JP2017123923A - Vacuum cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reliable vacuum cleaning apparatus capable of surely switching functions between a function to get rid of dust in a vacuum cleaner by moving dust collected by the vacuum cleaner to a station unit and accumulating it there, and a function to accumulate dust which has been swept and collected, at the station unit after quickly performing local cleaning using means other than the vacuum cleaner, such as a mop, a broom, and a cleaning tool for a floor.SOLUTION: A first change-over valve 75a of a vacuum cleaning apparatus 1 includes an elastic first pressing part 83a for generating force to press a first valve body 76a against a first valve seat 78a in a state that the first valve body 76a cuts off the circulation between a dust transfer pipe 22 and a second dust collection container 28, and a second change-over valve 75b includes an elastic second pressing part 83b for generating force to press a second valve body 76b against a second valve seat 78b in a state that the second valve body 76b cuts off the circulation between a suction air channel 61 and the second dust collection container 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a vacuum cleaner.

  There is known an electric vacuum cleaner that sucks and accumulates dust collected by a cleaning tool such as a mop, a broom, or a floor cleaning tool.

JP 2012-245318 A

  Non-autonomous vacuum cleaners such as canisters and robot cleaners that clean autonomously during absences can provide high convenience in applications that clean a wide area such as the entire living room. In the case of an application for cleaning spilled confectionery scraps, that is, for an application in which a part of the living room is immediately cleaned, momentum and convenience are reduced.

  For applications such as cleaning confectionery scraps that children have spilled, means other than the vacuum cleaner, such as a mop, a broom, or a means for sweeping up dust with a floor cleaning tool, can respond more quickly.

  However, other means than vacuum cleaners, such as mops, brooms, and floor sweepers, can be used to clean up dust, even if it can be dealt with more quickly. In addition, there is an aspect that it takes additional time and effort that requires dust removal.

  Therefore, the present invention makes use of a station unit installed in a living room so that it can be cleaned locally by using a vacuum cleaner and means other than the vacuum cleaner, such as a mop, a broom, or a floor cleaner. Proposed is an electric vacuum cleaner that can easily dispose of the dust collected after cleaning.

  The present invention also has a function of emptying dust in the vacuum cleaner by moving the dust collected by the vacuum cleaner to the station unit and storing it, and means other than the vacuum cleaner, such as a mop, broom, The present invention proposes a highly reliable electric vacuum cleaner capable of reliably switching between the function of accumulating dust collected by a station unit after quickly performing local cleaning using a floor cleaning tool.

  In order to solve the above problems, an electric vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electric cleaning unit that collects dust on a surface to be cleaned, and a station unit to which the electric cleaning unit can be attached, and the station The unit is connected to the vacuum cleaning unit in a state where the vacuum cleaning unit is mounted on the station unit, and a first suction air passage that sucks in dust collected by the vacuum cleaning unit, and the vacuum cleaning unit collects the unit. A second suction air passage that sucks in other dust different from the dust, and the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage that are fluidly connected to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage. A dust collecting container for accumulating dust flowing in, an electric blower for applying negative pressure to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage through the dust collection container, and the first suction A first valve body capable of permitting or blocking the flow between the air passage and the dust collecting container, a first valve shaft supporting the first valve body, and a first eccentric shaft provided eccentric to the first valve shaft A first switching valve, a second valve body capable of permitting or blocking flow between the second suction air passage and the dust collecting container, a second valve shaft supporting the second valve body, and the second valve A second switching valve having a second eccentric shaft provided eccentric to the shaft, and one input operation opens one of the first switching valve and the second switching valve and closes the other to close the first switching valve. A flow path switching mechanism for switching one of the one suction air path and the second suction air path to the dust collecting container and switching the air path so as to block the other circulation, The first valve body blocks the flow between the first suction air passage and the dust collecting container. The first valve body has an elastic first pressing portion that generates a force that presses the first valve body against the first valve seat, and the second switching valve has the second valve body and the second suction air passage. An elastic second pressing portion that generates a force for pressing the second valve body against the second valve seat in a state where the flow with the dust container is interrupted.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the bottom face of the autonomous cleaning unit of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the station unit of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The cross-sectional view which shows the station unit of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the air path switching mechanism of the station unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the air path switching mechanism of the station unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the air path switching mechanism of the station unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing of the press part of the station unit which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the operation state of the distribution path switching mechanism and switching valve which concern on this embodiment. The figure which shows the operation state of the distribution path switching mechanism and switching valve which concern on this embodiment. The figure which shows the operation state of the distribution path switching mechanism and switching valve which concern on this embodiment. The figure which shows the operation state of the distribution path switching mechanism and switching valve which concern on this embodiment. The figure which shows the operation state of the distribution path switching mechanism and switching valve which concern on this embodiment. The figure which shows the air path obstruction | occlusion restriction | limiting part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the air path obstruction | occlusion restriction | limiting part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the other example of the station unit of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this embodiment.

  An embodiment of an electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or equivalent structure in several drawing.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a vacuum cleaner as an example according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to this embodiment includes an autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust on the surface to be cleaned, and an autonomous type. A station unit 5 having a charging electrode 3 of the electric cleaning unit 2. The vacuum cleaner 1 autonomously moves the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 over the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room to collect dust, and then returns the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5. The dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is transferred to the station unit 5 side and collected.

  Moreover, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is a means other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, such as dust collected by a cleaning tool such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool. Dust adhering to the cleaning tool itself can be directly sucked by the station unit 5.

  The position where the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 is the home position of the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 that returns to the station unit 5. The autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 returns to this homing position when charging is necessary or cleaning of the living room is completed. In addition, the position where the autonomous type vacuum cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 is between the autonomous type vacuum cleaning unit 2 that moves autonomously and the station unit 5 that can be installed at any place. Determined by relative positional relationship.

  Moreover, the arrow A in FIG. 1 is the advancing direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the arrow B is the retreating direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The width direction of the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 is a direction orthogonal to the arrows A and B.

  The autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 moves forward and leaves the station unit 5 and travels autonomously in the living room. On the other hand, when returning to the station unit 5, it moves backward and connects to the station unit 5.

  First, the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner, and autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned to collect dust. The autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 is housed in a first main body case 11 having a hollow shape, a first dust collecting container 12 that is detachably provided at a rear portion of the first main body case 11, and the first main body case 11. The first electric blower 13 connected to the dust collecting container 12, the moving unit 15 for moving the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 on the surface to be cleaned, the driving unit 16 for driving the moving unit 15, and the driving unit 16 are controlled. And a robot controller 17 for autonomously moving the first main body case 11 on the surface to be cleaned, and a secondary battery 18 as a power source.

  The station unit 5 is installed at an arbitrary location on the surface to be cleaned. That is, the surface to be cleaned of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is also the installation surface of the station unit 5. The station unit 5 includes a pedestal 19 on which the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 heads to a position (homing position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust collection unit 21 integrated with the pedestal 19, an autonomous type In a positional relationship (home position) where the electric cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust transfer tube 22 that is airtightly connected to the first dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and the dust transfer The lever 23 which protrudes from the inside of the pipe | tube 22 and the power cord 25 which guides electric power from commercial AC power supply are provided.

  The dust collection unit 21 includes a second main body case 27 having a second suction port 26 for sucking in other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and the first dust collecting container 12 through the dust transfer pipe 22. A second dust collecting container 28 that accumulates dust to be discarded, and a second electric blower 29 that is accommodated in the second main body case 27 and connected to the second dust collecting container 28.

  The second dust collecting container 28 is connected to the second suction port 26 in addition to the dust transfer pipe 22. The station unit 5 applies a suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 to the second suction port 26 via the second dust collecting container 28, so that a mop, a broom, a floor cleaning tool, etc. Dust collected by the cleaning tool or dust adhering to the cleaning tool itself such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool is directly sucked by the station unit 5.

  Next, the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the autonomous cleaning unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a center brush 31 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and a center for driving the center brush 31. The brush drive unit 32, a pair of left and right side brushes 33 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, and a pair of left and right side brush drive units 35 that drive the side brushes 33 are provided.

  The first main body case 11 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and can easily turn the surface to be cleaned. A horizontally long first suction port 36 is provided at the center in the width direction of the rear half of the bottom surface 11a.

  The first suction port 36 has a width dimension of the first main body case 11, that is, a width dimension of about two-thirds of the diameter dimension. The first suction port 36 is fluidly connected to the first electric blower 13 through the first dust collecting container 12.

  The first main body case 11 has a dust container opening 37 on the bottom surface 11a. The dust container port 37 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and covers the lower part of the first dust container 12. The dust container opening 37 is opened in a rounded rectangular shape to partially expose the first dust collecting container 12 attached to the first main body case 11.

  The first dust collecting container 12 accumulates the dust sucked from the first suction port 36 by the suction negative pressure generated by the first electric blower 13. A filter for collecting and collecting dust from the air, a separation device for separating and accumulating dust from the air by inertial separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclonic separation) and straight separation, and the like are applied to the first dust collecting container 12. . The first dust collecting container 12 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and at the rear part of the first main body case 11. The first dust collecting container 12 is detachably provided in the first main body case 11, and is attached to the first main body case 11 and a container main body 38 that accumulates dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2. A connecting portion 39 exposed from the dust container port 37, a discard port 41 provided at the connecting portion 39 for discarding the dust in the container main body 38, and a disposal lid 42 for opening and closing the discard port 41 are provided.

  The moving unit 15 includes a pair of left and right drive wheels 45 disposed on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and a swivel wheel 46 disposed on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11.

  The pair of drive wheels 45 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11, and is grounded to the surface to be cleaned with the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 placed on the surface to be cleaned. Further, the pair of drive wheels 45 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the first main body case 11, and approaches the left and right side portions of the first main body case 11 while avoiding the front of the first suction port 36. Is arranged. The rotation shafts of the pair of drive wheels 45 are arranged on a straight line extending along the width direction of the first main body case 11. The autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in the same direction, and turns clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in opposite directions. To do.

  The turning wheel 46 is a driven wheel that can turn freely. The first main body case 11 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the width direction and at the front portion.

  The drive unit 16 is a pair of electric motors connected to each of the pair of drive wheels 45. The drive unit 16 drives the left and right drive wheels 45 independently of each other.

  The robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. The robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the first electric blower 13, the center brush drive unit 32, the drive unit 16, and the side brush drive unit 35.

  The secondary battery 18 supplies power to the first electric blower 13, the center brush drive unit 32, the drive unit 16, the side brush drive unit 35, and the robot control unit 17. The secondary battery 18 is disposed, for example, between the turning wheel 46 and the first suction port 36. The secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a pair of charging terminals 47 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by connecting a charging terminal 47 to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5.

  The center brush 31 is provided in the first suction port 36. The center brush 31 is an axial brush that can rotate around a rotation center line extending in the width direction of the first main body case 11. The center brush 31 includes, for example, a long shaft portion (not shown) and a plurality of brushes (not shown) extending in the radial direction of the shaft portion and arranged in a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion. . The center brush 31 protrudes below the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11 from the first suction port 36, and brings the brush into contact with the surface to be cleaned with the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 placed on the surface to be cleaned.

  The center brush drive section 32 is accommodated in the first main body case 11.

  The pair of side brushes 33 are auxiliary cleaning bodies, and are disposed on the left and right sides of the front portion of the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, avoiding the front of the center brush 31. The pair of side brushes 33 scrapes dust on the surface to be cleaned near the wall where the center brush 31 does not reach and guides it to the first suction port 36. Each of the side brushes 33 includes a brush base 48 having a center of rotation that slightly tilts forward with respect to the normal to the surface to be cleaned, and, for example, three linear cleaning bodies 49 that protrude radially in the radial direction of the brush base 48. It is equipped with.

  The left and right brush bases 48 are disposed in front of the first suction port 36 and the left and right drive wheels 45 and rearward of the swivel wheel 46 and closer to the left and right sides of the first suction port 36. Has been. Further, the rotation center line of each brush base 48 is slightly inclined forward with respect to the normal of the surface to be cleaned. For this reason, the linear cleaning body 49 turns along a surface inclined forward with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The linear cleaning body 49 that pivots in front of the brush base 48 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned toward the tip side, and the linear cleaning body 49 that rotates in the rear side of the brush base 48 from the surface to be cleaned in the tip side. I will leave.

  The plurality of linear cleaning bodies 49 are arranged radially from the brush base 48, for example, at equal intervals in three directions. The side brush 33 may include four or more linear cleaning bodies 49 for each brush base 48. Each linear cleaning body 49 includes a plurality of brush hairs as cleaning members on the tip side. Further, the brush bristles swirl along a trajectory that extends outward from the outer peripheral edge of the first main body case 11.

  Each side brush drive unit 35 includes a rotating shaft (not shown) that protrudes downward and is connected to the brush base 48 of the side brush 33. Each side brush drive unit 35 rotates the side brush 33 so as to scrape dust on the surface to be cleaned to the first suction port 36.

  Next, the station unit 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pedestal 19 of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment projects to the front side of the station unit 5 and expands in a rectangular shape. The pedestal 19 includes a high floor portion 51 connected to the bottom of the dust collection portion 21 and a low floor portion 52 that projects from the high floor portion 51. The low floor portion 52 and the high floor portion 51 extend in a band shape in the width direction of the station unit 5. In the high floor portion 51, the charging electrode 3 and the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 are arranged.

  The autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 rides the pair of driving wheels 45 on the low floor portion 52 and reaches the homing position in a posture in which the first dust collecting container 12 is disposed above the high floor portion 51.

  The pedestal 19 includes an uneven running surface 53 that reduces the ground contact area of each of the pair of drive wheels 45 when the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 moves to a position (home position) where the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. ing. The running surface 53 is a plurality of linear irregularities, lattice-shaped irregularities, or a plurality of hemispherical irregularities provided on a part of the pedestal 19.

  The dust collection unit 21 includes a second main body case 27 having a second suction port 26 for sucking in other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and the first dust collecting container 12 through the dust transfer pipe 22. A second dust collecting container 28 that accumulates dust to be discarded, a second electric blower 29 accommodated in the second main body case 27 and connected to the second dust collecting container 28, and a second electric motor from a commercial AC power source. And a power cord 25 that guides power to the blower 29 and the charging electrode 3.

  The second main body case 27 is a box having an appropriate shape that is disposed at the rear of the station unit 5 and extends upward from the pedestal 19 and can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. A wall surface 27a having a thickness is included. The wall surface 27 a corresponds to the right side surface of the second main body case 27. The second main body case 27 has an appropriate shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 returns.

  The second main body case 27 is short in the depth direction (the direction that travels when the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 returns) and long in the width direction. A second dust collecting container 28 is disposed in one half of the second body case 27 in the width direction, specifically, the right half, and the other half, specifically, the left half, Two electric blowers 29 are accommodated.

  The front wall of the second main body case 27 is provided with an arcuate concave portion 56 corresponding to the rear end portion of the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2. The entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 extends from the raised floor portion 51 of the pedestal 19 to the recessed portion 56. The recessed portion 56 is provided with a homing confirmation detection unit 57 that detects whether or not the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 has reached a position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.

  The homing confirmation detection unit 57 is a so-called objective sensor that detects a relative distance from the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 using visible light or infrared light. The homing confirmation detection unit 57 includes a first sensor unit 58 that detects a relative distance from the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 in the front direction of the dust collection unit 21, and an autonomous vacuum cleaning unit in the height direction of the second main body case 27. 2, a second sensor unit 59 that detects a relative distance from the second sensor unit 59.

  The second suction port 26 collects dust collected by means other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, such as mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools, or dust that adheres to mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools themselves. Applicable for inhalation. The 2nd suction inlet 26 is provided in the lower part of the right wall surface of the 2nd main body case 27 as the wall surface 27a which has height with respect to an installation surface. The second suction port 26 has an appropriate width along the installation surface and an appropriate height in the normal direction of the surface to be cleaned.

  The pair of charging electrodes 3 are arranged with the entrance of the dust transfer tube 22 in between. Each charging electrode 3 is arranged in front of the left and right edges of the recessed portion 56.

  In the second main body case 27, in addition to the dust transfer pipe 22, a suction air passage 61 that fluidly connects the second suction port 26 and the second dust collecting container 28, and the second dust collecting container 28 and the second dust collecting pipe 28. A downstream air duct 62 that fluidly connects the two electric blowers 29 is provided.

  The dust transfer pipe 22 is connected to the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 in a state where the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5, and is a first suction air passage that sucks dust collected by the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2. is there. On the other hand, the suction air passage 61 is a second suction air passage that sucks in other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2.

  Both the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 are connected to the suction side (upstream side of the air flow) of the second dust collecting container 28. That is, the negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 acts on both the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 via the second dust collecting container 28. Therefore, the station unit 5 establishes a fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 when transferring dust from the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2, while While the fluid connection with the dust collecting container 28 is cut off, and when the negative pressure is applied to the second suction port 26, the fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 is cut off. Thus, an air path switching mechanism 63 for establishing a fluid connection between the suction air path 61 and the second dust collecting container 28 is provided.

  The dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 are fluidly connected to the second dust collecting container 28 via a merging pipe 64 connected to both air passages. The junction pipe 64 relays between the air path switching mechanism 63 and the second dust collecting container 28.

  The dust transfer tube 22 removably connects the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 and the second dust collecting container 28. The dust transfer pipe 22 is in contact with the connecting portion 39 of the first dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 in a position (homing position) where the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Thus, it is connected to the disposal port 41 in an airtight manner.

  The lever 23 disposed at the entrance of the dust transfer tube 22 includes a hook 65 extending in the front direction and upward of the dust collection unit 21.

  The suction air passage 61 is provided in the second main body case 27. The suction air passage 61 is a vertical air passage pipe that fluidly connects the suction chamber 66 and the second dust collecting container 28 via the air passage switching mechanism 63 and the suction chamber 66 connected to the second suction port 26. 67.

  The suction chamber 66 is disposed below the second dust collection container 28 and extends transversely below the second dust collection container 28. The suction chamber 66 has an inflow side end portion 66 a connected to the second suction port 26, and an outflow side end portion 66 b connected to the rising air duct pipe 67. The suction chamber 66 fluidly connects the second suction port 26 and the second dust collecting container 28 via a rising air duct 67.

  The depth of the air passage of the suction chamber 66 (the length of the air passage), that is, the distance between the outflow side end portion 66b and the inflow side end portion 66a is longer than the diameter D of the second dust collecting container 28.

  The rising air duct 67 is connected to the outflow side end 66 b of the suction chamber 66 and rises upward along the second dust collecting container 28. The rising air duct pipe 67 includes a lower end 67 a connected to the outflow side end 66 b of the suction chamber 66 and an upper end 67 b connected to the air path switching mechanism 63.

  The second dust collecting container 28 is detachably mounted on the left side of the dust collecting unit 21 and exposed. The second dust collecting container 28 is fluidly connected to the dust transfer tube 22 and the suction air passage 61, and separates and accumulates dust flowing from the dust transfer tube 22 and the suction air passage 61. The second dust collecting container 28 is fluidly connected to the second suction port 26 through the air path switching mechanism 63, the rising air path pipe 67, and the suction chamber 66 in this order. The second dust collecting container 28 is disposed above the suction chamber 66.

  The second dust collecting container 28 includes a centrifuge 68 that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 from the air. The centrifuge 68 is a multistage type, and a first centrifuge 68a that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer tube 22 or the second suction port 26 from air, and dust that passes through the first centrifuge 68a from air. A second centrifuge 68b for centrifuging.

  The first centrifuge 68a centrifuges coarse dust from the air guided to the second dust collecting container 28. The second centrifuge 68b centrifuges fine dust from the air passing through the first centrifuge 68a. Note that coarse dust is dust with a large mass such as fibrous dust such as lint and cotton dust or sand particles, and fine dust is dust with a small particle mass or powder and low mass.

  The second electric blower 29 applies suction negative pressure to the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second suction port 26 via the downstream air duct 62 and the second dust collecting container 28. The suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 acts on the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 by the air path switching mechanism 63.

  Next, the air path switching mechanism 63 of the station unit 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  5 to 7 are perspective views of the air path switching mechanism of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 shows the air path switching mechanism 63 in the station unit 5 with the second main body case 27 removed. FIG. 6 shows the slider 71 of the flow path switching mechanism 73 further removed from FIG. FIG. 7 shows the dust transfer pipe 22, the rising air duct pipe 67, and the junction pipe 64 further removed from FIG. 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 in addition to FIG. 4, the air path switching mechanism 63 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment includes the dust transfer pipe 22 (that is, the first suction air path) and the second dust collecting container. Is connected to the second dust collecting container 28 so as to permit either one of the circulation with the gas 28 and the circulation with the suction air path 61 (that is, the second suction air path) and the second dust collecting container 28 and to block the other. A switching valve 72 capable of switching the air path and a flow path switching mechanism 73 capable of switching the switching valve 72 by one input operation (input operation) are provided.

  There are a plurality of switching valves 72. Specifically, the first switching valve 75a capable of permitting or blocking the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28, the suction air passage 61, and the second dust collecting container 28. And a second switching valve 75b capable of permitting or shutting off the flow.

  The switching valve 72 includes a separate valve body and a valve shaft. Specifically, the switching valve 72 includes a first valve body 76a that can permit or block the flow of the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28, and a first valve shaft 77a that supports the first valve body 76a. The first switching valve 75a, the second valve body 76b that can permit or block the flow between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28, and the second valve shaft 77b that supports the second valve body 76b. Two switching valves 75b are provided separately. That is, the first switching valve 75a and the second switching valve 75b are respectively a separate valve body (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) and valve shaft (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b). It has.

  The valve bodies (the first valve body 76a and the second valve body 76b) are both rectangular plate-like bodies. The valve bodies (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) are in contact with valve seats (first valve seat 78a, second valve seat 78b) provided in the merging pipe 64, and the respective air passages and the merging pipe 64. , And consequently, a seating surface that blocks the flow between each air passage and the second dust collecting container 28.

  The valve shafts (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b) are arranged on either side of the valve body (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b). Therefore, the switching valve 72 rotates the valve bodies (the first valve body 76a and the second valve body 76b) around the valve shafts (the first valve shaft 77a and the second valve shaft 77b) like a door, thereby providing an air passage. Close or open.

  The first valve shaft 77a and the second valve shaft 77b are provided side by side with a wall separating the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 therebetween.

  The valve body of the switching valve 72 is arrange | positioned in each air path. That is, the first valve body 76 a of the first switching valve 75 a is disposed in the dust transfer pipe 22, and the second valve body 76 b of the second switching valve 75 b is disposed in the suction air passage 61.

  The switching valve 72 is opened by its own weight. That is, when the force for closing the first valve body 76a does not act from the flow path switching mechanism 73, the first switching valve 75a opens due to the weight of the first valve body 76a, and the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting pipe are opened. It will be in the state which permits distribution | circulation with the container 28. FIG. On the other hand, when the force for closing the second valve body 76b from the flow path switching mechanism 73 does not act on the second switching valve 75b, the second switching valve 75b opens due to the weight of the second valve body 76b. It will be in the state which permits distribution | circulation with the container 28. FIG.

  The valve body of the switching valve 72 opens so as to fall toward the upstream side of the air passage around the valve shaft. Specifically, the first valve body 76a opens so as to fall down toward the upstream side of the dust transfer pipe 22 around the first valve shaft 77a, and the second valve body 76b sucks around the second valve shaft 77b. It opens so as to fall toward the upstream of the air passage 61. 4 and 7 show a state where the first switching valve 75a is closed and the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 is blocked, and the second switching valve 75b is opened and the suction air passage. 6 shows a state in which the circulation between 61 and the second dust collecting container 28 is permitted.

  The first valve body 76a and the first valve shaft 77a are separate members, and the second valve body 76b and the second valve shaft 77b are separate members. The first valve shaft 77a is inserted through the dust transfer tube 22 in a state where the first valve body 76a is disposed in the dust transfer tube 22, and supports the first valve body 76a. The second valve shaft 77b is inserted through the suction air passage 61 in a state where the second valve body 76b is disposed in the suction air passage 61, and supports the second valve body 76b.

  By the way, the switching valve 72 is opened so that the valve body is accommodated in the air passage and the valve body is tilted toward the upstream of the air passage around the valve shaft, so that the valve body is caused to flow by the air flowing through the air passage. There is a concern that it will be forcibly closed unintentionally.

  Therefore, the station unit 5 is provided in the dust transfer pipe 22, and a first recess 79a in which the first switching valve 75a is accommodated in a state where the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 is permitted, A second recess 79b that is provided in the suction air passage 61 and in which the second switching valve 75b is accommodated in a state in which the circulation between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28 is permitted. The first concave portion 79a and the second concave portion 79b are located in a place like a spray pool in the air passage, separating the valve body from the main flow of air flowing through the air passage and preventing the valve body from being closed by the main flow.

  Moreover, the valve body of the switching valve 72 has a through-hole penetrating the front and back in the vicinity of the valve shaft in the outer region of the seat surface. Specifically, the first valve body 76a has a first through hole 81a penetrating the front and back in the vicinity of the first valve shaft 77a in the outer region of the seat surface, and the second valve body 76b is formed on the seat surface. It has the 2nd through-hole 81b which penetrates the front and back in the outer region and the vicinity of the 2nd valve shaft 77b.

  The first through hole 81a is an elongated slit that opens along the first valve shaft 77a. The second through hole 81b is an elongated slit that opens along the second valve shaft 77b.

  Since the switching valve 72 is opened so that the valve body is housed in the air passage and the valve body is tilted toward the upstream of the air passage around the valve shaft, dust contained in the air flowing through the air passage is separated from the valve body. There is a concern of getting into the wall of the air passage.

  Therefore, the valve body of the switching valve 72 discharges dust that enters between the valve body and the wall surface of the air passage from the first through hole 81a and the second through hole 81b, and the dust remains while being sandwiched. Is preventing. Moreover, the valve body of the switching valve 72 can reduce the load in the closing direction due to the airflow by drawing air flowing through the air passage from the through hole.

  Further, the switching valve 72 includes an eccentric shaft that is provided eccentric to the valve shaft. That is, the first switching valve 75a includes a first eccentric shaft 82a provided eccentrically with respect to the first valve shaft 77a, and the second switching valve 75b is provided second eccentrically with respect to the second valve shaft 77b. An eccentric shaft 82b is provided.

  The eccentric shaft is disposed outside the air passage. That is, the first eccentric shaft 82 a is disposed outside the dust transfer tube 22, and the second eccentric shaft 82 b is disposed outside the suction air passage 61. The first eccentric shaft 82 a is provided at one end of the first valve shaft 77 a disposed outside the dust transfer tube 22, and the second eccentric shaft 82 b is disposed second outside the suction air passage 61. It is provided at one end of the valve shaft 77b. The first valve shaft 77a and the second valve shaft 77b are inserted into the air passage from the other end side without the eccentric shaft, and support the valve body.

  The eccentric shaft transmits a force for closing the switching valve 72, and the valve body is driven by turning (or revolving) around the center of the valve shaft by the flow path switching mechanism 73 (FIG. 5). That is, the first eccentric shaft 82a is turned (or revolved) around the center of the first valve shaft 77a by the flow path switching mechanism 73 to close the first valve body 76a. Further, the second eccentric shaft 82b turns (or revolves) around the center of the second valve shaft 77b by the flow path switching mechanism 73 to close the second valve body 76b.

  Further, the switching valve 72 is an elastic pressing portion (first pressing portion 83a) that generates a force for pressing the valve body against the valve seat in a state where the valve body blocks the flow between the air passage and the second dust collecting container 28. And a second pressing portion 83b). Specifically, the first switching valve 75a includes the first valve body 76a and the second valve body in a state where the first valve body 76a blocks the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28. An elastic first pressing portion 83a that generates a force for pressing 76b against the first valve seat 78a is provided. The second switching valve 75b has a force to press the second valve body 76b against the second valve seat 78b in a state where the second valve body 76b blocks the flow between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28. An elastic second pressing portion 83b is provided.

  The flow path switching mechanism 73 opens one of the first switching valve 75a and the second switching valve 75b by one input operation, closes the other, and opens one of the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air path 61. The air path is switched so that the other dust collecting container 28 is circulated and the other is blocked.

  Here, one input operation for switching the switching valve 72 by the flow path switching mechanism 73 is, for example, an operation or operation for depressing the push button 85, or an operation or operation for raising a knob (not shown) in place of the push button 85. And an operation or operation for turning a knob (not shown) in one direction, an operation or operation for tilting the lever in one direction, and an operation for moving an input unit such as the push button 85, knob, or lever in one direction, or Is the action.

  Further, the flow path switching mechanism 73 blocks the flow between the slider 71, which generates a driving force for opening and closing the switching valve 72 by reciprocating motion, the dust transfer pipe 22, and the second dust collecting container 28, and the suction air path 61 and the first flow path. A power unit 86 for applying a force to the slider 71 so as to operate the switching valve 72 to a state permitting the circulation with the second dust collecting container 28, and a push button 85 for operation linked to the slider 71 are provided.

  Furthermore, the flow path switching mechanism 73 holds the switching valve 72 in a state where the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28 is permitted and the flow between the suction air path 61 and the second dust collection container 28 is blocked. In addition, a clutch mechanism 87 that temporarily restricts the movement of the slider 71 is provided.

  The slider 71 is box-shaped and is disposed on the front side of the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61, and is disposed at one end of the valve shaft (the first valve shaft 77 a and the second valve shaft 77 b) of the switching valve 72. It is covered.

  The slider 71 is provided with guide holes (first guide hole 88a and second guide hole 88b) in which the eccentric shafts (first eccentric shaft 82a and second eccentric shaft 82b) of the switching valve 72 are disposed. It is eccentric to the guide hole (first guide hole 88a, second guide hole 88b) provided in the slider 71 and the valve shaft (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b) of the switching valve 72 to the switching valve 72. The eccentric shafts (the first eccentric shaft 82 a and the second eccentric shaft 82 b) that are provided and are disposed in the guide holes are the scotch yoke mechanism portion 89.

  The scotch yoke mechanism 89 transmits the reciprocating movement of the slider 71 to the eccentric shafts (first eccentric shaft 82a and second eccentric shaft 82b) disposed in the guide holes (first guide hole 88a, second guide hole 88b), This is converted into a force for closing the switching valve 72. The flow path switching mechanism 73 transmits the reciprocating motion of the slider 71 to the eccentric shafts (the first eccentric shaft 82a and the second eccentric shaft 82b), and the switching valve 72 (the first switching valve 75a and the second switching valve 75b). A mechanical structure such as a mechanism that combines a plurality of gears, a crank mechanism, a cam mechanism, or the like in addition to the scotch yoke mechanism 89 can be applied as a mechanism for converting to an opening / closing motion.

  The slider 71 has a pair of slits 91 that define the moving direction. These slits 91 are inserted into ribs 92 provided on the air path side to support smooth reciprocation of the slider 71.

  The slider 71 is supported in a freely reciprocating manner by screws (not shown) fastened to a boss 95 disposed in the elongated hole 93. The boss 95 is provided on the outer wall surface of each air passage. The slider 71 can be easily assembled by tightening a screw after covering one end of the valve shaft (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b) of the switching valve 72.

  The power unit 86 is, for example, a pair of coil springs 96. The power unit 86 closes the first switching valve 75 a and blocks the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28, opens the second switching valve 75 b, and connects the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28. A spring force is applied to the slider 71 so as to operate the switching valve 72 to a state permitting circulation. The power unit 86 is compressed and stores energy when the slider 71 moves in a direction to open the first switching valve 75a and close the second switching valve 75b. The pair of coil springs 96 are disposed on the respective sides of the slider 71 and balance the driving force of the slider 71 in the reciprocating direction so that the slit 91 of the slider 71 is not caught by the rib 92.

  The slider 71 is provided with a cylindrical holder 97 that holds one end of the coil spring 96. The other end of the coil spring 96 is held on the air path side. Specifically, the other end of the coil spring 96 is supported by a rib 92 in a slit 91 arranged in the holder 97.

  A button hole 27 b for exposing the push button 85 is provided at the top of the second main body case 27.

  The push button 85 has a cylindrical shape, and has a top surface as an operation surface pressed by a finger and a cylindrical side surface. The push button 85 has a larger amount of protrusion from the second main body case 27 in the raised state than in the pushed state.

  Further, the push button 85 includes a mark 99 that is exposed and visible outside the second main body case 27 in the raised state. The mark 99 is provided on the side surface of the push button 85.

  In the state where the push button 85 is pushed in, the switching valve 72 is allowed to flow through the dust transfer pipe 22, and the flow through the suction air passage 61 is blocked. When the push button 85 is raised, the switching valve 72 is turned on. The distribution of the dust transfer pipe 22 is blocked, and the distribution of the suction air passage 61 is permitted.

  The clutch mechanism 87 is housed in a cylindrical push button 85. Although a specific description and illustration are omitted, the clutch mechanism 87 includes, for example, a knock-type ballpoint pen, a groove in the cylinder, a push button 85 that meshes with the groove, a state that meshes with the groove together with the push button 85, and a cylinder And a mover that changes the position in the axial direction in the cylinder according to any one of the states of coming out of the inner groove and being caught by the end of the groove. When the push button 85 is pressed down, the clutch mechanism 87 allows the dust transfer pipe 22 to flow and interrupts the suction air passage 61 so that the ballpoint pen holds the shaft core with the pen tip protruding. In this state, the slider 71 is held by the mover.

  The clutch mechanism 87 obtains a force for pushing the mover back into the groove from the coil spring 96 of the power unit 86. That is, the coil spring 96 also serves as a part of the clutch mechanism portion 87.

  In addition, when the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 is interrupted and the flow between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28 is permitted, the flow path switching mechanism 73 is configured to perform the second electric operation. A switching detection unit 101 that drives the blower 29 is provided.

  The switching detection unit 101 includes, for example, a micro switch, and is electrically connected to a control circuit (not shown) of the second electric blower 29. Based on the moving position of the slider 71, the switching detection unit 101 blocks the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28, and permits the flow between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28. And the second electric blower 29 is driven. The switching detection unit 101 closes or opens the electric circuit according to the moving position of the slider 71 to block the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28, and the suction air path 61, the second dust collecting container 28, and the like. Detect that the distribution of is permitted. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 1 is in a state where the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 is blocked and the flow between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28 is permitted, the switching detection is performed. The second electric blower 29 is operated by the control circuit based on the detection result of the unit 101, and dust is sucked from the second suction port 26. When the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5, the operation control of the second electric blower 29 for transferring dust from the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5 is performed by another detection unit ( For example, it is executed by the control circuit based on the detection result of the homing confirmation detection unit 57).

  Next, the pressing portions (the first pressing portion 83a and the second pressing portion 83b) of the switching valve 72 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the pressing portion of the station unit according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows the first switching valve 75a opened and the second switching valve 75b closed, and the pressing portions (first pressing portion 83a and second pressing portion 83b) in a neutral state.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first pressing portion 83a of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment is fixed to one of the first valve body 76a and the first eccentric shaft 82a, and a partially cut arc. The first outer ring 102a having a shape, fixed to one of the first valve body 76a and the first eccentric shaft 82a, disposed in the first outer ring 102a, and a partially cut arc similar to the first outer ring 102a A first inner ring 103a having a shape and a pair of arms 105a disposed inside the first inner ring 103a and in contact with the cutout ends of the first outer ring 102a and the first inner ring 103a. A first torsion spring 106a that stores energy by being twisted by the phase difference of the inner ring 103a.

  The second pressing portion 83b is fixed to one of the second valve body 76b and the second eccentric shaft 82b, and has a partially cut-out arc-shaped second outer ring 102b, a second valve body 76b, The second eccentric shaft 82b is fixed to one of the other and is disposed in the second outer ring 102b. Like the second outer ring 102b, a partially cut arc-shaped second inner ring 103b and the inner side of the second inner ring 103b And a pair of arms 105b that are in contact with the respective cutout ends of the second outer ring 102b and the second inner ring 103b, and are twisted by the phase difference between the second outer ring 102b and the second inner ring 103b to store energy. A torsion spring 106b.

  The pressing portions (the first pressing portion 83a and the second pressing portion 83b) are disposed outside the air passage together with the eccentric shaft. That is, the first pressing portion 83 a is disposed outside the dust transfer tube 22, and the second pressing portion 83 b is disposed outside the suction air passage 61. The first pressing portion 83 a is provided along with the first eccentric shaft 82 a at one end of the first valve shaft 77 a disposed outside the dust transfer pipe 22, and the second pressing portion 83 b is outside the suction air passage 61. The second eccentric shaft 82b is provided at one end of the second valve shaft 77b.

  The first inner ring 103a is loosely fitted into the first outer ring 102a and is instructed to be rotatable. The centers of the first inner ring 103a and the first outer ring 102a substantially coincide with the center of the first valve shaft 77a of the first switching valve 75a. Therefore, the first eccentric shaft 82a moves around the center of the first valve shaft 77a and changes the angle formed with the first valve body 76a (the angle formed around the center of the first valve shaft 77a). it can.

  The second inner ring 103b is also loosely fitted into the second outer ring 102b and is instructed to be rotatable. The centers of the second inner ring 103b and the second outer ring 102b also substantially coincide with the center of the second valve shaft 77b of the second switching valve 75b. Therefore, the second eccentric shaft 82b can also move around the center of the second valve shaft 77b and change the angle formed with the second valve body 76b (the angle formed around the center of the second valve shaft 77b). .

  The cutouts of the first inner ring 103a and the first outer ring 102a are cut out in a range of substantially the same central angle, and overlap in phase at the neutral position of the first eccentric shaft 82a with respect to the first valve body 76a. The cutouts of the second inner ring 103b and the second outer ring 102b are also cut out in the range of substantially the same central angle, and overlap in phase at the neutral position of the second eccentric shaft 82b with respect to the second valve body 76b.

  The first torsion spring 106a applies the respective arms 105b to the open ends of both the notches of the first inner ring 103a and the first outer ring 102a at the neutral position of the first eccentric shaft 82a with respect to the first valve body 76a. That is, the first torsion spring 106a generates a spring force to a neutral position where the phases of the notches of both the first inner ring 103a and the first outer ring 102a coincide. When the first eccentric shaft 82a moves around the center of the first valve shaft 77a and the notch phases of both the first inner ring 103a and the first outer ring 102a become inconsistent, the first torsion spring 106a has a notch phase. A spring force is generated to push both wheels back to the neutral position where.

  In the state where the first valve body 76a is not in contact with the first valve seat 78a (free state), the first torsion spring 106a turns the first eccentric shaft 82a around the first valve shaft 77a by the flow path switching mechanism 73 (or The neutral position where the phases of the notches of both the first inner ring 103a and the first outer ring 102a coincide with each other even when (revolution) is maintained, or the phase difference is suppressed to a small extent so as not to inhibit the closing of the first valve body 76a. It is set so that a spring force can be generated.

  The second torsion spring 106b also applies the respective arms 105b to the open ends of both the notches of the second inner ring 103b and the second outer ring 102b at the neutral position of the second eccentric shaft 82b with respect to the second valve body 76b. That is, the second torsion spring 106b also generates a spring force to a neutral position where notches of both the second inner ring 103b and the second outer ring 102b are in phase. When the second eccentric shaft 82b moves around the center of the second valve shaft 77b and the notch phases of both the second inner ring 103b and the second outer ring 102b become inconsistent, the second torsion spring 106b has a notch phase. A spring force is generated to push both wheels back to the neutral position where.

  In the state where the second valve body 76b is not in contact with the second valve seat 78b (free state), the second torsion spring 106b is also turned around the second valve shaft 77b by the flow path switching mechanism 73 (or in a free state). The neutral position where the phases of the notches of both the second inner ring 103b and the second outer ring 102b coincide with each other even when (revolution) is maintained, or the phase difference is suppressed to a small extent and the closing of the second valve body 76b is not hindered It is set so that a spring force can be generated.

  The force with which the first pressing portion 83a presses the first valve body 76a against the first valve seat 78a is greater than the force with which the second pressing portion 83b presses the second valve body 76b against the second valve seat 78b. That is, the spring force generated by the first torsion spring 106a is larger than the spring force generated by the second torsion spring 106b.

  FIG. 9 to FIG. 13 are diagrams showing operation states of the flow path switching mechanism and the switching valve according to the present embodiment.

  In FIGS. 9 to 13, a reference line passing through the centers of the first valve shaft 77a and the second valve shaft 77b is indicated by a one-dot chain line in order to express the movement amount of the slider 71 in an easy-to-understand manner.

  9 shows the neutral position of the slider 71, FIG. 10 shows the moving position of the slider 71 in a state where the first valve element 76a is in contact with the first valve seat 78a, and FIG. 11 shows the first position by the first pressing portion 83a. FIG. 12 shows the moving position of the slider 71 when the valve body 76a is pressed against the first valve seat 78a. FIG. 12 shows the moving position of the slider 71 when the second valve body 76b is in contact with the second valve seat 78b. FIG. 13 shows the movement position of the slider 71 in a state where the second valve body 76b is pressed against the second valve seat 78b by the second pressing portion 83b.

  When the first switching valve 75a is fully closed and the second switching valve 75b is fully opened, the first switching valve 75a is fully opened and the second switching valve 75b is fully closed. The state changes in the order of FIG. 9, FIG. 12, and FIG. Conversely, when the first switching valve 75a is fully opened and the second switching valve 75b is fully closed, the first switching valve 75a is fully closed and the second switching valve 75b is fully opened. The state changes in the order of FIG. 12, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment changes the open / close state of the switching valve 72 when the slider 71 of the flow path switching mechanism 73 reciprocates.

  Here, for simplicity of explanation. From the neutral position (FIG. 9), the first switching valve 75a and the second switching valve 75b are fully closed and the second switching valve 75b is fully opened (FIG. 11), and then the first switching valve 75a. Will be described in a state in which the second switching valve 75b is fully open (FIG. 13).

  When a force for closing the first switching valve 75a is applied to the first eccentric shaft 82a from the slider 71 in the neutral position (FIG. 9), the first eccentric shaft 82a revolving around the center of the first valve shaft 77a follows. Thus, the first valve body 76a swings around the center of the first valve shaft 77a and approaches the first valve seat 78a. The force for moving the slider 71, that is, the force for closing the first switching valve 75a is based on the energy stored in the coil spring 96 of the power unit 86. As the slider 71 moves, the push button 85 is pushed up.

  Eventually, the first valve body 76a comes into contact with the first valve seat 78a and interrupts the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 (FIG. 10). When the slider 71 further moves and a force for closing the first switching valve 75a acts on the first eccentric shaft 82a from the flow path switching mechanism 73, the first eccentric shaft 82a turns around the center of the first valve shaft 77a (revolution). On the other hand, the first valve body 76a is prevented from moving while in contact with the first valve seat 78a (FIG. 11). At this time, the phase difference between the first eccentric shaft 82a and the first valve body 76a causes the phase difference between the cutouts of both the first inner ring 103a and the first outer ring 102a, and the first torsion spring 106a is throttled. The force that squeezes the first torsion spring 106a is converted into a force that presses the first valve element 76a against the first valve seat 78a.

  In this process (FIGS. 9 to 11), the second switching valve 75b opens around the second valve shaft 77b by the weight of the second valve body 76b.

  Next, when the push button 85 is pushed and a force for opening the second switching valve 75b is applied to the second eccentric shaft 82b from the slider 71, the second eccentric shaft 82b that rotates (revolves) around the center of the second valve shaft 77b is applied. Following this, the second valve body 76b swings around the center of the second valve shaft 77b and approaches the second valve seat 78b (FIG. 9). The force for closing the second switching valve 75b is an operating force for pushing down the push button 85. By pushing down the push button 85, the coil spring 96 of the power unit 86 stores energy.

  Eventually, the second valve body 76b comes into contact with the second valve seat 78b and blocks the flow between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28 (FIG. 12). When the slider 71 further moves and a force for closing the second switching valve 75b acts on the second eccentric shaft 82b from the flow path switching mechanism 73, the second eccentric shaft 82b turns around the center of the second valve shaft 77b (revolution). On the other hand, the second valve body 76b is prevented from moving while in contact with the second valve seat 78b (FIG. 13). At this time, the phase difference between the second eccentric shaft 82b and the second valve element 76b causes the phase difference between the cutouts of both the second inner ring 103b and the second outer ring 102b, and restricts the second torsion spring 106b. The force that squeezes the second torsion spring 106b is converted into a force that presses the second valve body 76b against the second valve seat 78b.

  In this process (FIGS. 11, 10, 9, 12, and 13), the first switching valve 75a opens around the first valve shaft 77a by the weight of the first valve body 76a.

  Here, the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment opens when the user touches the push button 85 unexpectedly or moves the push button up and down in a short time within the mechanical play range of the clutch mechanism 87. The second valve body 76b of the second switching valve 75b may move in the closing direction. If the second valve body 76b is detached from the second recess 79b and exposed to the main flow of the suction air passage 61, the second valve body 76b may be closed by the negative pressure acting on the suction air passage 61. At this time, since the first valve body 76a is strongly pressed against the first valve seat 78a by the suction negative pressure, if the second valve body 76b is closed, the suction side of the second electric blower 29 is blocked. This is not preferable.

  Therefore, in the station unit 5, the first switching valve 75 a is closed, the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28 is blocked, the second switching valve 75 b is opened, and the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collecting container 28. The second switching valve 75b is closed in cooperation with the first switching valve 75a that blocks the circulation between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collecting container 28. The air passage blockage restricting portion 108 is provided for restricting and securing a predetermined opening degree of the second switching valve 75b.

  14 and 15 are views showing an air passage blockage restricting portion of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the air passage blockage restricting portion 108 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment is provided on the first convex portion 109 provided on the first switching valve 75a and the second switching valve 75b. And a second convex portion 111 that restricts the second switching valve 75b from being fully closed by being caught by the first convex portion 109.

  The air passage blockage restricting portion 108 is disposed outside the air passage. That is, the first convex portion 109 is disposed outside the dust transfer tube 22, and the second convex portion 111 is disposed outside the suction air passage 61. The first convex portion 109 is provided at one end of the first valve shaft 77 a that is disposed outside the dust transfer pipe 22, and the second convex portion 111 is the second that is disposed outside the suction air passage 61. It is provided at one end of the valve shaft 77b.

  The first convex portion 109 is provided at an end portion of the first valve shaft 77a disposed outside the dust transfer tube 22, and is integrated with the first valve body 76a. The first convex portion 109 follows the opening and closing of the first valve body 76a and moves in the circumferential direction of the first valve shaft 77a.

  The 2nd convex part 111 is also provided in the edge part of the 2nd valve shaft 77b arrange | positioned outside the suction air path 61, and is integrated with the 2nd valve body 76b. The 2nd convex part 111 follows the opening and closing of the 2nd valve body 76b, and moves to the circumferential direction of the 2nd valve shaft 77b.

  The first convex portion 109 has a mountain shape, the second convex portion 111 extends in the radial direction of the second valve shaft 77b of the second switching valve 75b, and the second switching valve 75b is fully closed in contact with the first convex portion 109. It has a flat surface that regulates it.

  In addition, if the 1st convex part 109 has the inclined surface which receives the plane of the 2nd convex part 111, it will not be provided with the inclined surface of the back side of the mountain which does not contact the plane of the 2nd convex part 111. Also good. That is, as long as it has the inclined surface which receives the plane of the 2nd convex part 111, the arbitrary shape including a trapezoid and a parallelogram is contained in the mountain shape of the 1st convex part 109. FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows a state where the first switching valve 75a is fully closed and a state where the second switching valve 75b is fully opened. At this time, the second convex portion 111 of the air passage blockage restricting portion 108 is not in contact with the first convex portion 109. As shown in FIG. 15, when the second switching valve 75b is to be closed with the first switching valve 75a fully closed, the plane of the second convex portion 111 is in contact with the inclined surface of the first convex portion 109, The movement of the two switching valve 75b is restricted. As a result, the second switching valve 75b is prevented from being fully closed. The valve opening degree of the second switching valve 75b is defined in advance by the arrangement relationship of the first convex portion 109 and the second convex portion 111 with respect to each valve shaft. The valve opening degree of the second switching valve 75b regulated by the air passage blockage restricting portion 108 is set in a range where the second valve body 76b does not protrude from the second recess 79b and is not exposed to the main flow of the suction air passage 61. Preferably it is.

  If the first switch valve 75a is intentionally opened and the second switch valve 75b is closed by intentionally operating the push button 85, the first valve body is connected via the first eccentric shaft 82a of the first switch valve 75a. Even if the force that presses 76a against the first valve seat 78a disappears and the second convex portion 111 of the air passage blockage restricting portion 108 is in contact with the first convex portion 109 and the degree of valve solution is restricted, The slope of the first convex portion 109 pushes back the second switching valve 75b to get over the second convex portion 111, and the first switching valve 75a opens and the second switching valve 75b closes as intended.

  Next, another example of the station unit 5 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the station unit 5A of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment includes a switching valve 72A having an integral valve body that switches the air path.

  The switching valve 72A integrally includes a first valve body 76Aa that can permit or block the flow of the dust transfer pipe 22 and a second valve body 76Ab that can allow or block the flow of the suction air passage 61. A valve shaft 121 that supports the body 76Aa and the second valve body 76Ab in a lump is provided.

  The valve bodies (first valve body 76Aa and second valve body 76Ab) are all rectangular plate-like bodies. The valve bodies (first valve body 76Aa, second valve body 76Ab) are in contact with valve seats (first valve seat 78a, second valve seat 78b) provided in the merging pipe 64, and the respective air passages and the merging pipe 64. It has a bearing surface that blocks the flow of

  The valve shaft 121 is disposed at a boundary portion or a connecting portion between the first valve body 76Aa and the second valve body 76Ab. Accordingly, the switching valve 72A closes or opens the air passage by rotating the valve bodies (first valve body 76Aa, second valve body 76Ab) around the valve shaft 121 like a door.

  The valve shaft 121 is disposed on an extension line of a wall that separates the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61.

  The switching valve 72A is arranged outside the air passage, and is an elastic pressure that generates a force for pressing the valve body against the valve seat in a state where the valve body interrupts the flow between the air passage and the second dust collecting container 28. A portion (not shown) and an eccentric shaft (not shown) provided eccentric to the valve shaft 121. The pressing portion and the eccentric shaft are disposed outside the air passage.

  The vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above is configured such that the dust transfer pipe 22 (first suction air passage) and the second dust collecting container 28 are distributed and the suction air passage 61 (second suction air passage). By providing a switching valve 72 that allows switching of the air path connected to the second dust collecting container 28 so as to permit one of the flow between the second dust collecting container 28 and block the other, the autonomous electric The function of accumulating the dust collected by the cleaning unit 2 in the station unit 5 and the local cleaning using a means other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool. After that, the function of accumulating the collected dust in the station unit 5 can be easily switched.

  In addition, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment includes separate switching valves 72 (a first switching valve 75a and a second switching valve 75b), so that the respective air passages are individually divided and the air passages are separated. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent air leakage with a simple structure. In particular, leakage of air around the valve shaft (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b) can be reliably prevented.

  Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 which concerns on this embodiment is provided with each separate switching valve 72 (1st switching valve 75a, 2nd switching valve 75b), and each valve body (1st valve body 76a, 2nd switching valve 75b) is provided. Since the dimensional relationship between the valve body 76b) and the valve seat (the first valve seat 78a and the second valve seat 78b) can be individually managed, air leakage on the seat surface can be reliably suppressed.

  Moreover, the vacuum cleaner 1 which concerns on this embodiment is equipped with the flow path switching mechanism 73 which can switch the switching valve 72 by one input operation, and is easy to operate, The suction form which utilizes each air path is used. It becomes possible to switch easily and convenience can be improved.

  Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the switching valve 72 blocks the flow between the air passage (the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61) and the second dust collecting container 28. Elastic pressing portions (first pressing portion 83a, second pressing portion) that generate force to press the body (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) against the valve seat (first valve seat 78a, second valve seat 78b) By providing 83b), the air path can be reliably blocked. The pressing portions (first pressing portion 83a and second pressing portion 83b) directly apply the force acting on the switching valve 72 from the flow path switching mechanism 73 to the valve bodies (first valve body 76a and second valve body 76b). It also has a function of buffering, and reduces the load generated between the valve body (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) and the eccentric shaft (first eccentric shaft 82a, second eccentric shaft). .

  Further, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment includes an outer ring (first outer ring 102a, second outer ring 102b), an inner ring (first inner ring 103a, second inner ring), and a spring (first torsion spring 106a, second torsion spring). 106b) can be provided with a simple and compact shock-absorbing mechanism in the switching valve 72 by including the pressing portions (first pressing portion 83a and second pressing portion 83b) combined with 106b).

  Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 which concerns on this embodiment makes a valve body (1st valve body 76a, 2nd valve body 76b) and a valve shaft (1st valve shaft 77a, 2nd valve shaft 77b) separate. It is possible to incorporate the valve shaft from outside the air passage with the valve element placed in the air passage, and to limit the amount of air leakage as much as possible by suppressing the leak path only to the shaft support portion of the valve shaft. .

  By the way, when an integrated valve body is applied across a plurality of air passages, a space for connecting the air passages and arranging the valve body or the valve shaft is required. This space can be a leak path for circulating air between the two air paths. Therefore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment places an extra leak path from the wall defining the air passage by placing the first valve body 76a and the second valve body 76b that are separately independent in the air passage. Remove and reduce the risk of air leakage.

  Moreover, the vacuum cleaner 1 which concerns on this embodiment WHEREIN: The 1st valve body 76a accommodates in the state which has permitted distribution | circulation with the dust transfer pipe | tube 22 (1st suction air path) and the 2nd dust collecting container 28. By providing the concave portion 79a and the second concave portion 79b in which the second valve body 76b is accommodated in a state in which the circulation between the suction air passage 61 (second suction air passage) and the second dust collecting container 28 is permitted, The 1st valve body 76a and the 2nd valve body 76b can be arrange | positioned upstream with respect to each valve seat. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 arranges the first valve body 76a and the second valve body 76b on the upstream side with respect to the respective valve seats, thereby pressing the valve bodies against the valve seats by suction negative pressure, and consequently the switching valve 72. Can reduce the risk of leakage.

  Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment has the valve body (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) around the valve shaft (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b) as an air passage. The valve body can be pressed against the valve seats (first valve seat 78a, second valve seat 78b) by suction negative pressure acting on the air passage by opening so as to fall toward the upstream side. Can reduce the risk of leakage.

  Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment includes through holes (a first through hole 81a and a second through hole 81b) that are outside the seat surface of the valve body and penetrate the front and back in the vicinity of the valve shaft. Thus, the dust that has entered between the valve body and the inner wall surface of the air passage can be discharged from the through hole, and the normal opening / closing operation of the switching valve 72 can be maintained.

  Therefore, according to the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment, by utilizing the station unit 5 installed in the living room, autonomous cleaning by the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 and other than the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 can be performed. After a quick local cleaning using means such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaner, the collected dust can be easily disposed of.

  Further, according to the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment, the function of emptying the dust in the vacuum cleaner by moving the dust collected by the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5 and storing it, Easy function of storing dust collected in the station unit 5 after the local cleaning is quickly performed by means other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  The vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment uses a non-autonomous vacuum cleaning unit (not shown) instead of the autonomous vacuum cleaning unit 2, such as a canister type, an upright type, a stick type, or a handy type. A combination of an electric cleaning unit that is directly used by a person to collect dust and the station unit 5 may be used. The non-autonomous type electric cleaning unit may be a cordless type that operates with a built-in power source such as a battery, or may include a power cord that guides power from a commercial AC power source. In this case, the dust transfer tube 22 functions as a relay air passage that detachably connects the non-autonomous cleaning unit and the second dust collecting container 28. In other words, in the vacuum cleaner 1, when the autonomous and non-autonomous vacuum cleaning units are attached to the station unit 5, the first dust collecting container 12 of the vacuum cleaning unit is connected to the dust transfer pipe 22, and the first dust collecting container Thus, the dust collected in the position 12 can be transferred to the second dust collecting container 28 of the station unit 5.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric vacuum cleaner, 2 ... Autonomous type electric cleaning unit, 3 ... Charging electrode 5, 5A ... Station unit, 11 ... First main body case, 11a ... Bottom surface, 12 ... First dust collecting container, 13 ... First electric motor Blower, 15 ... moving part, 16 ... driving part, 17 ... robot control part, 18 ... secondary battery, 19 ... pedestal, 21 ... dust collecting part, 22 ... dust transfer pipe, 23 ... lever, 25 ... power cord, 26 2nd suction port, 27 ... 2nd main body case, 27a ... Wall surface, 27b ... Button hole, 28 ... 2nd dust container, 29 ... 2nd electric blower, 31 ... Center brush, 32 ... Drive part for center brush, 33 ... Side brush, 35 ... Side brush drive unit, 36 ... First suction port, 37 ... Dust container port, 38 ... Container body, 39 ... Connection unit, 41 ... Disposal port, 42 ... Disposal lid, 45 ... Drive wheel 46 ... turning wheel, 47 ... charging terminal 48 ... Brush base part 49 ... Linear cleaning body 51 ... High floor part 52 ... Low floor part 53 ... Running surface 56 ... Depressed part 57 ... Home return detection detection part 58 ... First sensor part 59 ... Second sensor section 61 ... Suction air passage 62 62 Downstream air passage pipe 63 Air passage switching mechanism 64 Fitting pipe 65 Hook 66 Suction chamber 66a Inflow end 66b Outflow side End part, 67 ... Upright air duct, 67a ... Lower end part, 67b ... Upper end part, 68 ... Centrifugal part, 68a ... First centrifugal part, 68b ... Second centrifugal part, 71 ... Slider, 72, 72A ... switching valve, 73 ... flow path switching mechanism, 75a ... first switching valve, 75b ... second switching valve, 76a, 76Aa ... first valve body, 76b, 76Ab ... second valve body, 77a ... first valve shaft, 77b ... second valve shaft, 78a ... first valve seat, 78b ... second valve seat, 79a ... first recess, 79b ... first Recess, 81a ... first through hole, 81b ... second through hole, 82a ... first eccentric shaft, 82b ... second eccentric shaft, 83a ... first pressing portion, 83b ... second pressing portion, 85 ... push button, 86 ... Power part, 87 ... Clutch mechanism part, 88a ... First guide hole, 88b ... Second guide hole, 89 ... Scotch yoke mechanism part, 91 ... Slit, 92 ... Rib, 93 ... Elongated hole, 95 ... Boss, 96 ... Coil spring, 97 ... holder, 99 ... marking part, 101 ... switching detection part, 102a ... first outer ring, 102b ... second outer ring, 103a ... first inner ring, 103b ... second inner ring, 105a ... arm, 105b ... arm, 106a ... first torsion spring, 106b ... second torsion spring, 108 ... air passage blockage restricting part, 109 ... first convex part, 111 ... second convex part, 121 ... valve stem.

Claims (7)

An autonomous cleaning unit that collects dust on the surface to be cleaned;
A station unit to which the electric cleaning unit can be attached,
The station unit is
A first suction air passage that is connected to the vacuum cleaning unit in a state in which the vacuum cleaning unit is mounted on the station unit, and sucks dust collected by the vacuum cleaning unit;
A second suction air path for sucking in other dust different from the dust collected by the electric cleaning unit;
A dust collecting container that is fluidly connected to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage, and accumulates dust flowing from the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage;
An electric blower that applies a negative pressure to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage through the dust collecting container;
A first valve body capable of permitting or blocking the flow between the first suction air passage and the dust collecting container, a first valve shaft supporting the first valve body, and provided eccentric to the first valve shaft. A first switching valve having a first eccentric shaft;
A second valve body capable of permitting or blocking the flow between the second suction air passage and the dust collecting container, a second valve shaft supporting the second valve body, and provided eccentric to the second valve shaft. A second switching valve having a second eccentric shaft;
One input operation opens one of the first switching valve and the second switching valve, closes the other, and connects either the first suction air passage or the second suction air passage to the dust collecting container. And a distribution path switching mechanism for switching the air path so as to block the other distribution,
The first switching valve generates a force that presses the first valve body against the first valve seat in a state where the first valve body blocks the flow between the first suction air passage and the dust collecting container. Having an elastic first pressing part,
The second switching valve generates a force for pressing the second valve body against the second valve seat in a state where the second valve body blocks the flow between the second suction air passage and the dust collecting container. An electric vacuum cleaner having an elastic second pressing portion. The first pressing part is
A first outer ring that is fixed to one of the first valve body and the first eccentric shaft, and has a partially cut arc shape;
Fixed to either the first valve body or the first eccentric shaft, disposed in the first outer ring, and a partially cut arc-shaped first inner ring similar to the first outer ring;
A pair of arms disposed on the inner side of the first inner ring and in contact with the cutout ends of the first outer ring and the first inner ring, and twisted by a phase difference between the first outer ring and the first inner ring; A first spring for storing energy,
The second pressing portion is
A second inner ring that is fixed to either the second valve body or the second eccentric shaft, is disposed in the second outer ring, and is partially arc-shaped like the second outer ring;
Fixed to either one of the second valve body and the second eccentric shaft, and a partially cut arc-shaped second outer ring;
A pair of arms disposed inside the second inner ring and in contact with the respective cut-out ends of the second outer ring and the second inner ring, and twisted by a phase difference between the second outer ring and the second inner ring; The electric cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a second spring that stores energy. The first valve body and the first valve shaft are separate members,
The electric cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second valve body and the second valve shaft are separate members. The first valve body is disposed in the first suction air passage,
The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second valve body is disposed in the second suction air passage. A first recess that is provided in the first suction air passage and in which the first valve body is accommodated in a state in which the first suction air passage and the dust collecting container are allowed to flow;
A second recess that is provided in the second suction air passage and in which the second valve body is accommodated in a state in which the second suction air passage and the dust collecting container are allowed to flow. The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of 4. The first valve body opens so as to fall toward the upstream of the first suction air passage around the first valve shaft,
The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second valve body opens so as to fall toward an upstream side of the second suction air passage around the second valve shaft. The first valve body has a first through hole penetrating the front and back in the vicinity of the first valve shaft in the outer region of the seat surface,
The said 2nd valve body is an electric cleaning apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 6 which has the 2nd through-hole which penetrates the front and back in the outer region of a seat surface and the vicinity of the said 2nd valve axis | shaft.

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