micrometers as a deodorizer. In the second experimental example, hydrophobicity having an average particle diameter of 0.05 micrometers to 5 millimeters was used. Several levels of zeolite were prepared, and a chamber test was performed after cleaning in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1. The weight of the deodorant sucked at that time was also examined.

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the particle size and odor intensity, and FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the particle size and the suction amount.

  From FIG. 3, the particle diameter and the odor intensity relationship have a downwardly convex curve. Further, from FIG. 4, the relationship between the particle diameter and the suction amount is monotonously increased, but if the particle diameter is smaller than 0.1 micrometers, the suction amount becomes extremely small.

  From these, even if the particle size is large, if the nonwoven fabric which is the deodorant storage part is rough, the deodorant is sufficiently charged into the dust collecting part, but if the particle becomes larger than 1 mm, the deodorant is applied to the dust surface. The deodorizing effect is reduced because the surface area of the deodorant that adsorbs the odor component is reduced when compared with the same weight without being covered.

  On the other hand, if the particle size is small, the particles do not slide well and the fluidity is deteriorated. Therefore, even if the nonwoven fabric serving as the deodorant storage section is rough, the deodorant cannot be introduced smoothly.

  As described above, by setting the particle diameter to 0.1 micrometer or more and 1 millimeter or less, the vacuum cleaner can be smoothly put into the dust collecting part and excellent in the deodorizing effect.

  Here, in this embodiment, the extremely high odor reduction effect is obtained for the following reason. That is, the deodorant 7 that has collapsed from the non-woven fabric eyes of the deodorant storage unit 6 becomes an infinite number and adheres to the individual dust, and the contact area with the dust becomes extremely large, resulting in high deodorization performance. In addition, when the entire dust is viewed, the deodorant 7 is mixed and remains in the dust, and the deodorant 7 in the state of being retained continues to deodorize the odor of the dust. In other words, in the present invention, the diameter of the nonwoven fabric of the deodorant storage unit 6 is larger than the particle size of the deodorant 7, while the air diameter of the dust collecting unit 3 having air permeability is the particle size of the deodorant 7. It is important that it is set in advance so as to be smaller than the dust collecting portion 3 so as to remain in the dust collecting portion 3 without flowing out from the dust collecting portion 3 even if there is dust absorption by the electric blower. This also applies to each of the embodiments and experimental examples described below.

(Embodiment 2)
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the present embodiment, 10% of powdered silica gel is blended with the hydrophobic zeolite, which is the deodorizer used in the first embodiment.

  Since silica gel has a large hygroscopic action, if it is put into the dust bag 3, it has an effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria attached to the dust.

  Further, since moisture in the deodorant storage unit 6 is also absorbed, it is possible to prevent the deodorant 7 from absorbing moisture and loss of fluidity, and the deodorant 7 can be reliably introduced into the dust collection unit 3 over a long period of time.

  Here, silica gel is used as the hygroscopic material, but alumina, non-hydrophobic zeolite, and the like other than silica gel have a large hygroscopic action and show similar effects.

(Embodiment 3)
Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the present embodiment, 10% of powdered iron powder is used in the hydrophobic zeolite that is the deodorizer used in the first embodiment.

  Since iron powder oxidizes and reacts with moisture to generate heat, if it is put into the dust bag 3, it generates heat in the dust collecting part and is thus dried, thereby suppressing the growth of bacteria.

  Similarly, since the inside of the deodorizing agent storage unit 6 is also dried, the deodorizing agent 7 is prevented from absorbing moisture and loses its fluidity, and the deodorizing agent 7 can be reliably put into the dust collecting unit 3 over a long period of time.

  Here, iron powder is used as the heat generating material, but the same effect can be obtained even if heat is generated by other chemical reactions such as lime and moisture.

(Embodiment 4)
Then, the 4th Embodiment of this invention is shown.

  In the present embodiment, 1% of ultrafine anhydrous silica having an average particle diameter of 0.01 micrometer or less is blended with the hydrophobic zeolite which is the deodorizer used in the first embodiment. .

  Anhydrous silica is highly slidable, and it is filled with the deodorant 7 accommodated in the deodorant storage unit 6 to prevent the fluidity from being lost, and the deodorant storage unit 6 can be prevented from being clogged. The deodorizing agent 7 can be put into the dust collecting unit 3.

  Here, anhydrous silica is used as a material for improving fluidity, but other materials may be used as long as they have high slidability and improve the fluidity of the powder.

(Embodiment 5)
Then, the 5th Embodiment of this invention is shown.

  In the present embodiment, 5% alumina containing 1% silver is blended with the hydrophobic zeolite which is the deodorizer used in the first embodiment.

  Silver has a high antibacterial property, and if it is put into the dust collecting unit together with the deodorizing agent 7 stored in the deodorant storage unit 6, it has an effect of preventing the growth of bacteria attached to the dust. Moreover, by preventing the growth of bacteria, the generation of odor can be suppressed and the deodorizing effect can be further enhanced.

  Here, silver is used as the antibacterial material, but zinc or the like has a high antibacterial action and exhibits the same effect.

(Embodiment 6)
Then, the 6th Embodiment of this invention is shown.

  In this embodiment, 1% camphor is blended with the hydrophobic zeolite, which is the deodorizer used in the first embodiment.

  Camphor has sublimation properties and high insect repellent action, and has an effect of preventing the propagation and invasion of mites and fleas adhering to dust.

  Here, camphor was used as the insect repellent material, but paradichlorobenzene, naphthalene, and the like have a high insect repellent effect and show the same effect.

(Embodiment 7)
Then, the 7th Embodiment of this invention is shown.

  In this embodiment, the hydrophobic zeolite, which is the deodorizer used in Embodiment 1, is blended with 0.1% of herbal essential oil as a vegetable oil.

  Since plant oil emits a fragrance, the fragrance is added to the exhaust gas from which the bad odor has been removed by the hydrophobic zeolite, thereby creating a comfortable space.

  Here, the plant oil extracted from the plant was used as the fragrance material, but in addition to this, a fragrance made of a chemical substance such as ether exhibits the same effect.

  As described above, in the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, when the electric blower is operated, the powdery deodorant is automatically collected from the breathable deodorant storage unit disposed in the vicinity of the dust collector entrance. The odor generated from the inside of the dust can be removed efficiently by putting it inside the unit, and it can be used as an electric vacuum cleaner with extremely low exhaust odor without much effort. Applicable.

Schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vacuum cleaner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Schematic cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner when deodorant is charged Experimental characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the particle size of the deodorizer and the odor intensity in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Same as above, experimental characteristic diagram showing the relationship between deodorant particle size and input amount

Explanation of symbols

2 Entrance 3 Dust collector 4 Electric blower 6 Deodorant storage 7 Powdered deodorant

Claims (16)

In a vacuum cleaner having an electric blower that generates suction air and sucks dust and a dust collection part that stores the sucked dust, a deodorant storage part having air permeability is disposed in the vicinity of the entrance of the dust collection part. A vacuum cleaner in which a powdery deodorant is stored in the deodorant storage part, the deodorant storage part is ventilated by suction air of the electric blower, and the powdery deodorant is put into the dust collecting part. . The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a particle size of the deodorizer is in a range of 0.1 micrometers to 1 millimeter. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deodorizer is a deodorizer containing at least one of hydrophobic zeolite, activated carbon, and transition metal oxide. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the deodorizer is a deodorizer to which a functional material is added. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the functional material is a hygroscopic material. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the hygroscopic material is a hygroscopic material containing at least one of silica gel, alumina, and zeolite. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the functional material is a heat generating material. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the heat generating material is a heat generating material containing iron powder. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the functional material is a material that improves fluidity of the deodorizer. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the material that improves fluidity is a material containing anhydrous silica. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the functional material is an antibacterial material. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the antibacterial material is an antibacterial material containing at least one of silver and zinc. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the functional material is an insect repellent material. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the insect repellent material is an insect repellent material containing at least one of paradichlorobenzene, camphor, and naphthalene. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the functional material is an aromatic material. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the fragrance material is a fragrance material containing vegetable oil.

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